Wellbeing Overview

At Mayfield School, we understand that emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health in helping every member of our community thrive. We are committed to create a positive and inclusive environment where mental health is valued, and where all students feel supported and empowered to succeed.  

We believe that overall wellbeing and self-regulation are essential for students to manage stress, overcome challenges, and achieve their full potential. By promoting resilience and offering the tools needed to handle life’s obstacles, we aim to help students excel but also develop skills that will serve them throughout life. 

Through our Personal Development (PD) programme, we provide a nurturing space where students can build confidence, self-esteem, and emotional resilience. We are here to support students through any difficulties they may face, ensuring that they feel, safe, heard, and equipped to seek help whenever needed. At Mayfield, we are dedicated to promoting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of every student, we encourage students to be open and have the courage to vocalise their feelings because we know that when a student feels their best, they can achieve remarkable things. 

Students have a range of wellbeing provisions:  

• Access to the school counsellor, Mr D. Thorbourne.  

• Access to Emotional Literacy Support Assistants, (ELSAs) Miss Forrester & Miss Salmon. 

• The green room – A space to promote mindfulness and creativity, open at break and lunchtime every day.  

• Paws & Relax – Time with emotional support rabbits; Pico and May.  

• Wellbeing Wednesdays Club (in the Library after school) on Wednesdays from 15:00 – 15:45.  

• Mental Health Ambassadors – we have a team of ambassadors who use student voice to promote and implement wellbeing of all students throughout the school.

Mr D. Thorbourne 

I am a school counsellor / Wellbeing Lead and trained at the university of Queen Mary with the aim to deliver Humanistic based therapy. In addition, I am an integrative therapist which includes CBT, Person Centred, Psychodynamic counselling, Gestalt, plus other creative therapeutic methods. I have worked with young people for 11 years and I am passionate about encouraging students to be the best they can be with mental health at the forefront of their development.

I provide one to one counselling for our students from year 7 – 13 and deliver ad hoc drop-in sessions. I am also a member of the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). I offer sessions during term time including online sessions depending on the young person’s circumstances.  

I provide a safe space to explore your feelings, thoughts and concerns enabling a confidential and non-judgemental setting. If there are any worries or concerns, talking about them can help you find alternatives to managing or dealing with problems without judgement. 

Miss E. Forrester

As an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA), I focus on the importance of emotional expression and support students as they navigate their feelings. I am passionate about fostering creativity, as I believe it plays a key role in helping young people better express themselves and develop emotional resilience. Prioritising wellbeing and mental health are crucial for students to thrive both academically and personally. By offering tools for emotional expression, such as Drawing & Talking, I support young people’s overall success in education. I pride myself on being welcoming and creating a warm, supportive environment where students feel comfortable. 

Our emotional support rabbits, Pico and May, are an important part of our team, providing comfort and a sense of calm to students when they need it most. I aim to inspire students with passion and open-mindedness, helping them to grow, not just academically but as courageous and compassionate individuals.  

Miss A. Salmon

I am passionate about supporting the emotional well-being of students, prioritising creating a safe and understanding environment where mental health comes first, and every person feels heard and valued. With a compassionate, open, and approachable nature, I aim to make it easy for students to reach out when they need support.  

I have a personal interest in philosophy and a love for animals, I bring a holistic approach to my work, including the use of emotional support animals. Our rabbits are a perfect example of this, they have been incredibly effective in helping students feel calm and more connected and providing them with companionship. 

Above all, I want to see students flourish across all aspects of their lives, proud of the resilience and growth they show every day at Mayfield. 

If you have a concern about your own child, or another child’s, mental health, there are number of things that you can do: 

• You can contact your GP and ask for their advice and guidance 

• You can contact the school and talk to a member of the Safeguarding or Pastoral Teams 

• You can visit the websites outlined below for further information and advice.  

External Support

Useful Helplines, Websites and Apps for Adults and Children