Moving schools can be exciting. There are lots of things to think about: What will happen on the first day? What do I need to pack in my school bag? Will I make new friends? How much homework will I have? How do I get the bus by myself?

Change affects everyone in different ways. Don’t bottle your feelings up – it’s ok to be happy, anxious, excited, worried, nervous and confused, all at the same time.

If you want to talk to someone your School Health Team is here to help.

What is the School Health Team?

We promote good health and wellbeing in school-aged children and young people, so you get the best start in life.

Our team has school nurses, assistant practitioners, public health assistants and administrators. All school nurses are qualified nurses, with specialist training in public health.

We are available from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, including during school holidays.

This service is for children and young people up to the age of 19.

You don’t need to be in mainstream education to seek our support. If you are home-schooled or in a pupil referral unit, you can still use our service.

We are here to support you with anything you need, so if life is getting on top of you, get in touch.

Our School Health Team can help you with:

• making friends or problems with people at school
• bullying problems
• worries about weight and how you look
• healthy eating and eating problems
• worries and troubles – including changing schools
• puberty and growing up
• sexual health
• relationship advice
• smoking, drugs and alcohol
• other health problems, including long-term conditions
• advice about immunisations (injections)
• anything else you want to chat about.

Other sources of support :

• Have you noticed you’re staying up later, feeling more sensitive or that no one understands you? These are all normal feelings for teenagers and a sign of your developing brain. You can find out more about these changes with an online course ‘Understanding your teenage brain.’ Access your free course using the code ‘Invicta’.
• KOOTH is a safe space to talk to someone or share what’s on your mind. You can find support from the KOOTH community and browse through a selection of self-help articles or talk to an emotional well-being counsellor.
• Text ChatHealth on 07520 618850 if you are worried about anything and need support or advice. We can support you anonymously and confidentially with exam stress, feeling sad or worried, sexual health, body image concerns, and healthy lifestyle advice.

Useful links:

• Moving Up! The transition to secondary school animation: https://youtu.be/thnoUraeoGs
• Understanding your teenage brain: www.inourplace.co.uk
• Kooth www.kooth.com
• Moodsparks: https://moodspark.org.uk
• Kent Resilience Hub: https://kentresiliencehub.org.uk
• Kent Youth Health - improve your health and wellbeing: www.kentyouthhealth.nhs.uk