The AFC (Anna Freud Centre) Crisis Messenger text service is a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. The service is staffed by trained volunteers who will work with you to take your next steps towards feeling better. They can help with issues such as anxiety, worry, panic attacks, bullying and depression and are here to talk at any time of day or night.
If you need support, you can text AFC to 85258.Information for Parents During the Covid-19 Lockdown – January 2021
We know that the situation around the outbreak is constantly changing and that our everyday lives have changed dramatically. It is normal to feel anxious, worried and scared and we need make sure we are taking care of our mental health. This page is designed to give you some information to support this and help you to support your children in doing this too.
The following organisations are offering support and advice:
www.mind.org.uk www.familylives.org.uk www.family-action.org.uk
This link is to a wonderful e-book written by Dr Emma Hepburn about coping in the current situation, it includes lots of helpful advice : How to Stay Calm in a Global Pandemic
Helping your children with their anxiety/worry around the situation:
It is important at this time to help our children recognise and talk about the ongoing situation, this will hopefully help to reduce any feelings of anxiety they may be having. Supporting them may involve things like, allowing them to talk about any worries or concerns, supporting communication with family and friends and setting up routines, including time for play and exercise. The following websites have advice and support:
www.keep-your-head.com www.kooth.com www.youngminds.org.uk
Talking to Children about Coronavirus:
We need to continue to talk to our children about what is happening, answer any questions they have and address any worries they have. The pandemic has been part of our lives for a lengthy period of time and our children will continue to have questions, worries and concerns. The links below will help you to do this in a child friendly way:
0-3 years:
www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus
Primary School Age:
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the-Coronavirus.pdf
https://nosycrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus-A-Book-for-Children.pdf
https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Childrens-story-about-coronavirus.pdf
All Ages:
www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Some Tips for Home-Schooling:
Ideas to Support Children and Young People During the Coronavirus Pandemic:
Managing Feelings and Emotions
Managing Big Emotions
Allow them to feel
Connect with them
Offer Coping Strategies
Problem solve
Mindfulness (for children and adults)
Mindfulness involves maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts and feelings, body sensations and external environment. It helps us to tune in to what we are sensing at that moment rather than reliving the past or worrying about the future. Research has found mindfulness to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression. Below are some links to mindfulness type activities that can be found online:
Smiling Mind Mindfulness Resources
Kids relaxation techniques – Guided Imagery
Positive Psychology – Mindfulness for Children
Puppy Mind by Andrew Jordan Nance
Ten Percent Happier Meditation App
Coronavirus and Wellbeing
Responding to Coronavirus, Resources for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Pupils and Students During Periods of Disruption
Young Minds What to do if you are Anxious about Coronavirus
Newsround Advice if you are Upset by the News
World Health Organisation – Helping Children Cope with Stress During the Outbreak
Planning for the Future
It can be helpful to remind children and young people that this is temporary, and we can still plan for the future. This may help them see beyond the situation and begin to consider setting goals for their future. Some families have enjoyed creating a jar of activities which they wish to do after the pandemic is over including people they want to see, things to do and places they would like to go.
Helpful Books
Grief and Bereavement
Winston’s Wish (supporting children through bereavement)