Finding Support in School
Sometimes life can send us a curve-ball or two and it can be hard to know what to do.
If something happens that changes the way that you are thinking or feeling then it is a good idea to talk about it with someone.
There are a range of different supports available at Banchory Academy, so why not check out some of the tiles below to find out how we can help you. Just hover on the tile to find out more.
If you are not ready to talk to anyone then you can find links to good websites on our Links page.
We have a group of senior pupils who are trained as Peer Listeners.
If you are in S1, S2 or S3 and would like to chat to someone at lunch, and maybe play some games, then they would really like to meet you.
Come along to Room 26, Mondays to Thursdays from 12.45-1.15. It is a drop in so you don’t need to arrange it – just come whenever you feel like it.
Mental Health First Aiders are adults in school who are trained to be able to support pupils with their mental health.
They will listen to you and help you to find the right support.
You will recognise the Mental Health First Aiders by their bright green lanyards
Your Guidance Teacher is here to offer you support.
They will always be happy to listen to you and will be able to arrange a variety of additional supports if you are struggling with something.
The Targeted Support Team work with individuals and with groups and are based in the Wellbeing Hub.
They can offer support to pupils who are struggling to manage their emotional and/or mental health.
LIAM stands for Let’s Introduce Anxiety Management.
It is an 8-10 week programme which is run in school and teaches you about anxiety, why we feel anxious and what we can do to manage our own anxiety.
If you think that LIAM might be helpful for you, please speak to your Guidance Teacher.
Health and Wellbeing in school is concerned with mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing both now and in the future.
Our School Nurse and First Aider are here to support you with all areas of your wellbeing.
BBA (Brief Behavioural Activation) is an 8 week programme designed to support young people who are struggling with low mood or depression.
If you think this could be helpful for you, please speak to your Guidance Teacher about it.
Time for Me aims to reduce anxiety and low mood, while increasing confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
Young people work with a Time for Me Practitioner from SAMH for 8 sessions to help understand their feelings, thoughts and behaviours.
Referrals to Time for Me can be made through your Guidance Teacher.
If you would like to speak with the school counsellor, you can either ask your guidance teacher to arrange it, or scan the QR code to complete a self-referral.
Our Pupil Wellbeing Worker provides a safe and supportive environment where students can talk about challenges they may be facing, whether personal, social, or academic. They offer one-on-one support, guiding students through emotional difficulties, and helping them build resilience and coping strategies. If you want to see the PWW, speak to your Guidance Teacher.
Many young people are trying to cope with big changes in their lives. It can be really hard to know what to do to feel better. Seasons for Growth is an 8 week programme where small groups of young people get together to find new ways of coping with change, loss and grief. If you or a friend is struggling, then ask your guidance teacher about the Seasons for Growth programme
Child Protection
If you, or anyone you know is at risk from hard either from themselves or from someone else then you should speak to a trusted adult about it as soon as you can.
The Child Protection Officer in Banchory Academy is Mrs Skellern. You can either talk directly to Mrs Skellern about your issue or speak to you Guidance Teacher or another adult in school.
It is essential to us that you feel safe and we want to be able to get you the right help when needed.
