At Elm Grove, as well as working hard to support children’s educational needs, we also work hard to support the emotional well-being of our pupils both in school and at home. Here we have compiled a page of useful resources including free school meals, local food banks and wellbeing services.
If you have any concerns or queries please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01273 708004 or email admin@elmgrove.brighton-hove.sch.uk
SCHOOL SUPPORT
We know that the past couple of years have been very difficult for everyone. Whether you are struggling financially or emotionally, we want all of our families to know that we are here to help. We can assist in applying for financial aid, finding wellbeing support or just for some reassurance around your child’s academic and/or emotional progress.
Please do not hesitate in contacting the school, Louise Willard (headteacher) or anyone from the Inclusion Team (contact details below).
INCLUSION TEAM
See our Inclusion webpage: https://www.elmgrove.brighton-hove.sch.uk/inclusion-at-elm-grove/
We have created an Inclusion Team email address to support anyone wishing to contact any member of the team. The email address is: InclusionTeam@elmgrove.brighton-hove.sch.uk (capitol I and T)
One of the team will get back to you as soon as possible during working hours if you contact them. The team comprises of:
SENCO- Carla Kemp
Inclusion Mentor- Sam Barfoot
Inclusion Mentor- Sadie Mockford
Elm Grove Pantry for All
Elm Grove families are feeling the squeeze now more than ever. The PTA has done some amazing work to help our school community. They have set up a free, accessible pantry, where families can take what they need, donate when they have spare and work together to reduce waste. The pantry includes food, hygiene products, school uniform, shoes and coats. The pantry is available to anyone to help themselves.
If you are able to donate to the pantry donations can be brought to the school office.
Uniform Swap
In a bid to become more environmentally friendly The Nest team have met with the PTA and have set up a uniform/coat library, whereby good quality used uniform can be exchanged and passed on.
If you have any uniform/coats you wish to donate, please could you put them inside the Pantry at drop off/pick up.
Clean, recycled uniform is available every day from the Pantry. Please help yourselves.
Supporting a Young Person with Anxiety
The Adult Education Hub is continuing its successful online courses: Supporting a Young Person with Anxiety, and Building a Young Person’s Resilience. These courses offer parents practical strategies to help the young person manage anxious thinking and help build their self-esteem. Sessions are run separately for parents of primary and secondary-age children.
Here is what some parents have said: “Listened to our concerns and gave us some great advice and tools.”
“Gave practical tips as well as reassurance. I feel I’m better able to support my child with their anxiety.”
Courses [2 x 90 minute online sessions] are free to parents on a low income/means-tested benefits. Otherwise, there is a fee of £15.
For dates, times and bookings visit our website:
Family Wellbeing Archives – Brighton and Hove Adult Education (brighton-hove.gov.uk) or email AEH@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Brighton and Hove City Council- Emergency Help
If you need help with food, energy bills and other essentials the Local Discretionary Social Fund could help. For more information and online applications please go to the BHCC Emergency Help page. If you need any support at all- to discover your eligibility, assistance with applications or any other help please don’t hesitate to contact the Inclusion team via phone or email.
The Fund can provide help with:
- buying food and groceries
- paying for gas and electricity if you pay for it by key card or meter
- essential items you need to live in your home such as beds, cookers or fridges
- other support you may need in an emergency
HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Programme
FREE holiday clubs are available over school holiday’s for those aged 4 to 12 who are also in full-time education and receive benefits-related free school meals. Participants can expect fun enriching activities, the opportunity to socialise, and a nutritious meal. Many HAF holiday clubs offer multi-sports programmes designed to be inclusive for all children. Please go to the HAF calendar to find your local programme or to HAF webpage for more information.
Parents Helpline
Worried about a child or young person? Contact the Parents Helpline for free, confidential advice via the phone, email or webchat.
We offer three different services to parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s mental health, up to the age of 25.
Go to: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/parents-helpline/
Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service
Who are we?
The CYP Wellbeing Service is the hub for all mental health referrals for young people in Brighton & Hove, including CAMHS. It is delivered by YMCA DownsLink Group.
What do we do?
We offer a range of short-term support options for children and young people with mild to moderate mental health needs. All referrals are looked at on a case-by-case basis.
Resources:
The Young Carers Project
Who are we?
The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove is a local charity working since 1988 to support unpaid carers of all ages and backgrounds, who care for people with a multitude of health conditions.
Who are young carers?
Young carers are children and young people who have are affected by the health of a family member with a long term physical illness, mental health condition, disability or substance misuse issue.
How can we help?
- Monitor and review young carer’s needs.
- Social/fun activities with other young carers
- Supportive group work
- Individual sessions with a support worker
- Advice and advocacy around other services that can help
- Awareness training
Find out more about the Young Carers Project here: Young Carers Project Flyer
The Carers Centre Information Pack: https://www.thecarerscentre.org/information-pack/
Or browse their website: Services for Young Carers – Carers Hub Brighton
You can apply online or download an application form. If you need any help please contact the school office or the Inclusion team and we can assist you in your application.
Apply for free school meals here: B&H City Council Free School Meals
Is your child/ren eligible for free school meals?
You should only use this site to apply for free school meals if your child or children attend schools within Brighton & Hove and you are in receipt of one of the benefits listed below.
Your child might be able to get free school meals if you get any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit – if you apply on or after the 1st April 2018 your household income must be less than £7400 per year
