Children’s Team – Information in response to Covid-19
This is a challenging time for everyone and there is a lot changing and these changes are happening frequently. With schools now closed for many and people limiting their social interaction we felt it was important to make contact to inform you of how you can stay in touch and access support with the Children’s Team at Primrose Hospice.
We are currently still taking referrals, however, there will be a longer wait than normal for an assessment appointment and these may need to be postponed in line with government advice. Please be aware we currently have a waiting list for direct support.
With things changing constantly it is hard to answer this question but your allocated worker will be in touch to discuss how they may be able to support you over the coming weeks and talk through your options. If you have not heard or would like to discuss this then please call the Children’s Team on 01527 889799
Unfortunately all groups are on hold until further notice to reduce social contact.
Of course. If none of the children’s team are available when you call then please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as we are able to. Please be aware this may take longer than normal, but you are welcome to call again. Alternatively, please email info@primrosehospice.org and your message will be sent on to the team.
There are many nationwide organisations who offer a variety of options for support for children and young people these are some of the ones we suggest:
Helpline for families and professionals
‘Our Helpline continues to operate as normal, providing confidential support, information and guidance to families and professionals. Our helpline team is available to take calls and respond to emails and Live Chat 9am-5pm Monday-Friday:’ 0800 02 888 40 support@childbereavementuk.org
‘If you’re aged 11+ and a close family member has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, we are here for you.’
01989566317
‘Are you a child, teenager or adult who has recently experienced the death of a loved one? Do you need to talk? You can call, email or instant chat with trained professionals at grieftalk, 5 days a week, 9am – 9pm.
Ways to access help
· TALK Talk to grieftalk from any phone for free 0808 802 0111
· Have a 1-2-1 CHAT live session with a grieftalk counsellor · TYPE send an email to grieftalk@griefencounter.org.uk
XenZone is a provider of online mental health services for children, young people and adults. Kooth, from XenZone, is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free at the point of use.
‘We’re here, day or night, for anyone who’s struggling to cope, who needs someone to listen without judgement or pressure.’
Telephone: 116123
• When Someone Has a Very Serious Illness: Children Can Learn to Cope with Loss and Change by Marge Eaton Heegaard
• When someone very special dies: Children Can Learn to Cope with Grief by Marge Eaton Heegaard
• Muddles, Puddles and Sunshine – Your Activity Book to Help When Someone Has Died by Diana Crossley and Kate Sheppard
Apart of me – a game designed to help you deal with the illness or death of a loved one, aimed at children aged 11+
Grief support – The app was developed by a group of young people and charity Child Bereavement UK and has information about bereavement, coping with feelings, and finding support. It features short, easy to navigate information pages, and there’s a notepad section to jot down feelings.
CalmHarm – Calm Harm is an award-winning app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 by Dr Nihara Krause, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, using the basic principles of an evidence-based therapy called Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT).
Calm Harm provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm. You can make it private by setting a password, and personalise the app if you so wish. You will be able to track your progress and notice change.
Breathe – to help you relax and focus on your breathing to reduce anxiety. The Breathe app guides you through a series of deep breaths, and it reminds you to take time to breathe every day. Choose how long you want to breathe, then let the animation and gentle taps help you focus.
Distraction and balance – keep things balanced by planning and doing things you enjoy, such as playing on a games console, listening to music, baking, speaking with friends. It can also be helpful to try and notice one thing a day that makes you feel happy or positive. This could be anything like it being a sunny day, having something tasty to eat or a good conversation with a friend.
Keep connected – whilst we are unable to physically see our friends and family it is important to stay in touch, text, talk on the phone, face time etc. and be creative with how you do this. Video call whilst watching the same program or play games over video call.
Write things down – sometimes when our heads feel full it is a good idea to write it down. If you’re worried about other people reading your thoughts then you could do this on your phone or rip the paper up once it is written.
Routine – It can be easy when there is little structure to our lives to get out of a routine, go to bed later and/or not eat properly. It is good for our mental health to try and keep some sort of routine and to make sure we are eating properly.
Get fresh air – Whilst we are social distancing we are still able to go out for walks – just ensure you are keeping 2 meters apart from anyone you meet whilst out. If you are isolating you can go out in your garden or if you don’t have a garden then open a window.
Keep active – Walk, run (in line with Government advice) or alternatively follow an online program. There are currently lots of people offering free videos including Jo Wicks who is running a daily PE session online at 9am.
