Our services
All of our staff are now working from home. We are still open for referrals however, all services are remote. We are working hard to create virtual services to meet the needs of our service receivers.
Supporting wellbeing
There are lots of positive steps that you can take as a family to reduce anxiety and support your child’s resilience during this difficult time. Your child may be understandably worried about coronavirus and the changes that are taking place, over which they may feel they have little or no control. You may also be feeling anxious about what is happening, and how you can best support your child. Children will look to their parents or carers for reassurance and it is important that you look after yourself and take time for self-care – even a few minutes a day will make a difference. Top tips for supporting wellbeing include:
1. Stick to as many of your normal routines as possible so that children feel safe. This might include routines around meals and bedtimes
2. Plan in enjoyable activities that you can do together. Activities that support connection are particularly important. This could include: reading a favourite story together, playing a game of the child’s choice and letting them take the lead, baking, singing or drawing together. Young minds parenting hub has some excellent ideas for short activities with your child https://youngminds.org.uk/starting-a-conversation-with-your-child/20-activities-for-20-minutes/
3. For older children and teenagers plan a daily ‘check-in’ time when you can catch up on what has been happening, watch a TV programme together or have a chat. The Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families has produced a video for young people to support their mental health during https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME5IZn4-BAk&feature=youtu.be
4. Encourage children to stay connected with their friends and extended family through Skype, WhatsApp or Google Hangout. Research shows that being able to see a person, rather than simply hear them has a positive effect.
5. Take time for you. Get out for a walk if it is possible to do so, sit in the garden or access one of the free resources designed to support wellbeing. Headspace are providing resources: Weathering the Storm that have been made available to everyone free of charge. These include meditations, sleep and movement exercises. Find out more at https://www.headspace.com/covid-19
6. Limit children’s access to rolling news and constant updates about the virus. It is better if information is filtered through you or, for older children and teenagers accessed via an official website, such as Public Health www.GOV.UK