Mental Health & Wellbeing

Mental Health & Wellbeing 

Looking after our wellbeing

At Rainford High, we believe in promoting positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. Prioritising the wellbeing of students and staff means outstanding teaching and learning can take place, and that our school is a community where everyone feels able to thrive.

Everyone has times when things feel difficult. This page brings together trusted organisations, apps and guides that can help. Start with the section that fits what you are going through, and remember that you never have to cope on your own: talking to a trusted adult at school is always a good first step.

Need help right now?

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need to talk to someone urgently, these services are free and available whenever you need them.

  • Childline – call 0800 1111 or chat online at childline.org.uk. Free, private and confidential for anyone up to the age of 19.
  • NHS 111 – call 111 and choose the mental health option for urgent mental health support.
  • In school – speak to your form tutor, Head of Year or any member of staff. You can also contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr J Kenyon.

Talk to someone

Sometimes the most helpful thing is to talk things through. These national services offer free advice, information and counselling for young people, online or by phone.

Support in St Helens

There is lots of support close to home. These local services run clubs, programmes and one-to-one support for young people in and around St Helens.

Self-help apps and workbooks

If you would like to try some strategies on your own, these free apps and workbooks can help you understand your feelings and learn ways to manage them. They work well alongside talking to someone.

  • Chill Panda – an app with breathing and relaxation activities to help you feel calmer.
  • Think Ninja – an app that teaches skills for managing worry, stress and low mood.
  • Worry Tree – an app that helps you record your worries and work out what to do about them.
  • Mersey Care digital mental health workbooks – free, downloadable workbooks on worry, self-esteem, sleep, exam stress and more. merseycare.nhs.uk/mental-health-workbooks

Help with specific worries

The sections below are grouped by topic, so you can go straight to the support that fits what you are dealing with.

Anxiety, worry and panic

Feeling anxious or worried is a normal part of life, but sometimes it can become overwhelming. These guides explain what anxiety and panic feel like and give practical steps to help you feel more in control.

Exam stress

Exams can feel like a lot of pressure. It is normal to feel nervous, and there are lots of ways to keep stress at a manageable level. These pages share tips for revising, looking after yourself and coping on the day.

Sleep

Good sleep helps you concentrate, manage your emotions and stay well. If you are struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep, these organisations offer practical advice for teenagers.

Anger

Everyone feels angry sometimes. It becomes a problem when it feels out of control or leads to hurting yourself or others. This guide explains why we get angry and how to manage it.

Friendships and bullying

Friendships can be one of the best parts of school, but they can also be complicated. If you are falling out with friends, feeling left out or being bullied, you do not have to deal with it alone. Please also tell a member of staff so we can help.

Self-harm

If you are hurting yourself, or thinking about it, please talk to someone you trust. You will be listened to and supported. These resources can help you understand self-harm and find safer ways to cope.

Health anxiety, phobias and OCD

Some worries can take over, such as constant fears about your health, a strong fear of something specific, or thoughts and urges that keep coming back. These specialist organisations explain these experiences and where to get help.

Bereavement

Losing someone close to you can bring up many different feelings, and there is no right way to grieve. This charity supports young people and families after a death.

  • Child Bereavement UK – Child Bereavement UK information, support and a helpline for bereaved young people and families.

Neurodivergent young people

These organisations support autistic young people and those with ADHD or sensory needs, along with their families, to feel understood, build friendships and grow in confidence.

  • Spectrum Gaming – Home | Spectrum Gaming helps autistic young people connect, build friendships and  grow in confidence, online and face to face.
  • ADDvanced Solutions Community Network –Home – Addvanced 2025  supports the emotional health and wellbeing of neurodivergent young people and their families.
  • The Sensory Hive – Home | The Sensory Hive sensory integration support, delivered in a neuro-affirming, trauma-sensitive way. 

LGBTQ+

Whoever you are, you deserve to feel accepted and supported. This local group offers a safe space for LGBTQ+ young people.

Vaping, alcohol and drugs

If you have questions about vaping, alcohol or drugs, or are worried about yourself or a friend, these services give honest, non-judgemental information.

For parents and carers

Family changes such as separation, divorce or ongoing conflict at home can affect the whole family. These services support parents and carers, so you can look after yourselves and help your children through difficult times. If you are worried about your child, please also contact their Head of Year.

  • OnePlusOne: free app for separating parents – support to help parents manage separation and co-parenting. oneplusone.org.uk
  • Barnardo’s Family Space: Parental conflict – Parental conflict | Barnardo’s Family Space advice on reducing conflict and its impact on children.
  • Home-Start St Helens –Getting Support | Home-Start St Helens local volunteers supporting families with young children through challenging times.
  • ADDvanced Solutions and The Sensory Hive also support families of neurodivergent young people (see above).