Aylesbury High School
Health & Wellbeing
Holiday Help
| samaritans.org | 116 123 |
| mind.org.uk | 0300 123 3393 |
| teenagehelpline.org.uk | |
| childline.org.uk | 0800 1111 |
| Shout text service | Text SHOUT to: 85258 |
If you feel you are unsafe and there is no-one to help, dial 999
Meet the Team
Mrs McNally
Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead
Miss McCarthy
Wellbeing Assistant/School Counsellor
Miss Brunt
Wellbeing Assistant
Mrs Randall
First Aid Administrator
[email protected]
Health
Administration of medicines
Students with significant conditions (e.g. anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes or epilepsy) carry their own prescribed medicine at school. They are encouraged to carry spare medicine which needs to be stored in the medical room, for use in the event of an emergency.
All medicines brought into school must be in the original packaging with the dispensing label and instruction leaflet.
All other prescribed medicines such as antibiotics, must be logged with the First Aid Administrator.
When medicines need to be administered at school, parents must complete the correct form. There are separate forms for
- Parental request for students to carry medicine for students with life threatening conditions
- Parental agreement for the school to administer medicine
Forms should be resubmitted with every new medicine and must be re-sent to the First Aid Administrator at the beginning of each school year.
Students are not permitted to carry non-prescribed medicines, such as Paracetamol, Migraleve, Ibuprofen and Antihistamine. These may be stored with matron for a medically diagnosed condition, when accompanied by a parental agreement for school to administer medicine,
Individual Healthcare Plans must be completed by parents of any students that have a medical condition,
Emergency Inhalers
The First Aid Administrator holds an emergency Salamol inhaler that may be used when prior written parental permission has been given.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol may occasionally be provided for students who need pain relief to enable them to stay in school.
Vaccinations
The School Nursing Service uses Aylesbury High School as a location for providing vaccinations.
Currently these are:
- Yr 8: HPV – 2 injections (6 months apart)
- Yr 10: DTP booster – the last of a series that began in childhood
- Year 11 will be offered the new MEN ACWY vaccination
- Flu vaccination will be offered for Yr7-Yr 11 students
Parental consent is required for all students under 16 years. The consent form will be emailed to you via the school nursing services.
Catch-up Clinics maybe run by the School Nursing Service for anyone who misses a vaccination – please ask the First Aid Administrator for details.
Forms for Parents
Parental Agreement for the school to administer medicine:
Please complete this form if you would like us to hold your daughter’s prescribed medication in the medical office and administer or assist her with this medication.
The medication should be brought to school in its original packaging and with the original advice notification.
Note: This form replaces the administration of medicines request form.
Parental request for a student to carry medicine for significant conditions:
This form should be completed for all medicines that need to be carried by students.
Individual Healthcare Form:
This form needs completing for all students with long term health conditions, which require possible intervention during the school day and assists school in ensuring the student receives appropriate healthcare required.
Parents should fill in the appropriate parts of the form so a meeting can be arranged to discuss a care plan.
Health & Wellbeing
At Aylesbury High School, your health and wellbeing matter just as much as your learning. Everyone has times when things feel difficult, overwhelming, or confusing – and you never have to face those feelings alone.
Remember
It’s okay to:
- Ask for help
- Not have everything figured out
- Talk about how you’re feeling
If you are worried about your wellbeing or mental health, please speak to/ email the Wellbeing team, Medical team, Safeguarding Team, your Form Tutor, your Head of Year or another member of staff you feel comfortable talking to. You can also report a concern about another student using the Report a concern form. Staff will work together to find the best form of support for your needs.
There is always someone ready to listen.
Here are some useful further resources:
School Nursing
School nursing - Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust - CYP Website
Chat Health
The Chat Health messaging service empowers young people to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including emotional health, sexual health, relationships, alcohol, drugs and bullying.
https://chathealth.nhs.uk/
Text Number: 07312 263295 (available Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, excluding bank holidays; replies are received within 24 working hours).
Messages can be sent anonymously (if preferred). Trained healthcare professionals will reply to the message within 24 working hours – Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) 9am to 4pm.
It’s important to note that Chat Health is not an emergency service. Anyone requiring urgent help should call NHS 111 or 999 if it’s a life threatening an emergency.
Health for Teens
Advice and information on feelings, growing up, health, lifestyle, relationships and sexual health.
https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/
NHS Livewell
Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing. Includes eating, healthy weight, exercise, sleep and tiredness, sexual health, alcohol support and quitting smoking.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/
Sexual Health
Buckinghamshire
Hertfordshire
Oxfordshire
Bedfordshire
Milton Keynes
Wellbeing Resources
This page is here to help you find support, guidance and trusted services during term time and over the school holidays.
Looking After Your Wellbeing
Taking care of your emotional and mental health is a vital part of growing up.
Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, low, worried, or simply in need of someone to talk to, there is help available.
Here you will find support and information about:
- Emotional and mental wellbeing
- Self-care advice for young people
- Sleep
- Anxiety and panic
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating difficulties and disordered eating
- Self-Harming & Suicidal Thoughts
- Drug and alcohol advice
- LGBTQ+ Community
- Bereavement and loss
- Domestic abuse/Sexual Harassment/Violence
- Support for Young Carers
- CAMHS and specialist services
We hope you find the resources on this page helpful. Remember that Mrs McNally, Miss Brunt and Miss McCarthy are in Wellbeing to help you too.
Holiday & Out-of-School Support
If school is closed or you need someone to talk to outside school hours, the following organisations are confidential, free and there for you:
Guidance on emotional and mental wellbeing:
https://familyinfo.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/youth/
https://www.youthvoicebucks.co.uk
Seeds of Change — Lindengate Charity
Herts: https://www.servicesforyoungpeople.org/
Milton Keynes: https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/young-people/
Oxfordshire: https://oxfordshireyouth.org/
Bedfordshire: Youth Support Service
The Sandbox
Online mental health support for children and young people.
Sandbox Mindler
ThinkNinja – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
ThinkNinja is a mental health app designed for 10 to 18 year olds. Using a variety of content and tools, it allows young people to learn about mental health and emotional wellbeing, and develop skills they can use to build resilience and stay well.
Clear Fear App
The fear of threat, or anxiety, is like a strong gust of wind. It drags you in and makes you want to fight it or turn away.
Instead, face your fear with the free Clear Fear App and learn to reduce the physical responses to threat as well as changing thoughts and behaviours and releasing emotions.
Clear Fear
Mood Move App
Move Mood is an app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, and uses the evidence-based treatment Behavioural Activation Therapy to help you improve your mood by encouraging you to increase your motivation to carry out a variety of tasks in order to help you to move forward, take control and feel positive.
Move Mood App
Combined Minds App
Combined Minds is an app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr. Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, to help families and friends support young people with their mental health.
https://combinedminds.stem4.org.uk/
Youngminds
Advice, help and support for young people suffering from mental ill health and their parents.
Young Minds
Young Minds Crisis Messenger for those in mental health crisis and a parents helpline. The Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free, confidential, 24/7 text support across the UK for young people experiencing a mental health crisis. Text YM to 85258 (or text SHOUT)
Anna Freud
On My Mind aims to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing. Includes a youth wellbeing directory of local support services.
Children and Young People’s Wellbeing Resources | Anna Freud
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Information for young people, parents and carers about young people’s mental health. Their aim is to provide information which enables people to make informed decisions about their health. Covers a wide range of areas of mental health, from Bipolar disorder to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to panic attacks, OCD request and who CAMHS are.
Information for children and young people
Childline
Information, advice and support on a variety of topics from bullying, abuse and feelings to relationships, friendships and sex.
Childline
0800 1111
NSPCC
Help and advice on abuse, neglect and keeping children safe, including sexting, self-harm, mental health and suicidal thoughts.
NSPCC
Self care advice for young people:
On My MInd – mental health support for young people from Anna Freud
This website provides CBT self help and therapy resources, including worksheets and information sheets and self help mp3s:
Sleep
The National Sleep Helpline
Who do I talk to if I can’t sleep? The National Sleep Helpline can help with your sleep problems.
If you’d like to talk to us about your sleep, you can call us between 7pm and 9pm, Sunday to Thursday on 03303 530 541.
National Sleep Helpline – The Sleep Charity https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/national-sleep-helpline/
https://teensleephub.org.uk/
Exam stress
Pressure to do well in exams can be overwhelming and affect your mental health. Here’s some advice from Young Minds if it’s all getting a bit too much.
https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/coping-with-life/exam-stress/
Anxiety and Panic:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
A quick guide to OCD in young people | Resources
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Oxford Health CAMHS
OCD UK - Bucks Mind
OCD UK
Eating difficulties and disordered eating:
BEAT
SEED – Support and Empathy for people with Eating Disorders
Self-Harming & Suicidal Thoughts:
Calm Harm App
The urge to self-harm is like a wave. It feels the most powerful when you start wanting to do it.
Learn to ride the wave with the free Calm Harm app by choosing activities from these categories:
Comfort, Distract, Express Yourself, Release, and Random.
www.calmharm.co.uk
NHS Mental Health support at any time of the day or night
Freephone: 0800 6444 101
They are available 24/7 for students who:
- Are experiencing a mental health crisis
- Need some mental health support
Where to get urgent help for mental health
In the case of serious illness or injury, dial 999 for emergency services.
Harmless
Harmless provides support and information to people who self-harm, their friends, family and professionals.
harmless.org.uk
Samaritans
08457 909090
Call free day or night on 116 123 or https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
Young Minds Crisis Messenger
Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK for young people experiencing a mental health crisis.
Text YM to 85258 for urgent help.
giveusashout.org
Advice on disordered eating:
SEED – Support and Empathy for people with Eating Disorders
Drug and alcohol advice:
‘You are not on your own’ is a booklet aimed at 10-14 year olds affected by a parent or carer who drinks too much. It is designed to help children and young people have frank discussions with professionals or trusted adults about a parent’s drinking and is intended to address ways to keep them safe from harm.
You are not on your own PDF
Switch – Aylesbury drop in Tue/Fri 3-6pm
Alcohol Education Trust
Parental advice for teaching young people about alcohol and the law. Includes topics such as parties, festivals and holidays away with friends.
Talk About Trust
LGBTQ+ Community:
Anna Freud guide on protecting your mental health
Switchboard 0300 300 3630
National LGBTQ+ rights charity
Bereavement and Loss:
CRUSE Helpline:
You can call on 0808 808 1677. The helpline is run by trained bereavement volunteers who are able to offer emotional support to anyone affected by grief. The helpline is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am – 5pm and Tuesday 1pm – 8pm.
www.cruse.org.uk
For young people – The Good Grief Trust
Dealing with grief and loss | Mental health advice | Young Minds
Talk Grief:
Get instant access to expert bereavement support via phone, live chat, email or text/WhatsApp from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). No appointment needed or long wait times. www.talkgrief.org/grief-support
Samaritans:
Samaritans is a 24/7, 365 days a year service offering a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you.
https://www.samaritans.org/
Helpline: 116 123
Grief Encounter
Being bereaved at this age is difficult to say the least. We will be there for you when you feel you would like our support. Here are some of the ways in which we can support you through these overwhelming and challenging times:
Grief Encounter
One to one counselling
Group counselling
Therapeutic Workshops
Fun Days Out
Residential
FREE Resources (Workbooks, Grief kits)
Help is at Hand
Support after someone has died by suicide
Help is at Hand PDF
Hope Again
A website offering support, advice and information for young people who have been bereaved.
https://www.hopeagain.org.uk/
Sudden Bereavement
A website and helpline offering support for those who have been bereaved suddenly, or when someone has died too soon in their life.
https://www.brake.org.uk/
Helpline: 0800 2600 400 (10am – 4pm Monday – Friday)
Domestic Abuse:
R U Safe Barnardos
Rape Crisis
Rape Crisis England & Wales is the umbrella body for a network of independent Rape Crisis Centres.
We exist to improve services and promote the needs and rights of women and girls who have experienced sexual abuse, rape and all forms of sexual violence. We also work towards the elimination of sexual violence and abuse, raising awareness in the wider community and with government.
We currently have 39 member Rape Crisis Centres.
Rape Crisis Centres provide frontline specialist, independent and confidential services for women and girls of all ages who’ve experienced any form of sexual violence, at any time in their lives. This includes counselling and support.
https://rapecrisis.org.uk
NHS Help After Rape and Sexual Assault
Advice on options and support available after an assault or rape.
Help after rape and sexual assault - NHS
Sexual Harassment/Violence:
Safe Support
Information for Young Carers:
Supporting Young Carers at AHS
At AHS, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing, development, and academic success of all our students. We recognise that some pupils have caring responsibilities at home that can impact their daily lives, learning, and emotional health. We aim to ensure that every young carer in our school community is identified early, feels understood, and receives the right support to thrive.
What is a Young Carer?
A young carer is a child or young person under 18 who helps look after or provides care for a family member or friend. The person they support may have a:
-Physical disability or long-term illness
-Mental health condition
-Learning disability or neurodivergent condition
-Addiction or substance misuse issue
Caring roles vary significantly. Responsibilities might include cooking, cleaning, or running household errands; helping someone wash, dress, or move around; administering medication; providing emotional reassurance; managing family finances; or looking after younger siblings.
Why Early Identification Matters
Young carers often carry significant responsibilities alongside their schoolwork. Without appropriate support, caring pressures can lead to:
-Difficulties with attendance, punctuality, or managing homework deadlines
-Higher levels of stress, tiredness, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed
-Feeling isolated or believing that school staff do not fully understand their circumstances
-Early identification allows us to put flexible adjustments in place before pressures affect a student’s wellbeing, progress, or educational outcomes.
Spotting the Signs of a "Hidden" Young Carer
Many young people do not recognise themselves as young carers because helping out feels normal within their family life. Others may feel hesitant or anxious about sharing their situation due to stigma.
Indicators that a student may be managing caring responsibilities include:
-Frequent lateness, absence, or needing to leave school promptly
-Persistent tiredness, low mood, or difficulty concentrating in class
-Struggling to complete homework or study outside of school hours
-Appearing uncharacteristically anxious, withdrawn, or finding it hard to maintain friendships -Exhibiting high levels of maturity or responsibility for their age
Our Whole-School Approach
We adopt a compassionate, whole-school approach to support our young carers:
-We have a designated Senior Mental Health Lead (SMHL) / member of the Safeguarding Team responsible for overseeing young carers provision.
-We offer practical in-school adjustments, including flexible homework arrangements, check-ins with trusted adults, quiet spaces for regulation, and understanding around deadlines.
-We regularly invite students and parents to share information via our confidential intake forms, enabling us to issue Young Carers ID cards and link families with external services where appropriate.
How to Get in Touch
If your child has caring responsibilities at home—or if you would like to discuss support options in confidence — please contact our Young Carers Lead:
Mrs McNally SMHL / Safeguarding Team
01296 388222
Useful Resources & External Support
We work closely with local and national organisations to offer dedicated guidance, advice, and social opportunities for young carers:
Mobilise / Bucks All-Age Carers Service – Buckinghamshire Council commissioned service providing targeted guidance, online communities, and support for unpaid carers. https://www.mobiliseonline.co.uk/
Sidekick (by Action for Children) – A confidential text-based support service giving young people a safe space to ask questions and get advice. https://sidekick.actionforchildren.org.uk/advice-for-young-carers/
Carers Trust – National charity offering guidance, resources, and support pathways for young carers in education. https://carers.org/
YoungMinds – Dedicated mental health support, advice, and advocacy for young carers managing their mental health. https://www.youngminds.org.uk/
Barnardo's Young Carers Service – Practical support, emotional help, and group activities to help young carers thrive. https://www.barnardos.org.uk/get-support/young-carers
Young Carers MK https://carersmiltonkeynes.org/information-for-carers/young-carers/
Be Free Young Carers, Oxfordshire https://befreeyc.org.uk/
Young Carers Service Hertfordshire https://www.carersinherts.org.uk/young-carers/
Young Carers Service Bedfordshire:
https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/young-carers
https://youngcarersbedford.com/
CAMHS and Specialist Services:
Milton Keynes CAMHS :: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS)
CAMHS (South Bedfordshire and Luton) | East London NHS Foundation Trust
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS - North) | Central Bedfordshire SEND Local Offer
Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors are a group of Year 13s who are friendly, trained students who help create a positive, supportive school environment. They can support students with any low level issues they may have. They welcome new students, promote kindness and inclusion, support wellbeing events and activities and act as role models for the school community. They are here to offer guidance concerning a range of possible problems, be it school work, friendship difficulties or regarding a situation at home. Students can arrange to meet Ambassadors via the Wellbeing Team.
The Student Ambassadors work closely with the Subject Ambassadors and often arrange for a student to see a student if they are struggling with a particular subject. Student Ambassadors also support lunchtime groups such as FACT (SEND), Spectrum (LGBTQ+), and Young Carers.
If you’d like to become a Student Ambassador, speak to your form tutor or Head of Year.
Year 7 Buddies
Starting secondary school can feel like a big step — and our Year 7 Buddies are here to help.
Buddies are older students who:
- Help Year 7 students settle in
- Answer questions
- Offer reassurance and friendship
- Help new students feel safe and supported
No one has to find their way alone.
Students meet their Buddies on transition day. The Buddies take groups on a tour around the school, and answer any questions students may have about life at AHS.
From September the Buddies visit Year 7 forms once a week offering support and advice.
They also run a Buddy Club Week A Tuesday lunchtime. For further information please speak to one of your Buddies.
“Year 7 buddies are a support and help system for Year 7s. Before Year 6s start at AHS, we meet them, get to know them and help them get ready for the years ahead of them. One of the ways we do this is by going into form groups and doing sessions to help the Year 7s with something they struggle with or need guidance in. For example, we recently did the topic of public speaking, which many of them said beforehand they needed help with. We know that as you come to a new school, making friends is one of the hardest things Year 7s have to do, as they are very rarely in the same form group as children from their primary school. We give a great deal of advice to making friends, and because it is such a big topic we split it down into sections that are easier to deal with, such as starting conversations, being confident about going and speaking to someone and many more. Additionally, we give individual advice to people who are slightly struggling even after a session, or with a more personal thing, such as an ill family member at home or a lack of personal confidence. We can reassure, chat and aid Year 7s who need someone to talk to, because we were Year 7s once too! However, it’s not always hard work. The sessions are fun and hands on and we play a few games throughout the year to break things up. 7A’s favourites seem to be Splat, Just A Minute and ‘Rock Paper Chicken’!”
- Ascott House Buddy.
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