Involve schools in pupil wellbeing

I hear many stories about the children we support through Place2Be's school-based mental health services but one case that sticks in my mind is Tom*. Tom hated school and would regularly try to escape. At just nine years old he was often very angry, especially if he couldn't do his schoolwork or felt he was being criticised. His teacher turned to our Place2Be school-based counsellor for help and she supported both Tom and his mum. It became clear Tom was very anxious, particularly about his mum, who had serious health problems and tried to leave school so he could check on her. Over time, and with the support of his counsellor, he learned how to control his anger and significantly reduced his anxiety. He settled down in class, and his school work improved. Now aged 17, he is a confident and engaging young man. He says the support he received and the coping skills he learned have been life-changing.