During these difficult times it is very important that we look after our mental health and wellbeing, especially if we may be having to stay in isolation for long periods of time. Further to the documents previously shared, we have compiled a selection of some support services that may be useful.
Talking to your child can help and BBC Newsround has some excellent short films to support your conversations. BBC Newsround: Coronavirus
Worry Box
We may not be with you in person but we are still here for you and will be thinking of you every day. Children are used to using Worry Boxes in school. This is another version of the Worry Box where children can post anything that is worrying them and we will try to help.
Please also refer to the News Post Five Ways to Wellbeing which includes lots of helpful ideas and links to Blogs.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing – Mind
You might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include being asked to stay at home or avoid other people. This might feel difficult or stressful. But there are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing.
Mind: coronavirus and your wellbeing
NHS – Self Care Kit for children
This kit has lots of ideas for selfcare for children, including mindful colouring, laughing out loud, breathing exercises, ways to express thoughts, a self soothe box and more creative activities.
NHS COVID 19 Self Care Kit For Children
Calm zone – Childline
Childline has produced a toolkbox of activities such as breathing exercises, coping videos, yoga, videos and games that can help children feel calm in a period of disruption
Helping children and young people to manage anxiety: A practical guide
This booklet draws on the existing evidence base around self-care and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to think about how we can support children and young people struggling with anxiety.
Helping Children and Young People To Manage Anxiety
How to look after your family’s mental health when you’re stuck indoors-Parentzone
With schools closing and many adults working from home, families are going to be cooped up. It is easy to get cabin fever when children who are used to running around the playground and hanging out with friends are stuck indoors with their parents. Here are some tips for keeping everyone’s spirits up as much as possible as we self-isolate.
Parentzone article with helpful strategies
Keeping Calm-Cbeebies
Seven techniques for helping children keep calm
Cbeebies Seven Techniques For Helping Kids Keep Calm
Caring for each other – Sesame Street
Videos, activities and tips for the whole family, especially parents, to care for themselves and others during this time.
Self-care strategies – the Anna Freud Centre
The Anna Freud Centre has compiled a selection of self-care strategies that have been developed by young people to help manage their own wellbeing. During a time when access to regular appointments may be disrupted or anxiety might be heightened, it might be helpful to try one or some of these strategies.
Self Isolating & Dealing With Conflict (The Children’s Society)
With the current Coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak and Government recommendations to limit social contact, many people will be spending more time at home than they are used to. This may mean spending more time with family, carers or friends and this may create difficult situations, especially for those coping with pre-existing family problems. The Children’s society asked one of their well-being practitioners to share her top tips for dealing conflict at home.
Childrens Society: dealing with conflict at home
How to keep mentally healthy during uncertain times- Action for Happiness
These ideas and examples can help you find ways to look after your wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.
Young Minds Helpline for parents and young people
If there are concerns about a young person’s mental health during this difficult time, you can contact the Young Minds Helplines.
Parents Helpline: If you are a parent who needs advice about your child’s mental health you can contact the Parents Helpline directly on 0808 802 between 9:30am-4pm
Knowing Your Mental Health