At Selston High School, safeguarding is at the heart of our School. That’s why we have developed our safeguarding campaign to ensure our students feel safe and supported at school. Every term we focus on a specific safeguarding theme tailored to the needs of our students.

This term’s focus is ‘Concerned About Mental Health? – Be an Upstander.’ This theme encourages students to engage with important discussions around social, emotional and mental health with a strong emphasis on resilience.

Being an Upstander in mental health means recognising when someone may be struggling, offering support and helping to create an environment where mental health is discussed without stigma. It’s about fostering a culture of caring, understanding and action. This could mean checking in on a friend, seeking help from a trusted adult or challenging harmful behaviour.

This term’s focus is particularly relevant as students navigate:

  • Understanding social, emotional and mental health: Encouraging awareness of different aspects of mental wellbeing and how they impact daily life.
  • Promoting resilience in our daily lives: Developing coping strategies to manage stress, challenges and setbacks.
  • Managing disappointments and setbacks: Learning healthy ways to handle failure and uncertainty.
  • Challenging discrimination around mental health: Addressing misconceptions and reducing stigma to create an inclusive and supportive community.
  • Exploring why people use social media: Understanding both the positive and negative impacts of social media on mental well-being.
  • Spotting the signs of mental health challenges and exploring strategies and support: Empowering students to recognise when they or others need help and where to seek appropriate support.

Throughout the term assemblies, Tutor Time and Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons will explore these topics in depth. Students will be equipped with practical strategies to build resilience, manage their mental wellbeing and support their peers effectively.

Safeguarding is a collective effort and by empowering students to be Upstanders, we’re building a stronger, more supportive School community.