Coronavirus Physical Health and Mental Wellbeing

When talking to children about COVID-19, remember to keep it simple and clear ensuring you only use information that is relevant to their age and ability. We have included some useful links below:

• Covibook - a book to help young children understand Coronavirus
• Games and teaching resources about microbes and antibiotics
• How to talk to your child about Coronavirus
• Children's guide to Coronavirus
• Helping children understand COVID-19

Keeping to a regular routine and having some structure to your day can help children to cope and manage any anxiety they feel.

• Doncaster Council Young Advisors have written a book about ‘Super Sam’ which is intended to be used as a resource to raise awareness of mental health issues and to encourage children and young people to talk about their feelings. Read all about Super Sam here.
• The NSPCC has lots of useful resources you could use around talking to children around coronavirus.
• Child Mind Institute website has information on talking to children about the coronavirus.
• For more information, please see the Government's guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
• Cebeebies How Children Learn Through Play Understand what's behind your child's play and help them learn by observing their patterns of behaviour or 'schemas'
• NSPCC are helping you bring more Look Say Sing Play into your daily routine with your baby. They will send you a new tip, tailored to your child's age, each week.
• Children and Adolescence Mental Health Service (CAMHS) 

Winston's Wish is the UK's childhood bereavement charity; they provide support to children and their families after the death of a parent or sibling.

Doncaster's Education Psychology Service has produced a guide for parents and carers which aim to support children around any anxiety/worries they may have about coronavirus. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• With Me In Mind - children and young people can access mental health support from workers who are based in and near schools and colleges around Doncaster. 
• Young Minds is a leading charity that supports young people’s mental health, in here you can also find support about how to speak to young people about Coronavirus. 
• Rethink provides a 24/7 helpline offering emotional support and information to people affected by mental illness, aged 16 and over, who live in Doncaster.
• Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
• Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families addresses the specific concerns of young people as a result of the Coronavirus. It also has a series of self-help guides and advice and guidance booklets for schools and colleges.
• For more information, please see the Government's guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
• Anna Freud strategies to help you to manage your wellbeing
• Young people can also access information on local and national/online support to help them keep well during Coronavirus.
• Children and Adolescence Mental Health Service (CAMHS) 

Doncaster's Education Psychology Service has produced a guide for parents and carers which aim to support young people around any anxiety/worries they may have about coronavirus. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing

• 5 Ways to Wellbeing
• CAMHS provide advice for parents and carers and information on support services
• Shout is the UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help.
• Mental Health Foundation have a range of content designed to give you more information about mental health and to help you look after your mental health. Their website includes podcasts, videos, inspiring stories and information about getting help if you’re struggling.
• Every Mind Matters provides simple and practical advice to help you get a healthier mind and get more out of life.
• Turning Point provide a wide range of health and wellbeing services. Whether you have drug or alcohol issues, a mental health concern or a learning disability, they will give you the individual support you need.
• Doncaster Samaritans are there to give support if you are struggling, you can access support by calling 116123 free from any phone or you can access their website for information and advice on many different topics.
• If you feel you need extra help and support Mind can provide guidance on protecting your wellbeing during this stressful time. 
• Young Minds are there to give advice and support where needed on mental issues that can arise, they have different resources but they have a Parents Helpline which parent/carers can call or email for help.
• Relationship Matters
• Free online parenting programme for all Doncaster parents or carers: Courses include understanding your pregnancy, understanding your baby and understanding your child and teenager. Visit the ourplace website then enter your Doncaster postcode and use the access code STGEORGE to gain this free support and advice.
• Your Life: Physical and Mental Health

It’s natural to want to keep up to date with what is happening and what you need to do to stay safe, but you may find it helpful to limit the amount of time you and your children are exposed to social media, and make sure you only look at reliable news sources.

Getting some fresh air and exercise is really important but if you are unable to get outdoors, you could schedule in some indoor exercise time. You could challenge your children to make up their own exercise routine. Make it fun with your own choice of music, or maybe even just have a dance around the living room! You can get inspiration for exercise ideas from the websites below:

• GoNoodle has movement and mindfulness videos to keep younger children active.
• Change 4 life has ideas for getting moving, staying active and having fun with your children while staying indoors. It also has ideas for simple healthy recipes you can make with your children.
• Active Fusion have created a list of activities and programmes to help families keep leading an active lifestyle.
• Disney dance-a-longs - Earlier this year This Girl Can also partnered with Disney to create fun dance routines that you can follow, including The Jungle Book's 'I Wanna Be Like You', Moana's 'You're Welcome', The Little Mermaid and more.
• Nike - Active Kids Do Better - It can be great fun for families to get active together. Sometimes, even grown-ups need a bit of support. Check out Nike's Active Home family-friendly activities
• BBC Super Movers - Fun curriculum-linked resources to get your kids moving while they learn
• Premier League Primary - Activities to help pupils develop skills in everything from balance and coordination to athletics and throwing
• Cosmic Kids Yoga - Yoga, mindfulness and relaxation designed especially for kids aged three or over. Used in schools and homes all over the world
  
• Jump Start Jonny - Fun workout videos to get kids moving 
• Tiny Happy People - Activities for babies 

• Change 4 life has ideas for getting moving, staying active and having fun with your children while staying indoors. It also has ideas for simple healthy recipes you can make with your children.
• Joe Wicks' workout videos support young people and adults to keep moving and stay healthy and positive. You can  re-watch all of the videos on his YouTube channel. 
• Tottenham Hotspurs @SpursOfficial have launched their new #SpursAtHome video home workouts. Every Monday for the next 5 weeks, Spurs coaches will be bringing video workouts that can be done in a living room or garden. They are available on YouTube.
• Follow Active Fusion on social media for daily challenges to keep children, adults and families active at home. Active Fusion have also created a list of activities and programmes to help families keep leading an active lifestyle. 

• NHS Fitness Studio
• Stay in, work out
• Sitting exercises
• Strength exercises
• Balance exercises
• Flexibility exercises
• Healthy learning, healthy lives
• 10 Today is a set of fun 10-minute, audio and video workouts, designed by and for older people to keep you physically active, boost your wellbeing, and help maintain your mobility and balance.