Social, emotional and mental health (SEMH)
If you're worried about someone
You should call:
- 999 if you or another person are in immediate danger
- 111 (and select option 2 when asked) if you or another person are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Where there is a safeguarding concern, seek safeguarding support.
What is SEMH
It’s normal to feel different emotions throughout the day. But sometimes these emotions can be overwhelming and can affect our mental health.
Children and young people who struggle with SEMH often have difficulties in managing their emotions and behaviour. It’s important to consider factors which can affect a child or young person’s mood and behaviour.
SEMH is one of the 4 main categories of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) SEND Code of Practice. In education, this relates to the support a child or young person might need to manage their emotions, behaviours and mental wellbeing.
What SEMH can look like
Typical characteristics of those with SEMH may include:
- low self-esteem
- lack of confidence
- anxiety
- dysregulated emotional states
- withdrawn or isolated behaviour
- behaviours which may be challenging
- persistent low mood
- difficulty in forming and keeping healthy relationships.
Children and young people with SEMH often struggle to engage in a learning environment. They also find it difficult to make and keep relationships with other children, young people, and adults.
SEMH support
Children and young people who struggle with SEMH will often benefit from additional support to:
- improve their quality of life
- achieve improved and or positive outcomes.
SEMH does not have to be a life-long condition.
With the right support, children and young people can move forward in their development and live successful and happy lives.
For more information and support, view our: