Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 13th November 2025
Thursday 13th November 2025
Welcome to the Wellbeing Newsletter
In the very early days of Headstart the young people’s board, who were at the heart of the programme, made a significant difference that has lasted right up until the present day. Every one of the young people who were involved were awesome. One thing that really stands out was whatever their own circumstances they cared passionately about supporting other young people.
One lasting legacy is their Start Now website. The plan was simple – a website built around finding help and helping young people to feel confident about asking for help.
During Covid one of the YP involved experienced horrendous and terrifying online bullying and grooming. Living in fear for many months that if they didn’t do what was suggested their family would be harmed. From that experience the YP board created the Connect Card. They wanted something that YP could keep handy to give them even faster access to sources of support.
Recently we have been working with young people / schools on a complete refresh of the whole site, and we are delighted to share Phase One of the new site. Or more accurately, the new sites.
We now have two sites (with one portal). One is for 10 – 13 years old and the other is for 14 – 16.
The sites are broadly similar, each with its own look and feel and some differentiated content.
Phase Two is young people’s continuing involvement in helping to maintain and manage the site and create content. Whether that be sharing stories, artwork, poetry but also helping to explore key issues for YP in Cornwall today and create a trusted resource YP come back to when needed.
The site is live and being tweaked and tested at the moment. After Christmas, we’ll be launching some giveaways and competitions to promote the site.
Check out the START NOW website
What’s on the website?
The Connect Card
Created by young people in Cornwall, the Connect Card is for ages 10 to 16. It links to a site with advice, support, free stuff and fun content.
Show young people how to scan the QR code and explore what's there.
Cards and resources are available through the Resource Order Form HERE
My Brilliant Place to be ME! – wellbeing journal for KS2
We have had a new delivery of the printed version of Brilliant ME!
If you would like to order copies (free) – use this order form
Headstart Comms
We have refreshed our comms tools and resources which can be found on our website.
Don’t forget you can now access this and previous newsletters on the website
Training & Events
FULLY FUNDED BY HEADSTART KERNOW
SPACE (Supporting Parents and Children Emotionally) Combined 3-day Facilitator
Training for Professionals
Become a SPACE facilitator with fully funded 3-day training by Headstart Kernow. Support families through trauma-informed, relationship-based practice. Explore course details and how to apply here.
27th -29th of January 2026
Please email us at SPACE@Cornwall.gov.uk to express your interest.
Have you joined the Headstart Kernow Creative Education membership yet?
Sign up here: www.headstartkernow.org.uk/creative-education/
Download our updated Creative Education membership information fliers with access links for:
Stay in touch: Check out our training and other support and sign up for the occasional newsletter.
And follow us on our page on the Services for Schools platform.
News and Resources
Cornwall Youth Council Elections: Register Now
Young people aged 11–18 across Cornwall can now register to stand in the next Youth Council elections. Eighteen elected members will represent their areas.
Encourage young people to register by 23 November and help schools and colleges get involved in the February vote.
Watch the video | Find out more and register
What can you do to help:
Spread the word via your connections, networks and comms channels and encourage and support young people to register for election for Youth Council.
Spread the word with any school contacts you have and encourage them to share this opportunity with their students, visit our Cornwall Youth Council Let’s Talk page and complete the registration of interest in Youth Council elections
Educate Against Hate
Educate against Hate provides Government advice and trusted resources to help safeguard students from radicalisation, build resilience to all types of extremism and to promote our shared values.
A recent newsletter has some excellent advice / information in schools .
Speak out Stay safe with Buddy
The NSPCC’s Speak out Stay safe programme helps children aged 5 to 11 learn how to stay safe from abuse and neglect.
It supports schools, home educators and alternative provisions with resources that teach children:
- how to recognise abuse
- that it’s never their fault
- where to get help, including Childline
stem4 CheckIn This Movember
This Movember, stem4 is highlighting anxiety in boys and young men—and how small actions can help.
The #CheckIn campaign encourages young men to pause, reflect and connect with themselves, friends and trusted adults. Anxiety is common, but manageable with the right support.
Explore the 1-minute guide, PowerPoint and social media graphics to help spread the message.
Visit stem4’s Movember site to get started.
Barnardo’s: New Site, Same Mission
Barnardo’s has relaunched its website to better support the mental health and wellbeing of babies, children, young people and the education staff who support them.
Explore fresh CPD, training and resources all easier to access than ever
BrainWaves: Free Wellbeing Curriculum
BrainWaves offers free lessons and teacher resources to support student mental health in secondary schools and sixth forms.
The curriculum is designed to strengthen wellbeing and build emotional resilience.
Register for free and explore the resources today.
Updated Parental Engagement Framework
Have you seen the updated version of the PEF with three new resources.
- Principle 3: the components of communication pg 94
- Principle 7: The importance of language we use pg 168
- Principle 7: Overcoming barriers to engagement where a child has anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) pg 175
The updated version is being sent to all schools. You can download a copy from our website
Have you visited our new www.headstartkernow.org.uk website yet?
We made it simpler to find what you need as professionals supporting children and families need as well adding a new, more prominent area for parents and carers.
Have a look and let us know what you think!
Stay in touch: Check out our training and other support at www.headstartkernow.org.uk and sign up for the occasional newsletter.
And follow us on our page on the Services for Schools platform.