North West SILC

Please see the recent media article published by the NHS Leeds West CCG about the NW SILC becoming the first school in Leeds to achieve MindMate Champion status.

"A multi-site community special school is celebrating after becoming the first school in Leeds to become a champion of mental health.

North West SILC, a school for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities, has successfully completed the MindMate Champion programme. The programme is supported by NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) Partnership and delivered by Leeds City Council’s Health and Wellbeing Service and Northpoint Wellbeing. It offers a framework for schools to create an environment to promote positive mental health, a subsidised training programme and a unique curriculum which supports young people to manage their own emotional and mental wellbeing.

North West SILC, which has two specialist sites at Meanwood and Guiseley, was the first school awarded MindMate Champion status in the city. The school also has four partnerships with mainstream schools within Leeds.

Gavin Hosford, Headteacher at North West SILC, said: 

“We are extremely proud to be the first school in Leeds to be designated as MindMate Champions. It is truly a testament to the wonderful team of dedicated staff that we have at the North West SILC, who have clearly demonstrated that they have our students at the heart of everything they do.

The MindMate programme has proved to be absolutely invaluable. The positive changes that we have made are recognised by pupils, parents, carers, families and the local authority. I would highly recommend that every school engages in the MindMate Champion programme.”

Dr Jane Mischenko, Commissioning Lead for Children & Maternity Services at NHS Leeds CCGs Partnership, said: 

“We are delighted to be highlighting the good work that North West SILC are doing to support their pupils. We are immensely proud of the MindMate Champions programme we have in Leeds. It recognises the crucial role schools can play in a student’s mental wellbeing and gives them the tools to do this. We’ve even had local authorities from other parts of the country contacting us, wanting to set up something similar.”

Councillor Lisa Mulherin, Executive Member for Children and Families, Leeds City Council said:  

“The vital work that we’re doing here in Leeds to support children and young people’s social, emotional and mental health is having a really positive impact.  MindMate exemplifies our commitment to ensuring the very best for children and families in Leeds and our ambition to become the best city for children to grow up in.

We’ve made great progress so far with 250 schools, SILCS and children’s centres registered on the programme. That’s almost 80% of our education settings in the city as well as Leeds City College and our youth work teams.  We also have two MindMate Champion settings in the city and I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate both the North West SILC and the East SILC for achieving this very special award.  I look forward to more schools and children’s centres achieving this status and sharing their best practice. There’s a lot to celebrate here in Leeds!”