At BTA we are fully committed to supporting our staff and students in their mental health wellbeing. We prioritise social emotional and mental health (SEMH) within every aspect of school life - policies & environment, curriculum, special events & campaigns - to positively impact outcomes for students. This support in school can lead to significant improvements in young people's mental health, academic success and social and emotional skills.
In recognising that people need support to thrive and reach their full potential, we have a Counsellor, Mental Health and Wellbeing lead, a number of mental health first aiders and all staff accessing regular training in order to support our students with their SEMH needs.
For Students
Therapeutic work is tailored according to needs, offering a holistic approach to support emotional and psychological wellbeing. The aim of therapy may include improving self-awareness, self-esteem, relationships, building confidence, coping strategies, anger management, general wellbeing or making difficult events and emotions more bearable. These interventions may occur individually or in groups.
All students are invited to a 20-30 minutes taster session when they begin at BTA, this gives them the opportunity to meet our onsite therapist, see the therapeutic space and get a sense of what therapy is like at our school. During this they are able to begin building a positive and trusting relationship and gain an understanding of confidentiality and its limits within therapy.
Following the taster sessions students are made aware of the therapy offer here at BTA. They can be referred for regular therapy, by themselves, parents, staff or other outside agencies, this consists of them accessing counselling on a weekly basis and is reviewed at the end of each half-term. There is often a waiting list for this service.
We work as a team to change any stigma that a student may have against a therapeutic intervention by building a positive and trusting relationship from when they start. The therapist continues to be a presence around the school throughout the day to day so the students have the opportunity to approach them if they feel they need to. Some students find that a commitment to long term weekly therapy is too much, others may have had previous negative experiences of counselling or don’t believe it will be beneficial for them. These views are valid and important, no student will be forced to participate. For therapy to take place there must be psychological contact and this does not occur if a student is not invested.
All students have the opportunity to access drop-in and crisis sessions throughout the week as and when needed. The therapist endeavours to check-in with all students throughout the week and works with the wider staff team to identity students in need of further support. Students are also able to ask for a drop-in session and this will be accommodated around timetable sessions.
For Parents & Carers
The onsite therapy team are here to support you and happy to hear from any of the parents/carers at BTA. We believe it is fundamental to set up open channels of communication with all of the adults who feature in the lives of our students. Our ethos at BTA is to adopt a ‘whole school’ approach to mental health and wellbeing and give them the opportunity to thrive in a supportive learning environment.
Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools Award:
Bromley Trust Academy are working towards excellence in mental health practice. We are looking to have this recognised and developed with a national award level. We are continually working to improve and strengthen mental health of students, parents and staff. We believe the award will reflect our commitment that our school structures,
environment, ethos and culture is one that supports positive mental health and wellbeing. Achieving this award will be a whole school effort and will take into account student, parent, staff and governor voice.
For more information about therapy at BTA please contact:
Natasha Still
Counsellor, Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 07742809118 (Call or text)
