Mental Health Hub

A Levels and GCSEs require hard work, and if we don’t look after our mental health, it can impact our mental state and our ability to manage college on a day-to-day basis. There are basic steps we can all take to ensure positive mental health. The main focus should be on eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep, and talking to friends and family. That doesn’t mean we can’t let loose and enjoy ourselves; we just need to make a conscious effort to incorporate positive behaviours into our normal routine.

Eating a varied diet filled with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables ensures we provide our minds with the best nutrition to relax, stay calm, and remain focused.

Learn why eating well improves your mental health.

Exercise doesn’t necessarily mean going to the gym; some people find that incorporating regular gym sessions into their routines can significantly enhance their mental health. There are many ways to keep active, and it’s worth trying different activities to discover what you enjoy the most and can do regularly.

Sleep and rest are crucial for our mental health. Rest helps reduce anxiety, and sleep allows the body to repair and recover. Oversleeping or disturbed sleep can also indicate that we may not be okay mentally.

Training our bodies to sleep for a good length of time during the night can promote positive mental health.

For some people, it can be easy to avoid talking or interacting with others, but this can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnect, which can negatively affect mental health. It’s important to try to talk about how you feel or simply spend time with others. If you struggle to make friends or feel uncomfortable speaking to family members, consider joining a group or finding a hobby that allows you to connect with others. Speak to your coach if you’d like help connecting with others at college.

College can take a lot of your time, but it’s essential to have a hobby or interest that is entirely different from your studies. This can help you switch off and take a break from your work. There are countless hobbies and interests available, and they’re also a great way of meeting others or having something to discuss.

Popular hobbies include baking, creating art, visiting galleries, learning a new DIY skill, and participating in sports. The list is endless, so why not explore the hobbies or interests of those around you for some inspiration?

Research shows that those who demonstrate kindness to others are more likely to experience positive mental health. Simple acts, such as saying thank you to someone who has helped you or holding a door open for someone, can make a difference. On a larger scale, consider volunteering within your community, such as helping out in your college, a local care home, or shops.

Assisting others provides a sense of reward, a feeling of purpose, helps you connect with others, and ultimately fosters positive feelings.

You can refer yourself to the college counsellor using our
Self-Referral Form for Counsellor

Once the counsellor receives your referral form, they will contact you to discuss the support you need. 
The counsellor can also assist you in making referrals to external support services if necessary.

Mental Health Helpline for Urgent Help - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

24-hour advice and support

help to a mental health professional

assessment to decide on the best care
 

Mental Health Innovations (charity mental health support service)
Just text “SHOUT” to 85258 for free, then you will be connected to a volunteer for a confidential conversation by text message
 

Togetherall is a free, safe and anonymous online mental health service for those who live in Newcastle and Gateshead - togetherall.com
 

Free online support and counselling are available at qwell.io (age 18+) or www.kooth.com (18 and under)
 

You can access various mental health services through your GP. If you feel you can’t explain how you are feeling to your GP then ask your PDC or a member of the safeguarding team to help you write something to take along with you.
 

There are several NHS mental health services covering all regions, but you must be registered with a GP in your area first before you can access this support:
 

Sunderland Psychological and Wellbeing Service (SPWS)

Tel - 0191 566 5454

Web address:  sunderlandiapt.co.uk

Talking Helps Newcastle

Tel – 0191 282 6600

Email – tnu-tr.PCMH@nhs.net

Web address: http://talkinghelpsnewcastle.org

Gateshead Talking Therapies

Tel – 0191 283 2541

Email – stsft.thecroft@nhs.net

Web address - https://www.gatesheadtalkingtherapies.nhs.uk

Talking Changes (Darlington and Durham)

Tel – 0191 333 3300

Web address: www.talkingchanges.org.uk

Talking Matters Northumberland

Tel – 0300 30 30 700

Email – info@tmnorthumberland.org.uk

Web address: www.tmnorthumberland.org.uk

South Tyneside Lifecycle Primary Care Mental Health Service

Tel – 0191 404 1322

Email – stpcmhs@stft.nhs.uk

Web address: https://www.stft.nhs.uk

North Tyneside Talking Therapies

Tel – 0191 295 2775

Web address:  https://www.northumbria.nhs.uk/our-services/mental-health-services/north-tyneside-talking-therapies

Samaritans

Tel – 0191 116 123

Web address: selfhelp.samaritans.org

Keeping Mentally Healthy: Mental Health Foundation
Self-Care Ideas: Young Minds
Exam Stress Support: Mind