Ashgate Specialist Support SchoolSafe4Summer
As we look forward to school holidays, we recognise that some children, young people, families may be finding things tough right now. We want you to know where you can go to get some ideas to help with your wellbeing, or get advice, support, or help at this time.
Keeping busy
Whatever their age, we know that for some children the long summer holidays can be hard for them. Thank you to all those settings that are running a HAF project over the summer so that school continues to be that safe space for our children. You can also share with families activities they can do around Manchester. Loads to do near you in Manchester
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If your child tells you they are struggling with their mental health or if you suspect this, you should always contact your GP for support and advice.
NHS Mental Health Services
Services from other organisations are available by website or phone/text
Supporting Parents Helpfinder (Young Minds)
Times are tough for many people right now. Parents find themselves pulled in many different direction and children may be struggling being in the house for so much longer than usual.
A mixture of concern about covid, work from home and children at home, along with a possible financial impact make for a stressful household.
Young Minds have created a useful 'Supporting Parents Helpfinder'. By answering six questions, parents can find out how to support their child's mental health during the pandemic (and beyond). Find the help finder here: https://youngminds.org.uk/supporting-parents-helpfinder/
When emotions explode (Young Minds)
Young Minds have also created a useful poster highlighting ways to give support to children when they have angry feelings or outbursts and may help families start a conversation and talk about each other’s feelings.
Download the poster here:
https://youngminds.org.uk/media/4291/when-emotions-explode-poster.pdf
Kooth - online emotional and mental health support ages 11-18
kooth.com/urgent-support for a crisis service
Samaritans
116 123
Barnardos
Family support with lockdown and Covid 19 stresses
https://www.barnardos.org.uk/c19
Barnardos Boloh – Helpline and webchat for 11+ for Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority children and young people
0800 1512605
https://helpline.barnardos.org.uk/
Shout – for anyone in crisis at anytime
Text 85258
Mood Swings
MoodSwings 36 New Mount St, Manchester M4 4DE. Helpline staffed from 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday - 0161 832 37 36. Online and Skype support - contact them on info@moodswings.org.uk or https://www.facebook.com/Moodswings-289363603529/
Anna Freud Centre resources
For adoptive parents, special guardians and foster parents
https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/adoptive-parents-special-guardians-and-foster-carers/
For parents and carers
https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/resources/
Youth Wellbeing Directory – find the right service for your need by location, service name or keyword
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/youth-wellbeing/find-a-service-near-you/
Apps with self help strategies reviewed by Anna Freud Centre, including self-harm reduction strategies
https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/apps-delivering-self-help-strategies/
Safeguarding
Childline – online and on the phone
https://www.childline.org.uk/kids/
0800 1111
Report online abuse
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
Online/Digital Saftey
Internet Matters: https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/news-blogs/what-is-omegle-what-parents-need-to-know/
Childnet: https://www.childnet.com/blog/what-is-omegle-key-things-parents-and-carers-need-to-know/
https://swgfl.org.uk/.../report-harmful-content-button
Introduction to ChatGPT and AI chatbots - Ineqe Safeguarding Group
Safety over the Summer
- Safe 4 Summer Campaign from GM Fire and Rescue Service
- Safe4Summer - Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service
- The Water Safety Code | Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK )– Stop and Think; Stay Together; Call 999; Float.
- Respect The Water– Highlighting the message that if you see someone in trouble in the water, the best way you can help is by staying calm, staying on land, and following the 3-step rescue guide – Call, Tell and Throw. Call (Fire and Rescue Service if inland); Tell (the person to float on their back); Throw (a throwline or something that floats)
Accident prevention in the home
Childhood deaths now and forever have been heavily associated with accidents. Healthy Schools share a range of resources on accident prevention.
Education is the best way to prevent accidents that could be prevented. The National Fostering Group has published a page on their website, aimed at informing adults about some of the top causes of childhood accidents. The information there is an excellent start point. Follow the link below to read more: