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Looking after a child or young person's mental health
Looking after a child or young person's mental health
There are times when we all feel the strain. As parents and carers, there are ways we can support children and young people to give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy.
Some children and young people have enjoyed being off school, while others will have really struggled – with the coronavirus outbreak keeping them at home and away from friends. Others may be coming to terms with family problems, loss or changes to their living situation.
With nationwide and local restrictions being regularly reviewed, they may also have to deal with self-isolating because of an outbreak in school or another period of school closure, or have worries about getting or passing on the virus. It's still uncertain what further changes we all may face.
Feelings like these will gradually ease for most, but there are always steps you can take to support them emotionally and help them cope with problems they face.
There's support available if you feel you or they need it.
Over the past year, as a parent and/or carer, you have had to balance a number of demands, including not only your daughter's education but also her wellbeing. Here is a list of websites and resources which you may find useful to help you access support and look after your own wellbeing as well as that of those around you.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/information-for-parents/
Action for Children
Charity supporting children, young people and their families across England.
Anxiety UK
Advice and support for people living with anxiety.
Beat
Under 18s helpline, webchat and online support groups for people with eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia.
Childline
Support for children and young people in the UK, including a free 24-hour helpline.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)
Support for children and anyone worried about a child.
On My Mind
Information for young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing.
Samaritans
Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk.
YoungMinds
Committed to improving the mental health of babies, children and young people, including support for parents and carers. Provides information on medication for young people.
Young Commissioners
Young Commissioners have recently set up their own Instagram page, here.
Useful Contacts
Useful Contacts
Age UK - information and campaigns on ageing issues: www.ageuk.org.uk - 0800 169 2081
Beat - Beating Eating Disorders: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk - Helpline: 0808 801 0677
Student Line: 0808 801 0811 Youthline: 0808 801 0711
Childline (24 hours) - www.childline.org.uk - 0800 11 11
Crimestoppers - Crime Prevention: crimestoppers-uk.org - 0800 555 111
Drinkline - Alcohol support: www.drinkaware.co.uk - 0300 123 1110
Frank - Confidential drugs advice: www.talktofrank.com - 0300 123 6600
GamCare - Support, information and advice for gambling problems - www.gamcare.org.uk 0808 802 0133
Gingerbread - Support for Single parents: www.gingerbread.org.uk - 0808 802 0925
Integrated Youth Services - 0208 770 5754
Jigsaw4u - Targeted support for young people in Sutton and Merton: www.jigsaw4u.org.uk 0208 687 1384
Kidscape - Support, training and advice against bullying: www.kidscape.org.uk - 0207 823 5430
Macmillan Cancer Support - www.macmillan.org.uk - 0808 808 0000
Missing People - Confidential messages home if you have left/run away: www.missingpeople.org.uk - 116 000 (text or call)
NHS Smokefree - www.nhs.uk/smokefree - 0300 123 1044
NSPCC - Child Protection Helpline - www.nspcc.org.uk - 0808 800 5000
Papyrus - Prevention of young suicide: www.papyrus-uk.org 0800 068 4141
Red Cross - Crisis Support: www.redcross.org.uk 0344 871 11 11
Refuge - Domestic Violence Helpline: www.refuge.org.uk - 0808 2000 247
Samaritans (24 hour): www.samaritans.org - 116 123
Shelter - Homelessness (24 Hour): www.shelter.org.uk - 0808 800 4444
Thinkuknow - Online safety education (CEOP): www.thinkuknow.co.uk
Victim Support - Crime Victims: www.victimsupport.org.uk - 0808 16 89 111
Winston’s Wish - bereavement support for children: www.winstonswish.org - 08088 020 021
YGAM - Tools and information for young people against problematic gaming and online gambling: www.ygam.org - 0203 837 4963
Young Mind - www.youngminds.org.uk Text: 85258 Call: 0808 802 5544
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