Support for Families
We are mindful of the pressures facing not only students but also their families, and want to ensure that they have the best possible access to information, whether this be through the school’s own services, or by directing them to appropriate external resources and support.
Free School Meals
If your financial situation has changed, your child(ren) may be entitled to Free School Meals.
Please follow the links below to find out more:
for families living in Devon
Website - Free school meals - Support for schools (devon.gov.uk)
Phone - 0345 155 1019
for families living in Somerset
Website - Free school meals (somerset.gov.uk)
Phone - 0300 123 2224
Parental Minds
Parental Minds gives support to families who are struggling with their mental health. They believe that the parental voice is vital when families are living with mental health issues; this under pins all their work.
The support includes Parent Support hubs in Honiton, Sidmouth and Exeter, plus resources and webinars for parents and carers.
Visit: Home - Parental Minds
Loan Sharks
Trading Standards have advised that in the current economic climate there has been an increase in loan shark activity and have they have received an increase in calls to their national hotline. The pandemic means that many may experience financial trouble. During times like these, people can be extremely vulnerable and at risk of being taken advantage of. If you're unsure of a lender, do not use them. The helpline is open 24/7 on 0300 555 2222
‘Stop Loan Sharks’ have put together a resource pack to help people who are experiencing financial difficulties. Their resource pack can be found here
Action Fraud
Action Fraud has launched a national awareness campaign to urge the public to think twice before handing over money and personal information when booking holidays.
For information about how to avoid scams, or to report a scam of phishing attempt, visit Action Fraud or phone 0300 123 2040
Useful Contacts
ChatHealth
A text service for young people aged 13-19 at secondary school to reach out to the School Nurse team for confidential advice on a wide range of issues such as bullying, emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health as well as illnesses. Contact: 07520 631722 or go to their website: Home Page - ChatHealth
Child Bereavement UK
Contact: 0800 02 888 40 or go to their website Child Bereavement UK
ChildLine
Contact: 0800 1111 (Phone lines open 24/7/365) or go to their website at: Childline | Childline (Note - ChildLine offers lots of helpful advice and support and isn’t just a ‘report it’ service)
Kooth
Online support including online counselling at: Home - Kooth
The Mix
Safe and confidential group chat and discussion boards, plus messaging support service and telephone counselling for young people under 25. You can visit the website, call the freephone number, or if you need help immediately you can also text The Mix on their crisis messenger text service which provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258.0808 808 4994 (Freephone) or go to their website: The Mix - Essential support for under 25s
Papyrus UK
Support for young people thinking about suicide. Contact: HopeLine 0800 068 4141 or go to their website: Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide (papyrus-uk.org)
Young Devon
Face to face counselling (via video call at the moment) Contact: 07935 364 652 or email: yes.exeter@youngdevon.org or go to their website: Wellbeing | Young Devon
Young Minds
Offers tips, advice and guidance on where to get support for your mental health during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. They also have a crisis messenger providing free 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258, or go to their website at: YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds