“Mental health is a state of well-being in which an individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
World Health Organisation. 2018
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At Bishop Challoner Catholic College we aim to promote good mental health and wellbeing for our whole community: students, staff, parents and carers.
We aim to develop protective factors by being a community in which all:
- are respected
- have a sense of belonging and feel safe
- are able to talk openly with trusted adults
- see good mental health as something to be valued and nurtured
We want all members of our community to:
- feel confident in themselves
- be able to express a range of emotions appropriately
- be able to make and maintain positive relationships with others
- cope with the challenges of everyday life
- manage times of stress and deal with change
- thrive and achieve
We aim to achieve this through:
- living out our school missions statement ”…we give glory to God by developing our full potential…”
- our PHSE curricuclum
- awareness raising (wellbeing assemblies, tips for good mental health)
- listening to our students
- gaining insights via student voice
- working in partnership with parents/carers where there are concerns about mental health
- signposting sources of external help and advice
- making referrals and working with external agencies to provide additional support to those who need it
- recognising the importance of staff mental health and wellbeing.
- modelling healthy attitudes and habits
We are not able or qualified to offer:
- counselling
- testing and diagnosis of mental health conditions
- specialist therapies
Our Mental Health Team is dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of all students at Bishop Challoner Catholic College. They provide a safe, supportive and understanding environment where students can feel listened to, valued and encouraged to talk about any worries or challenges they may be experiencing. Whether students need someone to talk to, guidance or additional support, our team is here to help. Meet our Mental Health Team below and find out how to get in touch.
At Bishop Challoner we know the importance of supporting the emotional well-being of every child. We understand that mental health is just as important as physical health, which is why we work closely with Compass Birmingham Mental Health Support Team (MHST) which works directly with primary and secondary schools in the North, East and South of Birmingham. This team of Education Mental Health Practitioners, Supervising Practitioners, Trainees, and Assistant Practitioners, each brings expertise from diverse health and education backgrounds. Additionally, we have our Specialist Team consisting of a Family Practitioner and Healthy Peer Relationships Practitioner and an Engagement & Equalities Practitioner to provide tailored support where needed.
What Compass Birmingham MHST Offers
Compass provides free and confidential support for children and young people who are facing mild to moderate emotional health challenges. Compass Birmingham MHST provides a range of services including:
- One-to-One Support: Personalised sessions to help children and/or parents build coping skills and manage emotional challenges using low intensity cognitive behavioural therapy approaches
- Group Sessions: Structured activities designed to help children deal with common issues like anxiety, low mood, and relationships.
- Specialist Support: Professional support from Family Practitioners and Healthy Peer Relationships Practitioners, when required.
- Whole school work: assemblies, workshops, coffee mornings, parent workshops/evenings, school holiday events
Our services are primarily delivered during school hours. However, we have flexibility to work around individual needs and can work outside of these hours on an ad hoc basis
Referral Criteria
Compass Birmingham MHST is available to children aged 5-19 who attend a participating school in the Birmingham area. The service is designed for children and young people who are experiencing mild to moderate emotional health difficulties, such as:
- Low mood or lack of motivation
- Anxiety or irrational fears
- Difficulty managing emotions
- Challenging behaviours (e.g. anger, frustration)
- Issues with family or peer relationships
- Struggles with transitions or adapting to change
We also provide support to parents providing (NVR Programme and Beyond Behaviours).
If you are unsure whether your child qualifies for support, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you determine if a referral is appropriate.
We aim to:
- ensure children and young people access early help that is right for them, in the right setting, delivered by the right professional
- help children and young people to manage their thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and physical sensations so that they can better engage with their learning and education
- work alongside education staff to develop whole school approaches towards positive mental health and wellbeing.
How to Access Compass Birmingham MHST
Parents and carers can refer their child to Compass Birmingham MHST in the following ways:
- Direct Referral: You can complete the online referral form available on the Compass Birmingham MHST website. Compass Birmingham MHST – Referral Form
- School Support: If you would like assistance with the referral process, we can help. Simply get in touch with Mrs Reynolds our Mental Health Lead who can support you with making a referral to Compass Birmingham MHST.
- Phone: 0121 227 8254
- Email: birminghammhst@compass-uk.org
- Website: Compass Birmingham MHST – Overview
We’re pleased to share our new Introduction to Compass Birmingham video.
YouTube link: https://youtu.be/9L_zi9m2jDk
2026/2027
2025/2026
Mental Health & Wellbeing Links
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Birmingham City Council - Advice publications
No Panic
NSPCC Information
Summary of Support from Statutory Services
Women's Aid