Information for Schools
COVID-19 and children and young people’s mental health: useful resources
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For Children and Young People
- YoungMinds advice on wellbeing when self-isolating - Young mental health activists have compiled a first-hand advice piece on looking after your mental health while self-isolating.
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-self-isolating/
- BBC Newsround - Has information on the illness itself, and a range of stories connected to its impact for children and young people.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51887051/ (Tips for if you're worried about the coronavirus)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51656718/ (How to cope when you can’t go to school because of the coronavirus)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51911025/ (advice on how to manage worries around covid-19)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51204456 (Coronavirus: What is being done to tackle the virus?)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/51958714 (positive stories to emerge from corona virus)
- Rethink Mental illness online hub - A variety of resources for support for the self and others:
https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/covid-19-support/
- Mencap - Easy Read guide to Coronavirus:
- Student Minds Advice and support:
https://www.studentminds.org.uk/coronavirus
- CWP Mymind website – various resources & useful information on coronavirus & mental health/ wellbeing
https://www.mymind.org.uk/coping/coping-with-covid-19-coronavirus/
- Anna Freud self-care:
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/
- Place2Be - Helpful information to answer children questions about coronavirus:
https://www.place2be.org.uk/about-us/news-and-blogs/2020/march/coronavirus-information-for-children/
- Mind - Coronavirus and your wellbeing:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
- Childline - Worries about the world:
- Childline Toolbox & calm zone - Take your mind off things with games, advice from our videos or find new ways to handle your emotions:
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/
- Priory Group - Understanding anxiety illustration:
https://www.priorygroup.com/media/594863/understanding-childhood-anxiety-v1.jpg
- NPR - Coronavirus comic strip:
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For Children and Young People with Specific Needs
- Helpful tips on managing OCD symptoms and dealing with handwashing during outbreak from OCD-UK (aimed at adults but also suitable for teenagers):
https://www.ocduk.org/ocd-andcoronavirus-survival-tips/
https://www.ocduk.org/ocd-and-coronavirus-top-tips/
- The international OCD foundation has published advice for parents of youth with OCD:
https://iocdf.org/covid19/talking-to-kidsabout-covid-19/
- Additude has published some advice for parents of children with ADHD:
https://www.additudemag.com/explaincoronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-adhd-child/
- National Autistic Society – Covid-19 guidance and helpline for parents, young people and staff
Here
https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus.aspx
- Anna Kennedy Online has provided some advice for parents of children with ASC:
https://www.annakennedyonline.com/autism-and-coronavirus-advice-for-parentsby-rosie-weldon/
- Advice for reducing the impact of routine disruption for those with ASC:
https://themighty.com/2020/03/covid-19-autism-routine-disruption/
- Social story about COVID-19:
https://theautismeducator.ie/wpcontent/uploads/2020/03/The-Corona-Virus-Free-Printable-.pdf
- Practical AAC communication resources - A variety of learning resource tips for those with communication needs, and resources for explaining coronavirus to those with severe communication needs
https://praacticalaac.org/praactical/praactical-resources-dealing-with-the-covid-19-pandemic/
- AFIRM Autism Focused Intervention Resources & Modules:
https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/supporting-individuals-autism-through-uncertain-times/
- Brain in hand – personal technology for independent living, Suitable for people with a range of neurodiverse and mental health difficulties, Brain in Hand improves confidence, enables people to cope with anxiety, and increases independence.
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For Parents and Carers
- British Psychological society
https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/bps-highlights-importance-talking-children-about-coronavirus
https://www.bps.org.uk/responding-coronavirus/ (tips talking to children about COVID-19 concerns)
- Carers UK guide - Carers and young carers will face extra challenges during isolation periods, so Carers UK have prepared a guide.
- Place2Be – Guide to helping parents answer questions from their children and to support family wellbeing Here
- The Great Indoors - Scouts UK have compiled a list of activities and instructions on indoor activity for children
https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors/
- The Association for Child & Adolescent Mental Health - Coronavirus and helping children with autism
https://www.acamh.org/podcasts/cornavirus-autism-a-parents-guide/
- Supporting Children during Social Distancing – information provided by Liverpool CAMHS & Liverpool Learning Partnership
https://wakelet.com/wake/564d7bc8-4bc9-462f-a9e1-2deb03150c3f
- Coronavirus & your mental wellbeing – information from Scottish Association for Mental Health
- Unicef - How To Talk To Children About Coronavirus
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-teachers-can-talk-children-about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
- NHS tips and advice how to talk to your child about their Covid-19 anxieties:
https://www.flourishingfamiliesclinic.nhs.uk/parents/
- The National Association of School Psychologists:
- Wandering minds of a Psychologist:
https://wanderingmindofapsychologist.com/2020/03/11/covid-19-psychological-survival/
- BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour covered a discussion about how to talk to children about COVID-19:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p085rjkm
- This Vimeo provides tips and advice about how to talk to your child about natural disasters and news events:
- YoungMinds - Talking to your child about the coronavirus:
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/talking-to-your-child-about-coronavirus/
- Dr. Ehrenreich-May is a child psychologist who has produced Vimeos:
https://vimeo.com/398065042 (three tips for talking to your child about COVID-19)
https://vimeo.com/398401539 (dealing with strong emotions when self-isolating with children)
- The Child’s Mind Institute has published a video providing advice on talking to children about COVID-19:
https://childmind.org/coping-during-covid-19-resources-for-parents/
- Anna Freud Centre - Supporting parents and carers video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnANLAcpRZ4
- 10 Ways To Handle Coronavirus Stress In Front of Kids:
https://www.babygaga.com/coronavirus-stress-parenting-tips/
- FACE COVID – Russ Harris The Happiness Trap:
https://www.baps.org.uk/content/uploads/2020/03/FACE-COVID-by-Russ-Harris-pdf-pdf.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmvNCdpHUYM
- Let’s Talk About CBT:
http://letstalkaboutcbt.libsyn.com/coping-with-anxiety-about-coronavirus/
- Psychology Tools:
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For Professionals / General
- British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-from-bacp/coronavirus/coronavirus-advice-for-the-public/
- Centre for Mental Health collection - Centre for Mental Health have compiled resource and links on various aspects of coronavirus affecting us
https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus-update
- MIND – covering Practical advice for staying at home, Taking care of your mental health and wellbeing, Support for work, benefits and housing & Checklist for staying at home
- World Health Organisation - Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
- Anxiety UK - Health And Other Forms Of Anxiety And Coronavirus
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/blog/health-and-other-forms-of-anxiety-and-coronavirus/
https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/blog/covid-19-and-anxiety-part2/
- British Dietetic Association (BDA) - provides some guidance on questions related to nutrition and dietary issues during the COVID-19 / Coronavirus pandemic.
https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/covid-19-corona-virus-advice-for-the-general-public.html
- Free confidential support line open 24 hours for any staff working in education: 08000 562 561
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/helping-you
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists
https://www.rcot.co.uk/staying-well-when-social-distancing
- Anna Freud Centre:
https://www.annafreud.org/media/11160/supporting-schools-and-colleges.pdf (Supporting schools and colleges booklet)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjSh5SYWFqM (Supporting schools video)
- Education Support – wellbeing support for education staff:
https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/helping-you/
- Government Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)