Wellbeing at Home

While the school is closed we will continue to provide guidance and emotional support to young people and their families. We have strong links with lots of external agencies and do not want any family to feel isolated during this difficult time.

We are Foodbank Voucher holders and we have supplies of sanitary towels for the young girls who maybe in need. Remember, we are here to help and 'a problem shared is a problem halved'. We would be happy to help.

Julie McMahon, Harris Garrard Academy

Listening Ear drop in sessions

Our ‘Listening Ear’ Drop-In sessions will be available every Wednesday from 9am to 1pm while the school is closed, based in our secondary section. Please call 0208 320 4800 and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team if you would like come along. This service is available to all families and students from primary, secondary and sixth form. But you do need to call to let us know you are coming.

Mind in Bexley wellbeing helpline

Are you feeling worried, stressed or down right now and you need somebody to talk to? The Mind in Bexley wellbeing helpline is open on 0203 912 0048, Monday-Friday 9am-6pm. The helpline has a wealth of knowledge that can support all adult residents across the borough.

A message from school nurse, Ms Ward

Dear Students,

I hope you are all safe and well? I would like to share some information to help you look after yourselves during this difficult time. I have put together some helpful numbers/email addresses that young people can access for help and support, plus some guidance sheets. You can read and download them below.

I look forward to seeing you as soon as we can. Please take care and keep safe.

Kind Regards

Sarah Ward, HGA School Nurse

Mentally Health Schools

Mentally Health Schools have produced a free coronavirus toolkit. It includes resources for parents to use with vulnerable children or children with SEND, a resource from Stonewall for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a resource pack for staff wellbeing and practical activities for adults and children to help stay mentally well during this time. Download the toolkit.

Online and telephone therapy

We are pleased to inform you that Harris Garrard Academy are now offering online and telephone sessions with specialist practitioners. Online and telephone sessions are being offered to:

Students with SEND who have open referrals to the ASD Advisory Service, Speech and Language Therapy Services or Educational Psychology Services
Year 6 students with a diagnosis of speech and language needs or Autism
Parents of students with EHCPS.

Click on this link to find out more.

Other mental health information

The Harris Federation has also compiled a list of mental health information for parents and students, to help maintain wellbeing while schools are shut. Download the list here.