Health and Well-being
It may feel like everything is different and/or constantly changing at present.
If you are concerned about your own mental health or the mental health of a friend or classmate then please talk to someone. You can talk to somebody at home or school, you can visit one of the websites below and speak to a professional or you can arrange an appointment with your GP. Remember, it is OK to not feel OK and talking to someone is the first step towards feeling better.
We hope you find the resources below helpful at this challenging time.
The Five Cs
The following tips may help your mental and emotional wellbeing right now. Remember to look after yourself.
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Control - focus on the things you can control such as hand washing, social distancing and how often you leave your home. Write a list of things you cannot control. When one of these things comes to mind, try to recognise it as something you cannot control and let it go.
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Care - take care of yourself by creating a routine. Go to sleep and get up at the same time every day, brush your teeth and get dressed as you would on a normal work/school day. Focus on taking time to exercise every day and do things you enjoy.
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Continuity - try to make your life as normal as possible. Watch the same TV shows and listen to the same radio stations or playlists you usually would. This will help you to feel more at ease and will provide comfort.
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Creativity - embrace your creative side. Try new or existing hobbies such as crafting, painting, singing, dancing, DIY, knitting, writing poems, keeping a diary, etc. This will help take your mind off any worries or anxieties you may have.
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Compassion - compassion means kindness; be kind to yourself if you are having a difficult day by talking to someone about your worries and asking for help when needed. Be kind to others as well; do something nice for a family member or friend and look out for the vulnerable in society.
Health and well-being support for students and young people
Off the Record is a free and confidential online resource that offers counselling, workshops, survival kits for returning to school, fitness sessions and other important services that children and young people can access directly if they need support with mental health or wellbeing issues.
Kooth is a digital mental well-being community for children and young people that's accessible via mobile, tablet and desktop platforms and is free at the point of use. Those using the service are encouraged to write a journal and, if necessary, to access third party services to get the help they need.
Shout 85258 is a 24/7 UK text messaging service for times when people feel they need immediate support. Simply text SHOUT to 85258 to access help around the clock.
YoungMinds is a charity which provides support for children and adults dealing with mental health issues; it's a great resource for pandemic-related advice and support.
The Anna Freud Centre is a charity that provides information for schools, parents and children on dealing with coronavirus and mental health issues in schools. Their website offers support via blogs, booklets, videos and links to local counselling services.
Other useful links: