An informative new website aimed at improving young people’s social and emotional wellbeing has been launched in Suffolk.

The website, which is aimed at caring for children and young people aged five to thirteen, has been developed by Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust in partnership with Suffolk County Council and NHS Suffolk.

The website is part of the County Council’s learning hub and can be found at http://www.school-portal.co.uk/GroupHomepage.asp?GroupID=1002390.

Around one in five children and young people experience mental health problems. Kate Dunne, Service Line Manager for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, which developed material for the site, said: “It is important that children get the support they need. Emotionally literate young people are less likely to experience mental distress. Families play an important role by providing protective factors such as positive role models and environments, strong beliefs and standards of behaviour and celebrating and valuing important life stages, such as birthdays. Caring, attentive and stable schools also contribute.”

The resource contains sections tailored for young people, a guide for parents, a guide for professionals and sections for teachers and schools.

The site covers information about the early development of the brain, specific conditions such as Tourette Syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), self-harm, eating disorders, depression and anxiety and local mental health services.

It also covers tips for effective communication and relationship-building, managing change and loss, coping with major life events such as divorce and bereavement, stress management, physical exercise and healthy eating.