FROM THE NEWS DESSC | ARTICLE
RECOVERING TOGETHER WITH OUR DESSC STUDENT ADVISORS Olivia Tom | Student Advisor, DESS
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he Green Paper, “Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Provision” (UK Department of Health & Department for Education, 2017) outlined the pivotal role of schools and colleges in tackling the growing tide of support needed for the social-emotional wellbeing of our students. Add in the small ingredient of a pandemic, and our schools and the sense of community they provide have become a lifeline to so many families. The last eighteen months have not been an easy ride. Our stories and experiences are all unique with different interpretations and perspectives; this can create division but can emphasise the importance of our community and belonging, pulling together when times are hard and uncertain. We have socially distanced, embraced the online world, and covered our faces, blocking 80% of our non-verbal communication and social cues. This in turn has created isolation and anxiety towards our strongest primal need; to connect and feel safe. Yet, somehow, we have found a commonality in this crisis. Whilst the world pushes us apart, we have understood that it is better together. At DESSC, we understand that we are in this together, and we will recover together. Research suggests that more than
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FROM THE NEWS DESSC
half of all mental health conditions in adulthood are diagnosed before the age of 14 and that early intervention is key to effective support. At DESSC, we are not reacting to the pressures of young people and patching over problems but instead creating a holistic, ‘whole school’ proactive approach to the attitude of mental health. We understand that emotions are much like data, informing us about our feelings and we encourage curiosity to explore ways to express, manage and find support for our ‘big’ feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. We understand that the pressures students face from FS1 all the way up to Year 13 are evolving, complex and increasing due to many factors, including the impact of COVID-19, social media, and the increased use of technology. However, the consequence in the current circumstances has meant their
exposure to some of life’s burdens has become even more pronounced. At DESCC we listen without judgement but with compassion and empathy to support students through their journey, working holistically to find provision with the best interests of the student in mind. Our role sits with the Wellbeing Team, supporting the DESSC culture of ‘being well’. We actively promote conversation where no problem is too big or small. This may be a conversation to calm and ease worry; a time to regulate and provide a safe space, whether it be from forgetting to feed the hamster, a trouble or upset amongst friends or managing adjustment to a big change in a young person’s life; all the way through to mental health, exam preparation and stress, getting ready for university
