Welcome to Kooth and Qwell’s October 2024 newsletter
As we approach World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, it’s a perfect time to reflect on any challenges you and your students face, especially with the recent changes in social media safety.
According to a recent BBC article, nearly 60% of young people have experienced negative impacts from online interactions. At Kooth and Qwell, we provide a clinically safe and moderated digital space where you and your students can seek support for their mental health without fear of trolling, discrimination, or sharing personal details. Our team reviews all user-generated content, and anonymity is strictly maintained.
KoothKlass and KoothTalks webinars
Our free webinars offer valuable insights for education professionals and parents, providing practical information and guidance on key mental health topics.
Helping young people stay safe on their new smartphone
With over a third of parents and carers feeling uneasy about their child having their first smartphone, we’ve put together this session to explore supporting a child’s mental wellbeing whilst using the device plus information on UK law and social media usage and online safety tips. We are also offering a KoothKlass live stream morning assembly session for Year 7 students on staying safe on your new smartphone.
- KoothTalks for families: please share this link to book
- KoothKlass for Year 7 students: book your place here
Meeting the needs of neurodivergent and Special Education Needs & Disabilities (SEND) young people.
Children and young people waiting for an assessment or navigating a diagnosis may need additional emotional support. We’re offering a webinar this month exploring how our platform meets the needs of neurodiverse and SEND young people.
- KoothTalks for professionals: book your place here
- KoothTalks for families: please share this link with parents and carers
Anti-Bullying Week: 11th-15th November 2024
Support your students during Anti-Bullying Week by signing up for our live-streamed KoothKlass morning assemblies focused on anti-bullying and mental health awareness.
- KoothKlass for young people (to livestream in your morning assembly): book your place here
Avoiding Exploitation
Also in November, we’re providing guidance for both teaching professionals and young people about what exploitation means, signs to spot and available support, including an interview with Kooth’s Deputy Head of Safeguarding.
- KoothTalks for professionals: book your place here
- KoothKlass for young people: (to livestream during class or form time): book your place here
Emotionally Based School Avoidance
Our December webinars focus on helping you understand a little more about Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), hear from a young person’s perspective, and explore support strategies with Kooth’s Senior Clinical Psychologist.
Parents and carers may also be seeking support for their anxious child avoiding school. They’re often juggling work and caregiving, feeling deeply worried while their child remains at home. So we’re also offering a webinar for families.
- KoothTalks training for professionals – book your place here
- KoothTalks for families: please share this link with affected families
New competition for all your 15-18-year-old students
Kooth has launched the Kooth Future Council, a competition to find our first-ever youth-powered content team. Winners will collaborate with social media stars and Ravensbourne University, participating in masterclasses to create mental well-being content. This unique opportunity will equip participants with valuable skills in video editing, content creation, and leadership, enhancing their future college and job prospects.
Students aged 15-18 can submit original artwork, photography, video, or writing that answers the question: “How do you overcome negative emotions?”
Students can submit their entries at www.kooth.com/future-council until the closing date of Friday, 15th November.
Further information about the competition for schools and colleges can be found here
This helpful video from Peta, one of our Qwell experts, discusses our Depression & Low Mood Collection for adults. In this video, you’ll find practical advice and insights on managing these feelings, along with information on how Qwell’s free resources can support you, your colleagues and parents during difficult times. Please take a moment to watch and share with your network.
This October, in honour of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, 10 October 2024, we’re focusing on mental health in the workplace. Throughout the month, we’ll share valuable content to help individuals and organisations support their teams and navigate common challenges.
Topics we’ll cover include:
- Coping with stress as a key worker
- Managing secondary trauma at work
- The impact of shift work on mental health and wellbeing
- The benefits of volunteering for mental health
- A podcast exploring how to practise self-care in the workplace
Waiting for an assessment for ADHD, Autism, or other forms of neurodiversity can often be a slow and challenging process. However, adults going through this are not alone. Qwell provides free resources, tools, and mental health support, including a dedicated collection on Neurodiversity. This includes insights into different aspects of neurodiversity, its impact, and the strengths and challenges presented.
Direct support for you and your team
Finally, why not reach out to your local Engagement Lead and book a whole school or year group Kooth mental wellbeing assembly, tailored to your needs? We also offer staff training about Kooth & Qwell. Please contact Michael Brioude, Senior Engagement Lead – mbrioude@kooth.com if you are interested in booking assemblies for your school
