We can help keep children feeling OK

CHILDREN have had much to deal with throughout the pandemic and that’s been reflected in the increasing number of children showing signs of anxiety and other mental health issues.

Recent images of the war in Ukraine have added to many young people’s concerns and some schools are preparing to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their classrooms, children who will bring with them considerable trauma after being forced to flee their homeland.

Barnardo’s, the UK’S largest children’s charity, has created a website where teachers can get advice on supporting children and young people through trauma, grief, loss and bereavement.

Although the Barnardo’s Education Community is aimed at teaching professionals from early years to university, many of the resources are also available to parents who want to know how to help their own children through difficult times.

That might be the separation or divorce of parents, exam stress, staying safe online or making memories to remember a family member who has died.

There are general tips on talking about war and conflict, or fears exacerbated by the pandemic, such as family poverty. Effective ways of tackling difficult subjects with children with autism or other additional needs are also to be found on the website.

The Barnardo’s Education Community recognises that teaching professionals are facing significant challenges themselves, so the website also includes resources to promote staff well-being.

Educators can network to share ideas and there are podcasts and monthly training sessions on subjects such as the effect of trauma on health and the approach to death and mourning in different cultures.

The Barnardo’s Education Community is a completely free resource and can be found online at https://www.educators-barnardos.org.uk/

Whether you are a teaching professional or a parent, we hope you will find it a source of advice and support during these difficult times.

Samara Barnes, national programme manager, Barnardo’s Education Community

But imagine a food bank with 1,000 tins of baked beans but no toilet rolls!

Often food banks are inundated with one item but have very little of another and asking donors for specific items is challenging; the situation has usually changed by the time the message has spread.

To help change this, Bankthefood is a new charity set up to help food banks get what they need exactly when they need it.

Readers can help make a difference by downloading the Bankthefood charity app and following their nearest food bank.

The app will then ping their phone a real-time list of urgently needed items when they are at the supermarket, making it easy to add an item or two to their shopping and leave it at the drop-off point when they have finished.

The app is free to download and use, and all food banks can register. It’s a simple way to make a huge difference.

Emma Spring, co-founder and volunteer at Bankthefood