From today (21st June 2021), Mental Health World Wellbeing Week will take place until the end of June aiming to highlight the importance of mental and physical wellbeing. Wellbeing can be interpreted differently depending on the individual however generally speaking ‘wellbeing’ is defined as a satisfactory condition of excellence or the state of being happy, healthy and content. It can be considered through objective measures such as work, income and health status or through subjective measures such as life satisfaction and happiness (Childhood Wellbeing Research Centre, 2010).
Throughout the campaign, certain topics and themes will be addressed to include the nine main drivers that contribute towards a well-balanced, harmonious life. At SAFE, we recognise the importance of promoting children’s mental health and wellbeing to ensure the relevant tools and understanding are readily available at an early age consequently creating a positive effect leading into adulthood.
A child’s wellbeing is considered multi-dimensional in the sense that it should include physical, emotional and social wellbeing. Mental health has proven to play a significant role in a child’s overall wellbeing and can be affected by environment, stress, family circumstances & abuse and neglect (NSPCC 2021). The negative impact of abuse and neglect can lead to mental health issues during both childhood and adulthood such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (NSPCC 2021).
‘Safeguarding Children’s Mental Health & Behaviour’
SAFE Associate Trainer, Emmanuelle Davison, is a leading senior clinical psychologist who offers consultancy, training and support regarding the psychological impact of childhood abuse. Emmanuelle particularly focuses on developmental trauma, post traumatic stress disorder and attachment theory. Due to Emmanuelle’s extensive knowledge on childhood abuse and developmental trauma, Emmanuelle understands the importance of good communication skills in order to respond to mental health concerns.
SAFE is delighted to appoint Emmanuelle as one of SAFE’s newest Associates whereby Emmanuelle (Manu) will be delivering the ‘Safeguarding Children’s Mental Health & Behaviour’ course on the 28th September 2021.
This One-day course is to be delivered virtually via Zoom and will provide professionals with the tools to understand and recognise child mental health problems through linking mental health with behaviour. The training will focus on prevention, identification, early support and access to specialist support as well as highlighting the responsibility of staff to promote good mental health and wellbeing.
With anyone working directly with children and young people, it is vital that staff have the relevant skillsets and understanding to practice good mental health as well as identify mental health problems that could lead to a safeguarding concern(s) such as abuse, neglect or exploitation.
References:
Wellbeing World (2021) World wellbeing week 2021 – starts TODAY! Available at: WellBeing World :: World WellBeing Week 2021 – Starts TODAY! (Accessed 21st June 2021)
NSPCC Learning (2021) Promoting mental health and wellbeing. Available at: Promoting mental health and wellbeing | NSPCC Learning (Accessed 21st June 2021)
Public Health England (2015) ‘Promoting children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing – A whole school and collage approach’, Available at: Promoting children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (Accessed 21st June 2021)
