Wellbeing and Mental Health Information
We are currently in a period of uncertainty which can sometimes be worrying for children of any age. If you feel that your child might be feeling more anxious than usual during this difficult time, we have put together a list of places where you may be able to find some help or advice:
How to best support a child worried about Coronavirus:
The NSPCC has created a new webpage with information and advice for parents or carers who are worried a child or young person may be struggling with their mental health or has anxiety about Coronavirus, and advice on how to talk about difficult topics:
www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talking-about-difficult-topics/
The NSPCC Library and Information Service has created a reading list of books for children who are worried or anxious:
http://email.nspcc.org.uk/c/1kfRyVOWlFg8vg5VBzKRBR84
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide some helpful messages on how to talk to children about Coronavirus:
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html
Emerging Minds, in collaboration with the University of Reading and the University of Oxford, has published evidence-based advice for parents and carers supporting children and young people with worries about Coronavirus. A resource list is also available which includes links grouped by age category and resources for children and young people with specific needs. Read the news story:
Coronavirus for children: Children’s Commissioner. This children’s guide to coronavirus aims to answer children’s questions about coronavirus. It provides guidance on how children can stay safe and protect other people from the impact of coronavirus.
It also gives ideas on how young people can help them make the best of their time at home.
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/
Children and young people with autism:
The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH) has released a podcast for parents and carers about supporting children and young people with autism during the Coranavirus outbreak. Listen to the podcast:
www.acamh.org/podcasts/cornavirus-autism-a-parents-guide/
The National Autistic Society (NAS) has also published resources for people with autism of all ages.
NAS resources:
www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/resources/helpful-resources.aspx