Mental Health & Well-Being
Mental health and well being of pupils, parents and staff is very important to us - more so now than ever.
Please use these helpful resources:
Kent County Council have issued a Kent Together letter to parents regarding a 24 hour helpline. Please see details here
Fegan's Counselling information can be accessed here
Pooky Knightsmith has developed two free courses to support at parents at this time:
- COVID19 – Staying Mentally Well – which walks you through simple steps you can take to try to look after your emotional wellbeing
- Simple Self-Soothe Strategies – which introduces you to five simple strategies for relaxation and self-soothing which can be used by adults or children.
Both of these courses are a series of short videos filled with simple, practical ideas you can use right away. I hope you like them!
Young Minds : dealing with anxiety, isolation and social distancing.
Young Minds : parents - Supporting your child during the pandemic.
Fancy learning something new? Parents or grandparents - The Open University have a huge range of online courses which are free.
Action for Happiness - Coping Calendar
https://www.actionforhappiness.org/calendars
Calming Activities, Mindfulness, Breathing, Yoga Videos, Exercise and More...
I-Moves
Lots of activities including mindfulness, active blasts, Maths and English.
https://imoves.com/the-imovement
Childline Calm-Zone
https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone
Just Breathe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg
A video aimed at children to help them feel calmer
150 Sensory Learning Ideas
https://inclusiveteach.com/2020/03/20/150-sensory-learning-ideas
Apps for Wellbeing and Mental Health
The following websites that have looked at the best apps for children. Many are free!
https://www.educationalappstore.com/best-apps/5-best-mental-health-and-wellbeing-apps-for-kids
https://www.theschoolrun.com/best-wellbeing-apps-for-kids
https://www.internetmatters.org/resources/wellbeing-apps-guide-for-kids/
Stop, Breathe and Think App
https://www.stopbreathethink.com
Check in with how you're feeling and try short activities tuned to your emotions
Smiling Mind App
https://www.smilingmind.com.au
A great app with age specific mindfulness resources, including a new resource, 'Thrive Inside'. Thrive Inside is a special program to help you stay psychologically healthy while you're spending extended periods of time at home.
Cosmic Kids Yoga and Mindfulness App
This app often has a two week trial available