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It’s normal to be worried or scared about the current situation which we find ourselves in, here are some tips to help you get through:

• Reduced exposure to the news reports
• Have a creative outlet, do puzzles or sudoku
• Take daily exercise, as detailed in the Government Guidance
• Write it out, keep a diary 
• Wherever possible keep in contact with family and friends, and visual contact with those who have the digital tools for this
• Reach out and support others
• Remember all the positive memories you have
• Think about future hopes and dreams
• Try to stay positive, commit to the things you are encouraging in others to do, like trying to be Resilient
• Stay in control

(taken from Wakefield Adult Education, Manygates Safeguarding team with permission)

Local Support Agencies

• https://www.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk/ – 01924 255 363 – currently still open and taking referrals, unable to see clients face to face

• https://www.wellwomenwakefield.org.uk/ – 01924 211 114 – centre temporary closed, however website being updated with helpful information

• https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk/ – 01924 339 157 – national mental health charity, centre based in Wakefield

• https://talking.turning-point.co.uk/wakefield/my-turning-point/ –              01924 234 860 – not currently hosting face to face, group meetings but counselling and coaching remotely via phone calls or video calls

https://www.samaritans.org/branches/wakefield/ – 116 123 free from any phone, 0330 094 5717 local call charges apply – not currently hosting face to face, group meetings but phone lines are still open

Guidance for the public on the mental health and well-being aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19

The Mental Health Foundation

– How to Look after Your Mental Health during the Coronavirus outbreak

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/

https://mhfaengland.org/my-whole-self/ – Mind video reducing isolation when working from home. 

Give us a Shout – https://www.giveusashout.org/  – Text Shout to 85258

Shout is a 24/7 UK crisis text service available for times when people feel they need immediate support. It is free and confidential to text from the following major networks; EE, 02, Three, Vodafone, BT Mobile, Tesco Mobile, Virgin Mobile, Sky, Telecom Plus, Lebara, Giffgaff.  Some networks do charge and this will appear on bills

This initial list of mental wellbeing resources is based on the recommendations of trusted partners. It is designed to provide guidance on how to support the wellbeing of children and young people being educated remotely.

Primary

Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families

Website: https://www.annafreud.org/what-we-do/anna-freud-learning-network/coronavirus/

Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2

Description: wellbeing advice for all those supporting children and young people.

Children’s Commissioner

Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/publication/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/

Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2

Description: a downloadable guide for children about coronavirus.

MindEd

Website: https://www.minded.org.uk/

Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2, 3-5

Description: an educational resource for all adults on children and young people’s mental health.

Registration: not required, but registration increases functionality

The Child Bereavement Network

Website: http://www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/covid-19.aspx

Key stages: early years foundation stage to key stage 2, 3-5

Description: advice on supporting grieving children during the coronavirus outbreak.

Secondary

Website: https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-blogs

Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5

Description: advice on dealing with school closures and talking to children about COVID-19.

Children’s Society

Website: https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/coronavirus-information-and-support

Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5

Description: information and support on different aspects of mental health and wellbeing.

Rise Above

Website: https://riseabove.org.uk/topic/my-mind/

Key stages: key stage 3 to key stage 5

Description: videos with tips on gaining confidence, dealing with anxiety and coping strategies from other young people.