Dear Parents, Carers and Students

• Reminder – Important dates to note:
  Wednesday 24th June – Open Evening for Prospective Year 7 – Please note that there will be an early finish at 2.35pm, end of Period 5.
  Thursday 25th June – Late start following Open Evening – School will start later at 10am due to the number of students involved in the late evening event the night before. More information will be sent in next week’s communication.
• Abbey Travel have been informed (parents/carers will have been emailed by the company), we have also informed the bus company for the 602 bus.

MHST Webinars - Adolescent Low Mood - Provided by Bexley Mental Health support team
Please see attached information about a MHST webinar on Adolescent Low Mood.

Young Carers
According to research, as many as 1 in 5 children in the UK are young carers. These young people often balance their education with significant responsibilities at home, from practical tasks like cooking and cleaning to providing vital emotional support.

As a school, we want to ensure that every young carer is identified and supported so they can achieve their full potential. Through our partnership with Imago Young Carers Services, students can access:

• One-to-one support and wellbeing advice.
• Respite activities and trips to meet other young carers and have fun.
• School-based support to help balance homework and caring roles.

Please see the link to this month’s Young Carers newsletter for Bexley: June Bexley Young Carers Newsletter

How you can help: If your child has a caring role at home, please let us know. We want to ensure they have the right support in place to thrive both at home and in the classroom.

For more information on the services available, or to register for support, you can visit the Imago Community Website or contact the school’s Young Carer Lead Mrs Kerai via safeguarding@townleygrammar.org.uk

Reminder - Men's Health Week – 15th - 21st June 2026
We shared the following information last week, but felt that as it is next week it would be right to share again. It is important to think about the health and well-being of the boys and young men in our lives. While we often focus on physical health, nurturing their mental and emotional well-being is just as vital. Navigating the pressures of growing up today isn't easy, and as parents and carers, it can sometimes be challenging to know how to start open conversations about mental health, or what to do if you notice a change in your child's behaviour.

If you are worried about a young person or looking for guidance on how to support them, there are incredible resources available to help you navigate these conversations:

• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): CALM focuses on standing up against suicide and providing life-saving support. They have a dedicated Care and Support Page packed with practical advice, tools, and information on how to support someone who might be struggling or going through a tough time.
• Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide): Papyrus is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health in young people. If you are deeply concerned that a young person might be struggling with overwhelming thoughts, they have produced a highly supportive guide: "Worried about someone?" Digital Leaflet. This leaflet offers invaluable advice on spotting the warning signs, how to ask the right questions, and where to seek immediate help.
• Samaritans (Support for Adults): Taking care of a young person can take an emotional toll on you, too. If you are struggling to cope, feeling overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to in total confidence, the Samaritans are there for you 24/7. You can call them free anytime on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org for free, non-judgmental support.

Please remember that you don't have to have all the answers, and simply letting a young person know that it is okay to talk—and that you are there to listen without judgment—can make a world of difference.

Let’s use this Men’s Health Week to check in, encourage open discussions, and ensure our young men know they never have to carry their burdens alone.

Kind regards,

Sarina Totty

Headteacher/CEO