Covid-19 Parent and Student Wellbeing Information
There are many organisations offering support, advice and guidance to everyone about managing their own wellbeing and the wellbeing of children during this very unusual time. Some useful websites below that offer support and advice while schools are closed.
Some information we thought might be useful during the school closure. The below websites offer support and advice to parents on how to keep their children safe online while schools are closed.
COVID-19 Information for teenagers
Keeping your child safe online whilst they are off school
A guide for parents of children who have got in trouble online
Anna Freud – Supporting mental health
CAMHS - Lots of helpful resources to help support your mental health and well-being
For the foreseeable future, school nurses will not be carrying out any face to face contacts other than safeguarding. See below link for Derbyshire School Nurses website and Facebook page.
Derbyshire School nurses - continuing to support Public Heath http://www.derbyshireschoolnurses.org.uk/
Action for Children - Wellbeing Booklet
Looking after your feelings and your body
Domestic abuse - where to get help during the Covid-19 pandemic
Calm Zone - Try some breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/
How to protect your mental health
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799
MIND: Coronavirus and your well-being
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
Manage stress and anxiety
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Parent Info: Help and advice for families in a digital world
What to do if you are anxious about Coronavirus
Looking after your mental health while self-isolating
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-self-isolating/
Food Bank - South Derbyshire CVS
https://sdcvs.org.uk/services/food-projects
CEOP (child online exploitation protection) Home activity packs with simple 15 minute activities that parents can do with their child to support their online safety at a time they will be spending more time at home. New packs will be released every fortnight: http://ow.ly/GxOv50yVAev
Things you can do to support your child:
· Take time to talk to talk to your child about the COVID-19 outbreak and answer questions in a way your child understands (see links above)
· Sticking to a regular schedule is key, even when you’re all at home all day. Kids should get up, eat and go to bed at their normal times. Consistency and structure are calming during times of stress. Children, especially younger ones or those who are anxious, benefit from knowing what’s going to happen and when
· Limit exposure to news coverage. Staying informed is important, but it’s a good idea to limit exposure of news and social media that has the potential to feed your anxiety, and that of your children
· Stay in touch virtually. Keep your support network strong, even when you’re only able to call or text friends and family. Socialising plays an important role in regulating your mood and helping you stay grounded, and the same is true for your children. Communication via Skype and FaceTime can help children feel less alone and mitigate some of the stress that comes from being away from family and friends
· Make yourself available and give plenty of affection. Children may want extra attention from you and may want to talk about their worries, fears and questions
· Be honest and accurate – in the absence of factual information, children often imagine situations far worse than reality