The government is now advising us to avoid all but essential social contact. This will mean that more of us will be spending a lot of time at home and many regular social activities will be unavailable. It is important that through this period of time we look after our own well-being and mental health as well as try and encourage our children to do the same.
It is important to schedule in physical activities and mindfulness breaks - below are some links to try and help you support your child at home.
Advice on talking to children about Coronavirus, by British Psychological Society:
Supporting parents and carers video - Anna Freud Centre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnANLAcpRZ4&feature=youtu.be
How to talk to your child about coronavirus, by Unicef:
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Child-friendly explanation of Coronavirus for Primary age students:
Information video on Coronavirus for Primary age children (KS2), by Brainpop:
https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
SHOUT - text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for 24/7 crisis text support
Shout is the UK's first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere.
Childline - Call 0800 1111 (24 hours)
Comforts, advises and protects children 24 hours a day and offers free confidential counselling.
NSPCC Helpline - Call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
If you're worried about a child, even if you're unsure, contact our professional counsellors for help, advice and support.
Winston's Wish - Call 08088 020021
Supports bereaved children, young people and their families
Samaritans - Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org (24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
If you need to talk to someone, the Samaritans can help- they offer emotional support and a listening ear 25 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is a freephone number that can even be called from a mobile that has no credit. Your call will not appear on the phone bill.
CALM Helpline - Call 0800 58 58 58
Confidential support for men, 7 days a week, 5pm to midnight, free
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - Call 0808 2000 247
Free, confidential, 24 hour helpline
https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Women's Aid - Live Chat https://chat.womensaid.org.uk
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors
Information and support for women experiencing domestic violence
www.womensaid.org.uk/covid-19-coronavirus-safety-advice-for-survivors
BCP Community Coronavirus Support
You can request help with deliveries of food and other essentials as well as support with loneliness and wellbeing. Call - 0300 1231752 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week)
Citizens Advice
Providing advice on issues such as debt management and welfare benefits, housing, immigration and asylum, employment, consumer complaints and landlord-tenant disputes.
Citizens Advice Harrow - Phone us 020 8427 9477
Email advice@citizensadviceharrow.org.uk
Citizens Advice Brent - Phone us 020 8438 1249