Support for Parents

Mental Health and Well-being

Guidance from the Government

COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing

The British Psychological Society

This advice sheet is produced by The British Psychological Society aimed at children and designed to answer any questions they may have.

It explains what a key worker is and why they have to spend so much time at work right now, discusses Coronavirus safety on a basic level and encourages young people to talk to their parents when they're feeling worried.

Education Endowment Foundation

One of the most important ways to keep mentally healthy is to have routine and structure, and to maintain a healthy sleep pattern. The Education Endowment Foundation (EFF) have produced a series of checklists to help parents and children manage their routines.

All the EEF materials to support home learning can be found here: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/covid-19-resources/support-resources-to-share-with-parents/ 

Mentally Healthy Schools-Anna Freud Centre

The Anna Freud Centre has published a range of resources to help support the mental health of children, young people, school staff and parents. 

Toolkit 1 contains resources for mental health and wellbeing

  • a booklet to support schools
  • videos to provide practical guidance and tips to schools, parents and carers about coronavirus (COVID-19) and mental health
  • activities to ease anxiety that can be done at school or at home and other helpful advice, helplines and resources for adults and children.
  • 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.

    https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/news-and-blogs/our-blog/dealing-with-conflict-at-home

    Educational Psychology Community Support Line

    Tel: 01384 814381
    Email: epsupport@dudley.gov.uk
    Mondays – Fridays* (9am – 5pm)

    Support is available to all Dudley school staff, and parents/ carers of Dudley children and young people.


    You can call about any concerns you have about a child/ young person’s:
    Behaviour
    Learning
    Worries and anxiety
    Transitions

    Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Support Line - 03456460827

    Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have launched  a 24-7 support line for children, young people and adults requiring urgent mental health support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Please don’t suffer in silence. If you are experiencing increased distress or anxiety during these uncertain times, pick up the phone and speak to one of the teams specialist mental health professionals who will be able to support you.

    The number is 03456460827 and is open 24-7.

    West Midlands Domestic Abuse Support Leaflet

    Please find information around support for those experiencing Domestic Abuse during the COVID19 crisis on the West Midlands Domestic Abuse Support Leaflet below. 

    Educational Psychology for Everyone

    We have been recommended the following two resources.

    The first is a picture book for children who are worried about coronavirus called "Everybody Worries"

    https://en.calameo.com/read/000777721945cfe5bb9cc?authid=Xu9pcOzU3TQx

    The second is a poster by Trauma Informed UK called "Preparing Your Child For the First Day Back in School"

    https://www.traumainformedschools.co.uk/images/preparing_your_child_for_the_return_to_school.jpg 

    Financial Support

    Welfare Helpline

    This service is open to anyone living in Dudley who has been impacted by Coronavirus (Covid 19). This could be loss of income due to illness, reduction in working hours, loss of a job or any other similar situation where the resident may require advice on welfare benefits.

    The phone line is open: Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30 a.m to 1.00 p.m and 2.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. on 01384 815002

    Free School Meals

    We are very aware that lots of you may be facing a change in circumstance financially as a result of the corona virus outbreak. We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of the availability of financial support in the form of “Free School Meals.” Traditionally this entitles your child to a free school meal, however during the period that school is closed to the majority of pupils the government have arranged a national supermarket voucher scheme. 

    If you get any of the following support payments your child may be entitled to receive free school meals: 

    Income Support

    Income-based Jobseekers Allowance

    Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

    Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

    the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

    Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

    Working Tax Credit Run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

    Universal Credit 

    If you meet the eligible criteria it is something very worthwhile and can be organised by completing a simple online form that can be found following the link below:

    Online Safety

    Government Advice: COVID19 - SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND CARERS TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE ONLINE

    This guidance outlines resources to help keep children safe from different risks online and where to go to receive support and advice.

    CEOP - ThinkuKnow: Online Safety Home Packs

    Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK oganisation which protects children both online and offline. 

    Each fortnight, they will be releasing new home activity packs with simple 15 minute activities you can do with your child to support their online safety at a time when they will spending more time online at home.

    For further information on how to keep your children safe online please take a look at our 'Online Safey' page. 

    TRIPLE P - POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAMME

    Triple P is an onlline parenting programme, but it doesn’t tell you how to be a parent. It’s more like a toolbox of ideas. You choose the strategies you need. You choose the way you want to use them. It’s all about making Triple P work for you.

    https://www.dudleyparents.co.uk/home 

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