Winter 2024 Newsletter
Welcome to this first Headspace Newsletter
This is where you will find information about the new Headspace website, the latest updates on the free counselling and wellbeing services available to young people aged 11-19yrs in the North Cotswolds and some helpful resources for parents/carers.
Headspace achieved charity status in 2020 and since then continues to grow and develop to help young people and their families within our local community, working alongside Schools and other mental health and wellbeing services.
Headspace Christmas e-Cards
Thanks to Cotswold Image Services for providing us with a range of stunning images which you can send to family and friends as an e-card.
It’s simple to do, helps save the planet and helps us in the process - Click Here to view the full range
We’re Fundraising - Can you help?
We are looking to fund some waterproof coats and wellington boots for Headspace to keep our students dry and warm!
This class offers a blend of experiential learning and outdoor activities aimed at promoting self-confidence, teamwork, resilience and problem-solving skills among young people. Engaging in activities such as fire lighting, den building and toasting marshmallows not only fosters a sense of adventure and fun but also provides valuable opportunities for personal growth and development.
Wellbeing Programme
The Wellbeing Programme started again after the Summer break with 4 morning sessions which include Bushcraft, crafts, cooking, gardening and wellbeing skills. We are extremely grateful to GWT who have hosted the Bushcraft sessions at Greystones in Bourton.
All groups have seen students who might be struggling with anxiety low self esteem or anger issues learn strategies to help them cope with their feelings, have the opportunity to develop resilience and self-confidence often whilst doing activities that have pushed them a little beyond their usual comfort zone at the same time as building trusted relationships with the Headspace team.
Counselling
Headspace offers a counselling service which is a confidential, safe space to discuss worries and concerns with a trained professional counsellor, either in our designated room at Headspace or within The Cotswold school.
This term we have provided counselling to students who are facing challenges with the pressure of school, friendship issues, family break ups, exams, bereavement, body image, low self esteem, domestic abuse, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders and young people with diagnosed or undiagnosed special educational needs such as Autism, ADHD that impacts their mental health and wellbeing.
Information Evening
We held our 3rd Information Evening in November which was aimed at supporting parents who had concerns about the learning and/or mental health needs of their child/young person. Research has shown that a child with SEN is six times more likely to develop a mental health issue so early help is key in preventing some of these problems.
Parents had the opportunity to speak to specialists in Dyslexia, Sensory Processing, Mental Health and Wellbeing, learning delay, the Graduated Pathway (which includes Myplan, Myplan+ and EHCP’s).
If you missed it, keep an eye out for the next one in Spring 2025!
Headspace Website
We have been working hard behind the scenes to update the Headspace website.
Here you’ll find more information about the counselling and Wellbeing Programme, how the charity began and some helpful resource pages for both parents/carer and young people.
Our gallery contains some lovely photos to show what takes place during the wellbeing sessions and some pictures of Headspace and the counselling rooms.
www.myheadspace.org.uk
Useful Information
--The next SENDIASS clinic takes place at Headspace 10/12/2024. To book an appointment, please contact Gemma by leaving a message 01452 427566
The conversation can cover any issue linked to SEN for all children and young people from 0-25 years. You may want to discuss current school support for your child, how school can support with mental health issues or diagnosis, attendance problems or Myplans/EHCP process.
--ADHD support hubs - https://www.adhdhubglos.org/about-5
--Glos Parent Carer Forum - https://glosparentcarerforum.org.uk/
Neurodiversity
--Neurodiversi-Tea Natters (Facebook)
A group for people in the local area who have a child with SEN who want to meet and chat with other like minded people. We have a coffee morning every six weeks
--Gloucestershire Youth Neurodiversity Project - free webinars, access to resources, wellbeing opportunities to remove stigma and misconceptions regarding Neurodiversity.
www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/gloucestershire-neurodiversity-youthproject/