Cornwall Schools’ Wellbeing Hub Newsletter 16th October 2025
Thursday 16th October 2025
Welcome to the Wellbeing Newsletter
Last Friday was World Mental Health Day and the Young Minds #HelloYellow day. Schools around the county and beyond took part. Both for fundraising and taking the opportunity to focus on wellbeing in assemblies and lessons. It is always a joyful, fun day with an important message for C&YP about not being alone…
So far, so uncontroversial? But. There is a growing narrative that we’ve gone way too far with awareness raising and over-pathologising ‘normal’ childhood struggles. It might even be suggested that rather than responding to a crisis in C&YP mental health we are creating it. School staff shouldn’t be expected to become MH workers. Therapy is not part of the core business of a school.
There are many ways to respond to this. One very simple (simplistic even?) response is that to support the wellbeing of children and young people we don’t need to be specialists we just need to be aware of the power of the ordinary, everyday interaction – the ‘ordinary magic’ of creating safety, connection, a sense of belonging helping C&YP to feel seen and heard, held and hopeful. This can be ‘Everybody’s Business’.
Some C&YP will need more help and support which schools can and do offer through pastoral support and wellbeing practitioners. Others will need more help and support beyond school… (and that’s a whole other discussion…)
What’s on the website?
Check out the 'About Anxiety' booklet on Headstart Kernow
The About Anxiety guide offers clear, compassionate advice to help families understand anxiety, spot when it’s becoming a problem, and support children with practical strategies. A brilliant resource for anyone navigating children’s emotional wellbeing.
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
Wellbeing Training with 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.
Dates for Grandma on the Moon Autumn term
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
November is Empathy Action Month
This November, EmpathyLab invites you to turn compassion into action with their FREE Empathy Action Month. Through powerful stories and engaging activities, you’ll explore how empathy can spark real change for your wellbeing, your relationships, your community, and even the planet.
Register here now to unlock free resources this November.
Mentally Healthy Schools - Pooky Knightsmith
These slides offer a practical framework for embedding mental health and inclusion into the daily culture of your school, with a clear focus on small, sustainable steps that make a big difference.
The six pillars explored are:
- Staff are happy and healthy
- Our setting feels safe and welcoming
- Every learner feels heard
- We recognise and support vulnerable learners
- Families positively engage
- Help is sought when needed
Each section includes practical ideas used by real schools, plus a suggested action for today, tomorrow, and next term, perfect for staff meetings, strategic planning, or just a moment of reflection.
Children’s Mental Health
The NSPCC has highlighted growing concerns around children’s mental health in a recent news story. According to new Childline data, between April 2024 and March 2025, 12,543 counselling sessions focused on anxiety and anxiety disorders, making it the most common mental health issue among young people. Children and young people cited causes such as abuse, trauma, bullying, and body image worries. The article also offers practical tips to help support children struggling with anxiety.
Read the news story: Anxiety is the most common mental health concern for children reaching out to Childline
Important Safeguarding Notice: Children’s “Spy” Books
You may have seen recent news about a safeguarding issue involving Andrew Cope’s Spy Dogs, Spy Cats, and Spy Pups books. Some editions include a printed web link that now leads to inappropriate adult content. The link was once owned by the author but has since been taken over by a third party.
Belonging Matters
The National Children’s Bureau have just published their final report for the Belonging Matters pilot programme. They have had some pretty impressive results. See the report here. They are also taking expressions of interest from schools for the next stage of rollout.
Anna Freud - Schools in Mind October Newsletter
Explore upcoming webinars and training to support mental health, neurodiversity, and inclusive practice in schools and colleges. Topics include ADHD, autism, brain development, attendance, and partnering with parents.
Director of Public Health annual report
This year's Director of Public Health Annual Report has been produced in partnership with the Directors of Children’s Services for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Together, they have chosen to use this report to shine a spotlight on one of the most urgent challenges facing our communities: child poverty.
As well as key facts and figures, this report is based on the words of more than 1,000 babies, children, young people, and parents or carers. They have shared, with courage and honesty, what it is like to grow up in poverty.
The DPH Report is now available to view on the Council website: Director of Public Health annual report - Cornwall Council
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.