With disruption in everyone’s lives due to coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s important that we all pay attention to our
mental health and wellbeing and the mental health of children and young people. Research suggests that the
pandemic is going to affect everyone’s mental wellbeing, particularly vulnerable groups such as children. Children and young people may be feel worried or anxious about different things. Beyond the virus itself there is the interruption of the normal school routine, suddenly spending most of their time indoors and no longer regularly seeing family and friends.They may also experience someone close to them, such as a family member, carer, friend or teacher, becoming seriously ill or passing away. This can cause feelings of sadness, loss and grief.
The NSPCC have pulled together some resources to help you support the children and young people and families you know and work with through this challenging time. You might want to use these resources yourself or share them with parents and carers to help them support their children. You may also want to share some of these resources directly with the children and young people you work with.
The Maudsley CAMHS Trauma, Anxiety and Depression clinic have formulated some simple tips and tricks to help parents support children experiencing anxiety or depression.
Safeguarding Bedfordshire offer free elearning on topics including Self-Harm and Suicidal Thoughts. Please return to the home page and click ‘Log In/ Regiser’ to access the training site.