Staying well

Children and families

The coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact on children, young people and their families, however there are local and national organisations that can help.

Your Covid Recovery is a new NHS website designed to help people recover from the long-term effects of coronavirus.

See, Hear, Respond is a service that can help families with any difficulties and anxieties they might be experiencing.

In Essex, there are also organisations that can help:

• Family Innovation Fund services are delivered by local organisations that will work with families to achieve positive outcomes in key areas
• Family Innovation Fund Xtra can also provide early help across a range of areas, including healthy relationships and coping with change
• the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service has a dedicated resource hub to help families during the coronavirus outbreak
• a directory of local services and organisations that can help is also available
• families can call the Essex Wellbeing Service on 0300 303 9988 for information, advice, guidance and support across a range of health, wellbeing and day-to-day needs

You can find out more about exactly how our local services have been supporting Essex families by reading Nikki and Ernie’s story.

Mental health and wellbeing

The government has issued advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus outbreak.

We’ve also gathered some resources for parents and carers.

You can find online counselling and mental health services listed on the Livewell Essex website. This includes support around bereavement and loss.

Other resources:

• Mind has guidance on coronavirus and mental health for young people
• Young Minds - the children and young people's charity offers advice on supporting your child during the coronavirus pandemic
• Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families offers advice on children’s mental health
• Family Lives Charity offers advice and support on coping with family life during the lockdown

If you are worried about your finances there are organisations that can help you budget your money and manage debt, apply for emergency funding, claim benefits and offer independent financial advice.

Keeping your child safe

There is national guidance to help keep your child safe, as well as resources and support available in Essex.

The NHS has also produced a guide to spotting child sexual exploitation. If you are worried about a child, you can report your concerns.

The Essex Safeguarding Children Board has links to organisations and information covering a range of topics, including online safety and child exploitation.

The 2 Johns – former Essex police detectives - have produced a set of informative YouTube videos to explain the steps you can take to keep your child safe online.

This is a 1 minute video.

Social distancing

Social distancing is vital to helping stop the spread of coronavirus. There are resources to help children and young people understand why it’s so important.

GOV.UK has updated it's guidance on social distancing for young people. It also includes advice for young carers and information on how to access heath and care services.

Young Minds also has some tips for young people on how to cope with social distancing.

Useful resources

Stop.Swap.GO! can help parents, carers, children and young people to improve their health and wellbeing by walking, scooting and cycling safely.

Art activities can be beneficial for children’s wellbeing. We’ve made some art activity sheets (PDF, 380KB) to help your child express themselves creatively.