Mental health support
At Melbourn Village College, we are committed to supporting the emotional wellbeing and mental health of all our students.
Our Support in School
- Our provision is led by the Mental Health Champion.
- The pastoral team works closely with students, parents/carers, and teachers to provide tailored support.
- We have access to school counsellors, youth workers, and dedicated support for young carers.
If you have non-urgent concerns about your child’s wellbeing, please contact your child’s Pastoral Support Officer for advice.
Urgent and Emergency Support
- If your child is struggling to cope and may be at risk of harm to themselves or others, call NHS 111 and select option 2 for mental health support.
- In an emergency, dial 999 immediately.
Working with external partners
We work closely with Local Authorities and external organisations to provide additional support for young people, their families, and carers.
For more information on local services, visit Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust (CPFT). CPFT delivers NHS services in the community, including physical health, mental health, and specialist care.
Useful resources for parents, carers, and students
- The Kite Trust – local support for LGBTQ+ young people and their families.
- Mermaids – national support for gender-questioning students and their families.
- Keep Your Head – reliable information on mental health and wellbeing for children, young people, and adults in Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.
- Kooth – free online counselling and wellbeing support, including chat, articles, and discussion boards.
- ChatHealth – confidential text messaging service with trained health staff. Available Monday–Friday, 9.30am–4.00pm. Text 07480 635 443 to start a conversation.
- Self-Harm Awareness eBook for Parents – guidance for families.
- Beat – UK Eating Disorders Charity, with a National Helpline.
- The Sun Network – information leaflets for young people and parents/carers facing eating challenges.
- CASUS – Cambridgeshire Child and Adolescent Substance Use Service. Provides information, support, and treatment for young people under 18 and their families.
- Talk to Frank – friendly, confidential advice on drugs. Call 0300 123 6600 or text 82111.
Melbourn Village College recognises the vital role young carers play in their families and the additional responsibilities these place upon them.
- We are committed to ensuring young carers can attend and enjoy school in the same way as other students.
- We work alongside Centre 33 Young Carers Project Workers to provide support.
- For further information, visit Help for Young Carers.
Who are young carers? Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide, or intend to provide, care for someone who is ill, disabled, has a mental health condition, or struggles with addiction. Young carers may be vulnerable when their responsibilities affect their emotional wellbeing, physical health, education, or future opportunities.