Guide for Parents and Carers, January 2021
As we adjust to the latest national COVID-19 lockdown, it is important that you know how to access the right advice, guidance and support for your family. This brief guide highlights a range of resources to help maintain your child’s wellbeing and to address any emotional needs, as well as guidance to help you spot early signs.
NHS 111
If your child is unwell or has an injury and you are worried call NHS 111. They are available 24/7 and will get you the right help including booking timed appointments at A&E if needed.
Children and Family Health Surrey 0 – 19 Advice Line 01883 340 922
8am-5pm Mon-Fri exc Bank Hols. Contact their advice line for help on all aspects of child health, development and parenting.
Childline
Counselling service for children and young people available any time via phone or online:
Domestic Abuse Helpline: 01483 776 822
9am-9pm 7 days a week. Please reach out if you need to talk. You can also visit the website: www.healthysurrey.org.uk/domestic-abuse
Chat Health: 07507 329 951, 11-19 yrs
9am-5pm Mon-Fri exc Bank Hols. Your child can text a School Nurse directly to chat confidentially about anything troubling them like anxiety, sleep issues, exam stress or eating.
NHS.UK
Information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help. www.nhs.uk
Kooth.com
Online mental wellbeing support for children from 10 years upwards in Surrey including a virtual chat with a trained member of the team. www.kooth.com
Qwell for Parents of SEND Children Online emotional wellbeing support for parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disability in Surrey: www.qwell.io
Healthy Surrey
Support for parents to look after your own mental health plus advice for keeping your family well. www.healthysurrey.org.uk
Every Mind Matters
Advice for parents and carers on looking after your child’s mental health and self care videos for young people. www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
Young Minds
Useful tips and ideas for how to support your children with worries or mental health problems. youngminds.org.uk/find-help/for-parents/supporting-your-child-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/
MindEd for Families
Advice and information from specialists and parents to help you understand what problems occur and what you can do best to support your family. www.minded.org.uk
Jigsaw South East
Supports bereaved children and young people and those facing the loss of a loved one. www.jigsawsoutheast.org.uk
The Surrey Wellbeing Partnership is a group of voluntary sector organisations working together to improve the wellbeing of Surrey children, young people and families. Contact [email protected] to link to your local charity or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/Surrey-Wellbeing-Partnership-103386114667958
COVID-19 Parents Resource Pack
Surrey’s Educational Psychology team has created a resource pack full of tips to help you cope with managing your children’s remote learning, dealing with anxious feelings, coping with change, and ideas for wellbeing activities. search3.openobjects.com/mediamanager/ surrey/fsd/files/educational_psychology–_coronavirus_covid_resource_pack_1.pdf
Free Online Parenting Guides
Online guides to help you understand your child’s or teenager’s emotional development to improve your relationship. childrenshealthsurrey.nhs.uk/services/free-online-guides-families
Rise Above
Online films and info for young people on things they worry about but might not discuss such as body image, relationships and coping with unhelpful thoughts. www.riseabove.org.uk
Safe Space Health
Physical, emotional and wellbeing health information in an accessible, fun and interactive way for 11 -14 yr olds. www.safespacehealth.uk
Family Learning
Online parenting courses for parents and carers who are struggling to support their children with school, homework or behaviour issues. www.surreycc.gov.uk/schools–and- learning/adult–learning/courses/family-learning
Family Information Service
Information and signposting for families in Surrey covering childcare, education, family finance and wellbeing plus COVID-19 resources. www.surreycc.gov.uk/people-and-community/families
Every child and young person feels low, angry or anxious at times. But when these feelings don’t pass quickly or are affecting them significantly, it’s good to get help. You know your child best, and what is normal for them, so if you’re worried take a look at the self help resources in this guide or contact your school. Here are some of the signs to look out for.
Early Signs for Children and Young People of All Ages
- Significant changes in behaviour
- Ongoing difficulty sleeping
- Withdrawing from social situation
- Not wanting to do things they usually like
- Self-harm or neglecting themselves
Signs for Primary School Children
- Marked withdrawal or not willing to speak
- Anxious or obsessive behaviours
- Significant over-activity compared to usual
- Persistent difficulties getting on with other children
- Preferring to play alone and not wanting to interact with family
- Persistent tearfulness or unhappiness
- Persistent aggression towards others
- Night time bedwetting when previously dry at night
Signs for Secondary School Children
- Persistent low mood or unhappiness
- Increased irritability over extended periods
- Lack of energy for no obvious reason
- Disturbed sleep
- Increased anxiety
- Withdrawn behaviour or social isolation
- Reduced appetite or unusual eating behaviour
- Reduced school performance or repeated truanting
- Severe aggression or getting into trouble with authority
- Poor concentration and attention
For details on self help resources for you and your child, or for information on how to get in touch with a healthcare professional within this guide.
What is an Eating Problem?
Changes in your child’s eating habits as they grow up are normal. They might want to eat healthy meals to improve their wellbeing or comfort eat when stressed. But if they aren’t eating a regular balanced diet or become preoccupied with their body shape it could start to become a problem.
An eating problem is when eating habits become unhealthy, such as eating too much or eating too little, becoming controlling about what they eat and being unhappy, worried and preoccupied with things such as weight and shape. An eating problem may develop into an eating disorder.
What is an Eating Disorder?
Anyone can develop an eating disorder at any age. They can be a way of coping with feelings or situations that are making your child unhappy, angry, depressed, stressed, or anxious.
Some examples of eating disorders include avoidant/restrictive food intake, bulimia, binge eating, and anorexia. They are not always easy to recognise as they each have different symptoms. However there are some initial behaviours outlined below which can be an indication that you child may be developing an eating disorder.
If you are worried about your child you should act quickly. Visit www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk For online advice, information and telephone support 365 days per year, or contact your GP or school nurse.
If you are worried about your child’s emotional wellbeing please contact their school. Whether they are learning from home or going in to school, our staff are here to help you. Speak to the Wellbeing Lead or Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator.
They can support you and put you in touch with the team of education, health and wellbeing staff linked to every school. This team is here to support your child with emotional wellbeing and mental health concerns and includes your School Nurse, CAMHS Early Intervention Service and Educational Psychologist. They can refer your child to other services with your permission if necessary.
Brief introductory films on each of the health and wellbeing teams in Surrey schools are available on the Healthy Surrey website.
School Nurses
The School Nursing Team promotes physical health and emotional wellbeing in schools and the community. This includes anxiety, self harm, bereavement, sleep issues, illnesses, sexual health, healthy eating, exam stress and bullying.
Contact your School Nurse through your child’s school or via the 0 – 19 Advice Line on
01883 340 922 (Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm)
CAMHS Early Intervention Services
These Services are made up of Primary Mental Health Workers, Child Wellbeing Practitioners and Emotional Wellbeing School Nurses. They support children and young people when they begin to feel emotionally or mentally unwell, helping to build resilience and improve wellbeing to reduce the chances of problems becoming more serious.
Contact CAMHS Early Intervention Services through your child’s school or via the CAMHS Single Point of Access on 0300 222 5755 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-12pm)
Educational Psychologists
Educational psychologists can support your child if you’re concerned about their emotional wellbeing. They focus on problem solving, providing information and signposting.
Contact your Educational Psychologist through your child’s school or via the consultation line in your local area from 1-4pm each Wednesday:
North East Surrey: 01372 833588
South East Surrey: 01737 737777
North West Surrey: 01483 518130
South West Surrey: 01483 517179
A Big Thank You to Central Surrey Voluntary Action for sending as all the information above. If you like to make a difference in your community and volunteer CLICK HERE
