CPA Wellbeing Leadership and Support

Well-Being Lead & Senior Lead for Mental Health

Miss Mitchell is the Well-Being Lead & Senior Lead for Mental Health at Cranford Park Academy.  She has undertaken various training courses with a focus on mental health of both children and adults.  She has taken part in trauma informed practices training and understands the importance of the holistic approach when working with families within the school.  

We at Cranford Park Academy believe in a whole school approach to mental health and well-being.  We aim for the profile of well-being and mental health to be raised across the school.   At Cranford Park Academy we believe every member of our community should have three fundamental rights - to learn, to be safe and to be respected.   We strive to work to achieve our three rights through promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, not just for pupils, but the staff and wider school community, too.

Mental Health First Aiders

We have three members of staff trained as Mental Health First aiders; Miss Mitchell (Deputy Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead), Margaret O’Donovan (School Family Support Worker)  & Ms Couthino (Counsellor)

In general, the role of a Mental Health First Aider is to be a point of contact for a child or adult who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help.    A MHFA possesses the skills of being a good listener and having empathy for others as well as being open minded and non-judgemental.  Our MHFAs know how to recognise the first warning signs of mental ill health and feel confident to guide our children and staff to appropriate support when they need it.