Blogs

Open Water Warning

We have been made aware of students jumping in the Dam, Bridgewater Canal and the Mersey. Please tell your children not to be tempted to cool off in open water. The attached document provides information about the dangers of open water and includes a list of useful resources.

Rail safety

Due to the very high level of trespassing on railway lines by young people in this area, Network Rail have released a film to help raise awareness of the dangers of train tracks. All students will be shown this film during their form time. Please take 15 minutes to watch this film so you can discuss the issues and reinforce this important safety information. The video is free: just enter the email railsafety@learnliveuk.com to watch it: Network Rail secondary school safety talk – Learn Live (learnliveuk.com)

Online child sexual abuse

All parents and carers need to be aware of the risks of online child sexual abuse and the scale of the issue affecting children today. 1 in 4 teenagers receive unwanted sexual messages online. This downloadable guide for parents and carers provides advice and guidance, and introduces TALK:

T – TALK to your child about online sexual abuse. Start the conversation – and listen to their concerns.

A – AGREE ground rules about the way you use technology as a family.

L – LEARN about the platforms and apps your child loves. Take an interest in their online life.

K – KNOW how to use tools, apps and settings that can help to keep your child safe online.

ChatHealth text messaging service

A new text messaging service has been launched to answer the health and wellbeing questions of young people, parents and carers across Warrington. Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with ChatHealth, an award-winning messaging helpline platform, to provide the service.
It will offer a safe way for users to get in touch anonymously and confidentially with a healthcare professional via a mobile phone. Professionals will be on hand to help with a variety of health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, bullying, child development and sexual health. Evidence has shown that young people in particular like the fact that ChatHealth enables them to make discreet contact with health professionals, which they found to be less embarrassing, quick and easy, anonymous and non-judgemental.

Shout

Shout is the UK’s first free, confidential, 24/7 text support service, a place to go if you’re struggling to cope. Shout helps with a range of issues including anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, relationship problems, bullying or if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Lockdown is tough, with schools closing, a return to online learning, juggling work and home-schooling has brought us additional stress and worry, Shout have resources and support to help you find ways to cope.
You can text SHOUT to 85258 for free, any time to speak to a trained volunteer. They will listen and guide you to a calm and safe place.

NHS Mental Health Crisis Line

Your local NHS Mental Health Crisis Line is: – available 24 hours a day, seven days a week – for people experiencing a mental health crisis, who need urgent support – for people concerned that a friend or family member is in a mental health crisis – for people who live in Warrington, Halton, Knowsley or St Helens – for people of all ages, including children and young people – free to call: 0800 051 1508.