In these challenging times, we need to make sure we take care of our own, as well as our children's, health and mental health, and to promote positive wellbeing.
If you or your child are struggling in any of these areas, please contact the school and we will do what we can to support you. For instance, Miss Spears, our Learning Mentor, and Mrs Ali, our Family Support Worker, both work closely with our children and parents/carers to support them.
The NHS is providing 24/7 urgent mental health helplines. They provide expert advice and assessment for children and adults facing a mental health crisis. People can call for themselves, or on behalf of someone else. If you or your child need help for a mental health crisis, find your local 24/7 urgent mental health helpline at nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth
You can call for:
- 24-hour advice and support – for you, your child, your parent or someone you care for;
- help to speak to a mental health professional;
- an assessment to help decide on the best course of treatment.
NHS England and NHS Improvement have also published new guidance on children and young people’s mental health from Dr Prathiba Chitsabesan, Associate National Clinical Director for Children and Young People’s Mental Health. This include advice for parents and carers, information on how to access services.
Birmingham Children’s Partnership has produced a short film for parents/carers, highlighting support available in the city.
The Hub of Hope is the UK’s go-to mental health support signposting tool, with more than 1,800 local, regional, grassroots, and national services currently listed, and that number growing each day. More than just another mental health app, it is a gateway to recovery, where you can find readily available support near you. It includes a “Get Help Now” function which allows you to talk directly to Samaritans or access text message support via Crisis Text line. You can access the Hub of Hope FREE online or download for FREE from the App Store or Play Store. There is always help and there is ALWAYS hope.
Give Us a Shout provides free, confidential, 24/7 text message support in the UK for anyone struggling to cope. They can help with issues including suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, abuse, self-harm, relationship problems and bullying. Text "Shout" to 85258 to speak to an empathetic, trained volunteer who will listen and work with you to solve problems.
From Birmingham With Love resource offers a wide range of help and support for families living in and around Birmingham, for free.
Pause offer support for any child under the age of 25 with a Birmingham GP, with 20-30 minute support sessions either on the phone, via video call or face-to-face; children under the age of 13 have to have a parent/carer make the referral on their behalf.
The Government have produced advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Every Mind Matters have expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
BBC Bitesize are providing top tips, useful links and expert advice to support you and your child's wellbeing and learning in a changing world.
Barnardo’s See, hear, respond hub provide information for parents and carers to help with some of the challenges the pandemic has presented.
WeHeartCBT have put together an excellent set of fact sheets for young people on stress, anxiety, low mood and distress that help to explain what these feelings are, signs to spot and the science behind them. They also provide support for parents/carers.
Here are some other strategies and tips that might be useful: