We recognise that the transition to Sixth Form can be a challenging one, and that sixth formers may need support with their mental health for a variety of reasons, at any point during their time with us. We are fundamentally committed to ensuring that all young people receive the support they need.
At CamSF, support for student well-being is lead by Dr Bell, with help from tutors, Mrs Lye and the school counselling team. Looking for appropriate support when it is needed is considered to be an essential skill at sixth form and beyond and we encourage students to contact their tutor or Dr Bell (atbell@cambournevc.org) to discuss what support best fits your needs. A referral to the most appropriate support can then be made if necessary.
Within the sixth form, Ms Rose holds overall responsibility for safeguarding and can be contacted by email frose@cambournevc.org. More detailed safeguarding information, including support with domestic violence, radicalisation and knife crime, can be found in the ‘Information’ pages of our website.
Keep Your Head is a useful website for students in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who may be concerned about their own or others' mental health.
Kooth offers free confidential online counselling for students
Chat Health is a secure and confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11-19 across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who are struggling to cope with issues such as bullying, emotional health, relationship problems, alcohol and drugs. The number to text is 07480 635 443
CASUS is the Cambridgeshire Child and Adolescent Substance Use Service, provided by the NHS Foundation Trust. CASUS provides information, support and specialist treatment in Cambridgeshire, around drug and alcohol use, to young people under 18 and their families. The website contains information on their services, including how to refer yourself, or somebody else, and lots of information and advice around drugs, alcohol, and mental wellbeing.
Think U Know has useful guidance for parents/carers and young people on online safety. The school also runs e-safety events throughout the year to support young people.
The Equality and Diversity lead at Cambourne Village College has also suggested that these resources are useful for young people and their families:
LGBTQ+ support:
The Kite Trust: local information on support for LGBTQ+ young people and their families
Mermaids: National information on support for trans-gendered students and their families
Ethnicity support:
Racism & Mental Health, Youngminds: Young minds has a range of resources to support Ethnicity students as well as other sections focused on mental health and wellbeing.
Neurodiversity support:
Autism & mental health, Youngminds: there is also information and support focused on neurodiversity at on the Young Minds site.
Accessing external support
We work closely with Local Authorities and external partners to support young people, their families and carers. For further information on what support is available locally please see:
https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/children-and-families/parenting-and-family-support