Published on: 01/02/21
It’s Children’s Mental Health Week (1-7 February) so we’ve put together a list of web-based resources, apps and organisations to help.
Supporting wellbeing is vital to children and young people following a brain injury, but since lockdown and the new challenges it has bought, this is more important than ever.
1 Children’s Mental Health Week website
The official website for the week includes free resources on children’s mental health that can be adapted for use in school, for homeschooling, online lessons or independent learning. There is a virtual assembly as well as an online conference. The week is run by children’s mental health charity Place2Be.
2 Young minds
As the UK’s leading charity for children and young people's mental health, Young Minds has a huge range of resources. This includes a section for parents as well as school resources. There is information on supporting pupils through the COVID-19 pandemic and a blog on talking to your child about coronavirus. This insightful poster shares 10 ways to help children cope with change.
3 Childline
Childline is a free, confidential service where children can talk about anything. It offers a host of help and information and this includes a Calm Zone, which shares many ways to help children feel calmer. This includes breathing exercise, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
4 Contact, for families with disabled children
Contact has a page on Your family’s wellbeing including links to virtual workshops, 1:1 support for parents via a telephone appointment, activities, as well as tips on looking after yourself and your child.
5 Mind
MIND provides support for people with mental health problems and its website includes information for young people aged 11-18 and advice on supporting your teen’s wellbeing during coronavirus.
6 Public Health England Guidance
Released last year, Public Health England provides guidance on how parents and carers can help support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus and lockdown, including the specific needs of children with SEND.
7 Every Mind Matters
The NHS online tool Every Mind Matters gives simple and practical advice ‘to get a healthier mind and get more out of life’ – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting mood or sleeping better. Every Mind Matters was created by Public Health England, with tips and advice developed with experts. It includes a section on children’s mental health and videos for young people.
8 CBT Get self help
This website provides many online resources to help manage different feelings. There are some great relaxation and mindfulness exercises available and apps that can be downloaded to help with anxiety and mood and provide relaxation and meditation exercises.
