January 11, 2021
We know that social distancing, self-isolation and the rules against households mixing will put pressure on many families, but adoptive families may face additional challenges at such a time.
We wanted to provide our adoptive families with some resources which would help them at this difficult time. We are delighted that we’ve been supported in this by Dr Kerry-Ann Holder, who has provided us with some brilliant documents full of ideas and advice. We are very grateful to Dr Holder, Consultant Clinical Psychologist with Cardiff & Vale University Health Board for allowing us to share these fantastic resources with you.
There are two PDF files which are full of useful advice for parents, carers and professionals. They also contain fantastic graphics and visuals which can be used to help your children to understand what is going on and manage any anxieties they may have. The first PDF file is suitable for all parents and families, whilst the second is geared more towards older children. Click the links below to download the PDFs.
Psychological Support for Children Coping with Coronavirus
Young Person’s Coronavirus Survival Pack
We are also happy to share links to other organisations who are providing content which adoptive (and non-adoptive!) families may find useful. We will add to this list as and when we become aware of any additional resources out there.
Adoption UK website
Contains updated resources and information for adoptive families who may be struggling at the moment.
Adoption UK – YouTube Channel
This link takes you to a film presented by Adoption UK featuring Dan Hughes who discusses living and parenting through a pandemic.
Nosy Crow
Children’s publishing company Nosy Crow have produced a downloadable digital book, illustrated by The Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler. The booklet is aimed at primary school age children and explains the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. It is free for anyone to read on screen or print out.
The Scared Gang Stay at Home
The Scared Gang is a series of books which uses various characters to help children to recognise their own survival patterns. They have produced a book, which can be downloaded for free, to inform children about Covid-19 and how to stay safe, healthy and happy. It is designed to reassure children that if they follow the guidelines they can remain safe and do not need to be scared.
Childline
A great webpage geared towards children and young people, explaining what Coronavirus is and what they should do if they’re worried.
Place2Be
Children’s mental health charity Place2Be shares some advice on supporting children who may be especially vulnerable during times of uncertainty.
Young Minds
Young Minds is a UK charity which fights for children and young people’s mental health. Here they offer some great advice for young people who may be anxious about Coronavirus.
NSPCC
If you’re worried a child may be struggling with their mental health or has anxiety about coronavirus, the NSPCC offers advice to help you support them.
Emerging Minds
Emerging Minds, in collaboration with the University of Reading and the University of Oxford, has published evidence-based advice for parents and carers supporting children and young people with worries about Coronavirus. This link includes a downloadable pamphlet.
NHS – Every Mind Matters
Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. This link provides expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Public Health England
This link takes you to Public Health England’s guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
FutureLearn
FutureLearn provide youth mental health courses to explore and understand the mental health issues that affect young people. They are offering a free course developed by the University of Reading, called COVID-19: Helping Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression.
Big Life Journal – Stay At Home Care Package
Big Life Journal focuses on nurturing your children’s mindset, self-esteem and resilience. This free printable pack offers lots of ideas to get your children moving and learning while staying indoors.
ThinkUKnow
Schools across the UK are now closed to most families, and children will likely be spending more time online at home while they do their school work and socialise with friends. ThinkUKnow offer some suggestions for things you can do to help keep your child safe online during this unsettling time.
BBC – Own It
This section of the BBC website is aimed at young people and offers advice and support for staying safe online and staying connected during the lockdown.
London School of Economics
Professor Sonia Livingstone discusses how families can support their children and young people in making sense of all the misinformation and “fake news” available online.
We hope all of our adoptive families are staying safe and well at this time. We’d also like to remind you that, although many of our events have been cancelled for the time being and staff are now working from home, we are still available to answer your calls and offer support wherever we can.
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