Support for Parents/Carers
This page is being updated all the time and provides support and information for parents and carers.
Here you will find our Isolation Wellbeing newsletter and other useful links and contact details for organisation who you may wish to contact for further support and advice.
Mental Health and wellbeing Newsletter - 6th MayExplaining Coronavirus to children
If you are finding it hard to explain Coronavirus and the changes that have occurred recently to your child then this book will help. It has just been released and is illustrated by the world famous Axel Scheffler who has illustrated many popular children's books including The Gruffalo and The Highway Rat. Click here to download a copy.
The book answers many key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds:
- What is coronavirus?
- How do you catch the coronavirus?
- What happens if I catch the coronavirus?
- Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus?
- Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
- Why are some places we normally go to closed?
- What can I do to help?
- What's going to happen next?
Family support
Public Health England have published an easy read guide to looking after your feelings and body…
National Autistic Society tips for families… https://www.autism.org.uk/services/helplines/coronavirus/resources/tips.aspx
Tips and strategies for managing your child’s behaviour and dealing with common ADHD challenges, which may be heightened during this time…
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/when-your-child-has-attention-deficit-disorder-adhd.htm
Bereavement support
Cruse Bereavement Care
https://www.cruse.org.uk/coronavirus/children-and-young-people
Telephone national help line 0808 808 1677
Wiltshire Treehouse
http://www.wiltshiretreehouse.org.uk/young-people
Winstones Wish
Freephone National Helpline: 0808 020 021
Local Support
The Bridge- HighworthLocated in Sheep Street, just off the Market Place in Highworth, The Bridge is a hidden gem providing support and friendship to whoever drops by. The Bridge Centre is a Highworth Community Church initiative, and their vision is to help connect the church with the wider community of Highworth.
The children’s, youth and families work is still active through various media. Contact Jon to see what’s happening: 07701 303760 or email jon@highworthchurch.co.uk
Other services that can be accessed via The Bridge are:
Swindon Food Collective: 01793 765060 (Alfie or Anita).
Food Bank: Operating as a satellite for Swindon Food Collective, you can trade in your vouchers here at The Bridge Centre. Open Mondays and Thursdays, 11am-1pm
Debt help: www.capuk.org, or 07885 579876 (Kathryn).
General help and support: contact@highworthchurch.org, or 07712 521046 (Matt).
If you are not able to leave the house because you are vulnerable or self-isolating, but need supplies or support, please contact Matt on 07712 521046.
Alternatively, for non-medical assistance you can also contact:
Voluntary Action Swindon (VAS) via the Swindon Borough Council Live Well Hub here: Livewell@swindon.gov.uk
Tel: 01793 445500 (Mon to Fri 9am-5pm or Sat/Sun 11am-2pm)
Support with Gas and Electricity: (paying for services or topping up)
Some suppliers often have a non-disconnection policy and may be able to offer up to 2 weeks of power in an emergency (please contact your supplier for details and information)
BRITISH GAS: 0330 100 0303
EDF: 0330 200 5110
EON: 0345 052 000
N POWER: 0800 073 3000
SCOTTISH POWER: 0800 027 0072.
SSE: 0345 600 2006
Helplines
SHOUT - text ‘Shout’ to 85258 for 24/7 crisis text support
Childline - under 19s can call 0800 1111 for free, confidential support
New Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service 24 hr helpline for children and young People and parents and carers. Provided by Oxford Health NHS Trust and Swindon Borough Council (TaMHS)
9am – 5pm on a weekday 01793 463177
5pm – 9am on a weekday or on weekends 01865 901000
This is not an emergency helpline
Useful Documents
Parent/Carer emergency contingency Plan - COVID-19
Advice for parents/carers when child is unwell