At Goodwin Academy, the safety and wellbeing of every student is our highest priority. We are committed to creating and maintaining a secure, nurturing environment where all young people feel safe, supported, and able to thrive.
This page outlines our safeguarding approach, key contacts, emergency procedures, and a comprehensive list of support services.
Speak Up, Stay Safe
If you have a concern about yourself or someone else, you can use our Report It button (located on our student homepage, website footer and below) to share your concerns with the safeguarding team. Reports can be made anonymously.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, always call 999.
We work in line with statutory guidance, placing students’ health, safety, and welfare at the centre of all we do. Our staff are trained to identify concerns early and respond swiftly and effectively.
Goodwin Academy adheres to:
Meet the Safeguarding Team
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| Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Miss C Fraser Charlette.Fraser@goodwinacademy.tsat.uk | Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) |
We are proud to have a committed Mental Health and Wellbeing team dedicated to supporting the emotional wellbeing of our students. The team brings together experienced staff from across the school, working collaboratively to provide care, guidance and support when it is needed most.
Together, we can help our young people grow with confidence, resilience, and hope
To support our students and families, we share regular updates and information through our Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing newsletter.
From local charities and community services to spotlight subjects and in-school activities, our communications help to keep you informed.
A range of school based support is available to students at Goodwin Academy, including;
Below is a list of support services. These organisations offer confidential help for a wide range of needs, including mental health, self-harm, domestic abuse, relationships, LGBTQIA+ support, sexual health, bereavement, and crisis support.
| 24/7 Crisis Textlines & Helplines | |
 | Young Minds Textline Text YM to 85258 for free, confidential support for mental health crises. |
 | Shout Text KENT to 85258 for confidential, 24/7 support from trained counsellors. |
 | Childline — Under 19s Call 0800 11 11 for free, confidential support. Offers chat, email counselling, BSL interpreter support, and message boards. |
 | Samaritans — Any age Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for listening support. |
| Health & NHS Services | |
 | ChatHealth (ages 11–19) Text 07520 618850 for confidential advice on physical and mental health. |
 | Kent & Medway Wellbeing and Mental Health Services
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 | Kent Youth Health Comprehensive list of support services: kentyouthhealth.nhs.uk/gethelp |
| Self-Harm & Suicide Prevention Support | |
 | Alumina (ages 14–19) Free, online 7‑week self-harm support course. Anonymous participation. |
 | Papyrus – HOPELINEUK For young people experiencing suicidal thoughts. |
 | Mind & Body Kent (ages 13–25) Support for self-harm, drug misuse, or mental health challenges. |
| Eating Disorders Support | |
 | BEAT Eating Disorders Open daily. Call 0808 801 0677 or visit beateatingdisorders.org.uk. |
 | Anorexia & Bulimia Care (ABC)
Email: support@anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk (for individuals) |
| LGBTQIA+ Support | |
 | BeYou Project (ages 13–17) Virtual meet-ups and community support across Kent and Medway. |
 | Stonewall Youth Advice and resources for LGBTQIA+ students. Helpline: 0800 050 2020 |
 | The Proud Trust Support and guidance for LGBT+ youth: theproudtrust.org/for-young-people |
| Sexual Health & Relationships Education | |
 | Brook Free confidential sexual health support: brook.org.uk |
 | Rise Above Advice on relationships, consent and wellbeing: riseabove.org.uk |
| Kooth – Online Mental Wellbeing Support | |
 | Kooth (ages 10–25) Kooth is a free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing community for young people. It provides access to:
Website: https://www.kooth.com/ Kooth is available:
You do not need a referral or appointment — simply create an account and access support immediately. |
| Family & Parenting Support | |
 | Family Lives Support for all aspects of family life. Call 0808 800 2222 or email askus@familylives.org.uk. |
 | Inspire Families (Dover District) Support for families facing difficulties: dover.gov.uk/Community/Inspire |
| Domestic Abuse Support | |
 | Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Support for adults of all genders experiencing domestic abuse in East Kent, Medway & North Kent. |
| Support for Young People – Additional Local Services | |
 | Rising Sun – mentoring, counselling, group work for young people Website: risingsunkent.com/services-for-young-people |
 | The Mix (Under 25s) – webchat, phone, crisis messenger Call 0808 808 4994, text THEMIX to 85258 |
If you are in immediate danger
Call 999.
Your safety matters. You are never alone, and help is always available
We value the views and ideas of our students and families. Our suggestion form provides an opportunity to share thoughts on how we can further support mental health and wellbeing across the school.
We welcome suggestions for wellbeing activities, mental health programmes, student support groups, clubs, and initiatives that promote a positive and inclusive school environment.
Your feedback plays a vital role in helping us develop effective school wellbeing support that meets the needs of all students.
Submit your ideas using the form below.