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Well-being - Parent & Carer Support

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We recognise that these are unprecedented and uncertain times and that can cause a high level of anxiety for both children and adults.  We want to ensure that families continue to feel supported during this time so we have compiled some resources and useful contacts that you and your family may find helpful. 

If you cannot find the information you need on this page and feel that school could help or signpost you in the right direction then please email office@stnm.org.uk and it will be passed on to our pastoral team.

May be an image of text that says 'Self-Care & Mental Health for Kids Share your own feelings to encourage self- awareness. Set aside time for low-stress or solo activities. Find social groups that help them feel like they belong. Encourage journaling and diaries. Focus on articulating feelings Iam am angry; am sad. Practice self-care for yourself to set the standard. Encourage your child to focus on the moment. Recognize toxic stress events. Establish self-care routine. Cultivate interests BlessingManifesting and hobbies.'

Daily Care Cards: This is an excellent resource for your children to discuss/fill in at key times during the day. It encourages them to think about what they will do to look after themselves and others as well as asking them to reflect upon the day:  Daily Care Card

I can / I cannot control poster: this will help you identify what you can and cannot control and to focus on those things you can control and let go of those you cannot. I Can / I Cannot Control

Advice on looking after your mental health: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak

Through My Window by Naomi Moore: "I hope this booklet will help support those who work with children, young people and even adults to think about challenging behaviour through a different lens." Naomi is a play and creative arts therapist and therapeutic wellbeing practitioner for children, young people and families. She predominantly works in education, hospitals and in private practice delivering therapeutic service and workshops. Click to read Through My Window

A Guide to Our Feelings and Zones

May be an image of text that says '10 Things to Say. instead of Stop Crying Itsoktoe ok to sad .This is really hard for you Tell me about it 3.Im Im here with you 5.1hear you 6. That was really scary, sad, etc. help you work it out 8. L'm listening 9. Ihear that you need space. Iwant to be here for you. I'TI stay close so you can find me when youre ready. happinessishereblog.com The Gottman nstitute 10.It doesnt feel fair'

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Outside agency support if you are wanting more help with understanding/supporting your child's behaviour: 

Some level of support may be able to be accessed through the local Early Help duty service. They can be contacted by emailing: adurworthinghub@westsussex.gov.uk

Any safeguarding concerns should be raised with MASH - the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub. The telephone number is: 01403 229900 and the email address is: mash@westsussex.gov.uk 

Text Your School Nurse – ChatHealth Messaging Service (NHS): During these unsettling times, as a parent of child aged between 5-19 years old you may be worried about your child’s health and wellbeing and be unsure about how to get the help you need.  Our school nurses are still there to help – you can text them for confidential advice and support on a wide range of issues.  Parent/carers of a child aged 5-19 can send a text to:  07480 635424 They can help with all kinds of things like:

  • Behaviour
  • Continence
  • Emotional health
  • Self-harm
  • Bullying
  • Minor accidents and illnesses

Your ChatHealth messaging service is run by the Healthy Child Programme 5-19 School Nursing Service and is available from 9am to 4.30pm Monday – Friday (excluding Bank Holidays). They aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate bounce-back to confirm they have received your text. Texts will not be seen outside of normal working hours. If you need help before you hear back from them, contact you GP, NHS 111 or dial 999 if it is an emergency.

Foodbank information: please click HERE for details about the foodbank in Fishersgate and Shoreham as well as contact details for local support.

Mental Health Support

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Government Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: Government Advice on looking after the mental health and well-being of young people

Support for vulnerable residents: please CLICK HERE for details of support from Adur & Worthing Councils. 

General Advice: with the majority of us spending prolonged periods of time at home, taking care of your mind as well as your body has never been more important. The Every Mind Matters website from the NHS has guidance, tips and advice on looking after your mental health and wellbeing at this challenging time. If you are unsure about the advice then take a look at the government website for guidance on what you can and cannot do. There is also a really helpful blog from Public Health England which is regularly updated to answer many frequently asked questions.  Please follow the NHS advice

Talking to your children about difficult subjects

The following two links look at different feelings that children may have during the lockdown period: 

Reassuring children who are worried about coronavirus - advice for parents and carers: Anna Freud, National Centre for Children and Families

Winston’s Wish: Some subjects can be really difficult to talk about with children. Winston’s Wish provide excellent advice on a range of difficult issues (click on the following) :

If you face challenges, do be in touch with us and visit https://www.winstonswish.org/coronavirus/

NSPCC: the NSPCC has also created a number of resources to support parents and carers during this difficult time. Topics include:

  • Talking to a child worried about coronavirus
  • Parents working from home
  • Children staying home alone
  • Lockdown and separated parents
  • How to cope with tantrums and other difficult behaviour

The advice can be found here: NSPCC website

Some links of interest whilst self isolating

Coronavirus and claiming Benefits Update  

Please find a link below to the latest information about coronavirus and claiming benefits   https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/  

Local advice and support (including support for those over 70yrs old)

Journey togetherGuided by GodTo do the best we can