The 9-15th February marks Children’s Mental Health Week, highlighting the importance of supporting children and young people with their mental health. We spoke with our specialist Nursing Team around the many ways we support our students, across both our children’s and young adult’s services. At Seashell we offer 1-1 art and music therapy sessions, which support students with their everyday wellbeing, emotions and sensory needs.
Mental health support for those with complex needs is vital, as symptoms of mental health issues can be mistakenly attributed to a person’s learning disability or autism, leading to them being overlooked and untreated. Children with learning disabilities are also 4.5 times more likely to have a mental health diagnosis than those without.
Music Therapy
Our Music Therapist, Rebecca Smeeton, leads 1-1 sessions both in the classroom and in a specialist music room.
“Music Therapy is a highly motivating and engaging intervention which uses music as a tool to support students’ communication, social skills, independence and regulation,” said Rebecca.
“As a tool for mental health support, music therapy sessions help our students process trauma, build resilience, and experience joy and connection. We also provide advice and support to class teachers on integrating music and music-based strategies into classrooms to ensure that the impact of positive engagement with music is felt throughout the week.”
Art Therapy
At Seashell, Art Therapy is a core component in our Health and Wellbeing team’s toolkit, and it is used to help students address emotional issues, which may be confusing and difficult to process. Using a person-centred approach, our mental health practitioners support students through the highs and lows any child or young adult may experience as they grow and develop as individuals.
“We take time to explore individual’s therapeutic objectives, while leaving room for spontaneity and expression,” said Jodie, Art Therapist. “The ultimate goal is to futureproof the student’s overall wellbeing and mental health.”
Here, Jodie explains that Leo uses potion-making sessions to support his regulation and focus on smelling. There is also active choice making where Leo can choose the materials to add to the mix. “There are elements of emotion exploration through drawing face on the tray and voicing how each material can make us feel,” she says.
Rosie has been engaging with expressive painting and accepting turn-taking alongside staff.
“The sessions provide her a space for self-exploration and expression through mark-making and using her whole body in a movement,” said Jodie.
At Seashell, we’re proud to offer these specialist sessions to support our students to thrive and reach their full potential. Sessions like these are possible thanks to our generous supporters. If you’d like to support Seashell to provide specialist education, please visit our donate page below:
