Support and Wellbeing
At Beacon Academy, we are dedicated to promoting positive mental health and destigmatising mental health issues. We aim to ensure that all of our students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they will need to flourish in life, learning and work, now and in the future. This supports our students to develop academically, socially and in terms of their wellbeing.
Through our whole school approach, we seek to promote positive aspects of physical, mental and social health through a variety of ways, such as Physical Education and Personal Development lessons, sports clubs, tutor time sessions, assemblies and events, Food Technology lessons, Student Ambassador and Leadership Pathway programmes.
Exceptional all-round care
Safeguarding and supporting the wellbeing of all students is paramount at Beacon Academy. This is reflected in the number of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) and Student Support staff employed at our school.
Our large team of dedicated, experienced and highly effective pastoral staff provide all students with exceptional all-round care. This includes the Learning Development Department (LD/SENDCo) who work closely with both teaching staff and Student Support to ensure a joined-up approach to supporting the academic and pastoral needs of our students with SEND.
In addition to this, we are immensely proud that a total of nine members of staff across both sites are fully trained Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA). Through MHFA training, our staff are equipped with the skills they need to support our students’ wellbeing, enabling them to notice signs of mental ill health, and empowering them to break down barriers and listen in a non-judgmental way. They are also skilled at signposting the support needed for recovery. Students are welcome to speak directly with these staff or any other staff member if they would like support or have concerns about a friend.
Your Mental Health First Aiders
Other support available at school:
- Our Wellbeing Room is used by our Counsellor and visiting Mentors and is a place where students can relax and meet privately with them.
- Access to the East Sussex School Health Service via telephone (0300 123 4062), email kentchft.esschoolhealthservice@nhs.net or their online referral form.
- A confidential text messaging service for parents and carers of children of ages 5 to 19 years and also young people aged between 11 to 19 years is available on 07507 332 473.
- Local independent charity, Clued-Up, supports students with regular, weekly one-to-one counselling sessions that are bookable directly via Clued-Up or drop-in sessions daily after school.
- Local support organisation, Listen-Hear!, are based at Beacon Academy, offering support to students in KS3 and KS4 referred by our Student Support team.
- Michelle Bowman is our health professional at the Sixth Form centre along with other staff. At Beeches site this is run by Dee Longhurst.
- Beacon Academy students and parents can register for a free account with The Wellbeing Hub, an online platform offering a wealth of information and support around a variety of topics. Click here to register as a parent/carer.
Accessing support outside of school
In addition to the resources provided below, we also recommend visiting the DfE’s Education Hub for links to mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school staff.
Useful apps and links for students and parents
i-ROCK: Support and advice for young people in East Sussex
Shout 85258: the UK's free, confidential and 24/7 mental health text service for crisis support (Text service available 24 hours)
The Wellbeing Hub from Teen Tips (Beacon Academy parents can register free of charge using the link on Edulink's noticeboard)
