Mental health help for young people in Sunderland

The past few months have been hard on everyone, including children and young people living in and around Sunderland.

As we all adapt to a new normal, they may be worried about catching up with missed education, starting a new school or college or rebuilding relationships with friends.

Some studies suggest children and young people have higher levels of stress and anxiety than adults, and some may need further support. How a child or young person reacted to the COVID-19 outbreak may depend on their age, past experiences or understanding of what’s happening.

Some, including those with additional needs and disabilities, may find it difficult to deal with things after being off school for so long. Schools are well prepared for welcoming them back, with a range of things in place to keep children, young people and staff safe. Check out your school website/ social media for details.

What you can do to help your child: 1. Listen to what your child is saying and how they are feeling. 2. Be clear about what’s happening. 3. Limit news and conversation about coronavirus. 4. Keep close and regular contact 5. Create new routines. 6. Get active. 7. Eat healthily and avoid too many treats. 8. Children and young people need good sleep. 9. Look after your own mental health and get support.

Find out more https:// w w w.nhs.uk/oneyou/ every-mind-matters/ looking-after-childrena n d -yo u n g - p e o p l e - d u r i n g - coronavirus-covid-19outbreak.

Worried about how your child is coping?

There’s plenty of advice, help and support. This includes but is not limited to:

- online directory with information and self-help tools https://youngpeopleswellbeing. org/young-people.

free, safe, online counselling and support for 11-18 year olds and care leavers under 25. www.kooth.com • MIND services in Washington, Sunderland and the Coalfields. info@washingtonmind.org.uk 0191 417 8043 Mon-Fri 10am -2pm/or Live Chat available

Mon-Fri 2pm-3pm for young people/ Mon-Fri 3pm for adults.

https://w w w.facebook.com/pg/ GrowingHealthySunderland/ about/ emotional wellbeing information - #Wellbeing Wednesday and access to a virtual offer Mon – Fri 3-5pm at https://nhs.vc/sunderlandschool-nurse-drop-in. • Sunderland Community Child and Adolescent Mental

0191 566 5500/ freephone 0800 652 2868 Monday-Friday 8am-8pm. • - support for young carers: https://w w w.sunderlandcarers. co.uk.

https://riseabove.

0800 068 4141 Support and advice for Young People. 9am-10pm Mon-Fri. 2-10pm weekends.

0808 808 4994 https://www.themix.org.uk/ - Advice and support for under 25s 4-11pm. • Childline 0800 11 11 available 9am-Midnight and online 1-21 chat https://www.childline. org.uk.

Please remember to follow the most up to date guidance on social distancing, hand washing and the use of face coverings.