Confused, overwhelmed and unsure how to navigate uncertain times and ensure your pupils' and your own wellbeing? Inside Government’s Schools Hub has compiled a resource bank to support you during this time.
Resources For Children:
- Child Mind Institute has shared tips and guidance on how to talk to kids about the Coronavirus.
- Dave The Dog Is Worried About Coronavirus is a book for children about Coronavirus that aims to give truthful information without fear and in a reassuring and friendly manner.
- MindHeart created Hello My Name Is Coronavirus, an interactive and printable short story to support and reassure children under the age of 7 regarding the Coronavirus. (available in multiple languages)
- The Australian Childhood Foundation created Staying Connected With Our Children, a poster that provides advice and ways for parents and carers to share connection, comfort and care with their children right now.
- YoungMinds shared their Parents Helpline experts’ advice on what you can do if you child is worried or anxious about Coronavirus. The ‘looking after your mental health while self-isolating’ blog also provides helpful guidance for young people.
- ChildLine provide a toolbox called Calm Zone which offers breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress. It also has a useful page on ‘Worries about the World’ which provide advice and guidance on how to navigate the news, including 5 thing to try if you’re worried.
ChildLine also provides 1-2-1 counselling sessions to any child or young person struggling during this time. The freephone ChildLine number is 0800 1111. More details about contacting the organisation can be found here.
Mental Health and Wellbeing for Adults
- Education Support are the only charity in the UK providing mental health and wellbeing support services for all education staff and organisations; and can offer support and help during these times.
- Heads Together have put together useful resources to help with anxiety, including videos and booklets that provide practical guidance to support pupil and adult mental wellbeing.
- The Child Mind Institute have collated advice and guidance to support families to adapt to the changing environment.
- TES published 7 ways to protect your mental health during unprecedented times.
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families have put together a FAQ and advice for young people, parents and carers, and schools and colleges on supporting young people’s mental health during periods of disruption.
- The Mental Health Foundation published advice and guidance relevant for all adult on how to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak.
- Pooky Knightsmith shared 5 tips for staying mentally well during the Coronavirus pandemic in YouTube videos.
The IG Schools Team has also put together 6 Top Tips for Coping with Kids at Home During the Coronavirus Crisis.
IGSchools is committed to supporting its community in any way we can during these unprecedented times. Therefore, over the coming days we will be opening our resource bank and creating content to allow our communities to continue delivering essential and important work.
Follow us on @IGSchools on Twitter and join our LinkedIn Group to keep in touch and be the first to read our content.
For general information and all government advice and updates, please visit Public Health England’s Coronavirus: What You Need to Know.
This article was written by Noreen Kassam - IG Schools Hub
