Mental Health & Wellbeing

We are committed to supporting the mental health of our students and staff.

We employ a full time counsellor, Mrs Anna Rayson who can be contacted via email a.rayson@ndacademy.co.uk 

North Durham Academy School Counsellor – Mrs Rayson works with any students who may have been identified by parents, staff, or students themselves requiring support around their emotional wellbeing.  This could be around anxiety, anger, bereavement, exam pressures, and any other presenting issues that they may need help with.   After working with our School Counsellor, if necessary, a student may be referred onto the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team (CAMHS).

North Durham Academy has a team of staff who are available to support students with their mental health and wellbeing in school. This includes Year Managers, Tutors, Head of Student Support and the School Counsellor. Students can speak to their identified Year Managers around any concerns they may have or request for support and then a plan will be actioned. This could be in the form of Year Manager Intervention, a referral into the school counsellor or a referral to an external support network if necessary.

External Support Networks

The mental health and wellbeing of our students at NDA, is a priority to all of us. Early identification and intervention are at the forefront of our pastoral care and underpin our vision of ‘Student’s First’.

We are fortunate here at North Durham Academy to have the support from external agencies including the local Youth Practitioner Service and the Emotional Health and Resilience team.

Youth Practitioner Service – works with young people aged between 11 – 19 offering low level early intervention support with a strong focus on developing the personal, social, emotional and mental health and wellbeing of young people in Durham.  Our Youth Practitioner can work with individuals and complete one to one work or they can work with small groups. 

Emotional Health and Resilience Team - can support when a child or young person first shows signs or asks for help with their emotional health or managing emotions.  Again, this can be one to one or group work.  They also have a duty line for advice or guidance or to discuss a referral. They are open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm. Call them on 03000 263 532 or download the Growing healthy App with further information.

Family Action: The Bridge Young Carers – can support young carers and their families – Contact number – 0191 383 2520

Getting Advice and support

Although school can signpost for further support parents and carers are also able to self-refer.  Below are some of the agencies that can offer guidance and support for young people and their emotional wellbeing.

KOOTH – This is an online mental wellbeing community for young people which is free to access.

Emotional Health and resilience team – Can offer support when a young person first shows signs or asks for help with their emotional wellbeing.  They can be contacted on 03000263 532.

Waythrough – Can offer support for young people who are lesbian, gay, bi-sexual or transgender and young people who have queries or issues around their identity. Email - info@waythrough.org.uk.

YoungMinds - Is a website offering support to young people and their families around mental health

Family Action: The Bridge Young Carers Service - The Bridge Young Carers service can support young carers and their families - Contact number – 0191 383 2520

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Team - Sometimes you might be really worried about a child that you care about and have tried all of the other advice and support but would like to speak to someone about getting extra help and support.   Talk to your GP or call NHS 111 (Option 2)