During Closure
We are conscious that we will still want to support pupils’ welfare even when operating a remote learning environment. To that end, pupils and parents can still raise any concerns with Form Tutors or our pastoral team.
In an emergency, or if students feel their concerns need immediate attention, a list of other helplines and their areas of expertise are identified below. The majority of these are able to offer 24 hour support.
CHILDLINE
Helpline 0800 1111. Childline is a service provided by the NSPCC. Call us free on 0800 1111 or find out how to get in touch online. Whatever your worry, we’re here for you. General information and help home page Contacting Childline www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/
Support with exam stress www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/school-college-and-work/school-college/exam-stress/
Support with home & family life www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/home-families/
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON SUPPORT HUB
Click here for full details provided by Stratford Town Trust
MIND
MindInfoline: 0300 123 3393
We’re Mind. We understand mental health and wellbeing. We’re here if you need us for support and advice. We help everyone understand mental health problems, so no one has to feel alone. www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/
As you may be aware, Mind have set up a unique email address for the St Benedict’s Catholic School Community. It should not be used as an emergency contact for mental health issues, but pupils and / or parents are encouraged to raise concerns or seek guidance regarding any worries they may have. wsa_stbenedicts@cwmind.org.uk
YOUNG MINDS
Helpline: 0808 802 5544 www.youngminds.org.uk/
We’re leading the fight for a future where all young minds are supported and empowered, whatever the challenges. We’re here to make sure they get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties.
The crisis in children and young people’s mental health is real and it is urgent. More children and young people than ever before are reaching out for help with their mental health. But for those who take that brave step, help is much too hard to find. Together, we are changing this. We’re fighting for young people’s mental health. Join our fight.
ThinkNinja App Support for young people with their mental health during these difficult times.
Healios ThinkNinja App support available during the COVID-19 situation
– The age range is 10-18
– It will have a range of new COVID-19 related material (such as anxieties around this topic)
– It’s free!
See web address https://www.healios.org.uk/think-ninja-assets / https://www.healios.org.uk/services/thinkninja1
SAMARITANS – 116 123
We’re waiting for your call Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. www.samaritans.org/
More options are available for children, as published by itv.com and the This Morning team. Please see the link www.itv.com/thismorning/children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-helplines
Frank (Drugs Support Online):
Frank provides honest information about drugs. They can be contacted on 0300 1236600 or talktofrank.com
Appropriate use of IT:
Please remind your children about e-safety. You can access advice and guidance via www.thinkuknow.co.uk/.
On-Line Safety – How to keep Kids Safe Online in 2020- BARNARDO’s in collaboration with TUTORFUL:
The internet has transformed the way we all live, learn and communicate. For children and young people the digital revolution has created so many opportunities. But it has also created risks. For every new piece of technology a new danger may present itself in a way that children, families and society may not immediately understand.
Whilst these risks may appear frightening to parents/guardians, there are many resources available to help them feel more confident and informed about the digital world children and young people live in. Children and young people are technologically and digitally savvy, often knowing more than their parents about new apps and technology. The focus of online safety should be on helping children understand the risks of going online and develop the tools to build their knowledge of the dangers and their understanding and resilience to it. This is a role that adults, and particularly parents/guardians, can play in helping keep children safe online, as they would in the offline world.
https://tutorful.co.uk/guides/how-to-keep-kids-safe-online
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command:
CEOP is the National Agency assigned to protect children from harm online and offline. Contact them if you are worried about the way someone has been communicating with you online. It also links directly to advice and resources with regard to keeping you safe.
https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/11_13/ (For students aged 11 – 13)
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/14_plus/ (For students aged 14+)
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/ (For Parents)
GOVERNMENT ADVICE
Previous advice regarding Coronavirus stands and you can find links online as below: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Please take care of yourselves, your families and those close to you. This will pass, although I wish I could give you a specific timescale. We look forward warmly to when we are able to open the doors of St Benedict’s again to the children. In the meantime may God bless you all.
