Each week, we will provide information and resource ideas in the parent/carer newsletter to support the positive mental health and wellbeing of our children and their families, especially now during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Latest Wellbeing update:

Here is a summary of previous updates that you may find useful. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our school ELSA, Lorraine Watkins at wellbeing@emmanuel.camden.sch.uk.

Additional information:

Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust have created two videos to support parents of children and young people during the pandemic. These are short but with good advice and are presented by child psychotherapist Laverne Antrobus. The content was brought together as a result of questions from parents.

Video 1: Connecting well

Even with the best intentions, parenting can be testing at times. COVID-19 has added an extra layer of complexity that hasn’t been easy to navigate. Child psychotherapist Laverne Antrobus answers parents’ question and others, including:

· As a parent, how do you get “me” time during lockdown?

· Has your kids’ sibling rivalry taken on serious tones during lockdown?

· How do you support an outgoing / sociable child during this period of isolation?

Video 2: Coping well

Parents, how are you coping under social isolation measures? If you’re like most, you’re encountering new parenting challenges, sometimes on a daily basis. This video offers support for parents through the tricky bits: finding routine, managing screen time and getting good rest during lockdown. COVID has brought death a closer reality for many of us. As a parent, how do you support your child through the grief?

Where to access support and information to support children

Every Mind Matters:

The NHS’s Every Mind Matter’s campaign continues to provide support and advice for young people aged 13-18 and parents/carers of children and young people from 5-18. Visit:
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

MindEd

MindEd provides a broad range of mental health resources dedicated to families and their children. For more information visit: https://mindedforfamilies.org.uk/

Government guidance

The Government guidance and advice for parents/carers to support the mental health of themselves and their children during the coronavirus pandemic has been updated—please visit the website to access the report: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents-and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Coronavirus Stories for Children
https://nosycrowcoronavirus.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Coronavirus-ABookForChildren.pdf

‘My Hero is You’ story

Anna Freud https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/
Provides resources around self-care for both children and families

Young Minds www.youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus
General information for young people about managing their mental health

Stop, Breathe and Think https://www.stopbreathethink.com/kids/
Phone, tablet or web app to support mindfulness

BBC Newsround https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51204456
BBC Newsround has a section on Coronavirus with guidance to keep children informed and tips to feel supported.

Supporting bereaved children

The Childhood Bereavement Network offers advice on talking to children about death and gives practical support.
http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/help-around-a-death/covid-19.aspx

Winston’s Wish also provides guidance on how to tell a child or young person that someone has died from coronavirus.
https://www.winstonswish.org/telling-a-child-someone-died-from-coronavirus/

Support Bereaved Children on Creative Education website. Itgives lots of strategies and tips on how to talk to bereaved children.
https://elearning.creativeeducation.co.uk/courses/supporting-students-with-bereavement/lessons/welcome-14/