As we look forward to school holidays, we recognise that some children, young people, families may be finding things tough right now. We want you to know where you can go to get some ideas to help with your wellbeing, or get advice, support, or help at this time.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

If your child tells you they are struggling with their mental health or if you suspect this, you should always contact your GP for support and advice.

NHS Mental Health Services

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) - MFT

Each local CAMHS service in Manchester has a duty team Mon-Fri, 9-5 you can call and ask for advice or to discuss a potential referral. 

Manchester, Trafford & Salford Thrive Hubs - MFT CAMHS

Advice and signposting service across Manchester with drop ins for young people and families

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/mental-health-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/ 

NHS Mental Health Services are free. Use the 111 online service or call 111, option 2 to get help.

Childline (free, 24 hours) 0800 1111 - www.childline.org.uk

NSPCC/Childline online advice: www.there4me.com

Samaritans: 0161 236 8000 - www.samaritans.org.uk

Kooth online advice for 11-25 yr olds: www.kooth.com

Text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258: this is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks for anyone in crisis.

Papyrus Prevention of Young Suicide: text 07786 209697

Papyrus Hopeline UK: 0800 068 4141

For life-threatening emergencies - call 999 

Find help - Manchester Mind

For adoptive parents, special guardians and foster parents

https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/adoptive-parents-special-guardians-and-foster-carers/ 

For parents and carers

https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/resources/ 

Youth Wellbeing Directory – find the right service for your need by location, service name or keyword

https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/youth-wellbeing/find-a-service-near-you/

Apps with self help strategies reviewed by Anna Freud Centre, including self-harm reduction strategies

https://www.annafreud.org/on-my-mind/self-care/apps-delivering-self-help-strategies/

Safeguarding

Childline – online and on the phone

https://www.childline.org.uk/kids/

0800 1111

Report online abuse

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre

Safe Over Summer

• Safe 4 Summer Campaign from GM Fire and Rescue Service: Prevent and stay safe from fire

Safe4Summer - Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service 

• The Water Safety Code | Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK ) – Stop and Think; Stay Together; Call 999; Float. Further resources can be found at this website.

• Respect The Water – Highlighting the message that if you see someone in trouble in the water, the best way you can help is by staying calm, staying on land, and following the 3-step rescue guide – Call, Tell and Throw. Call (Fire and Rescue Service if inland); Tell (the person to float on their back); Throw (a throwline or something that floats)

• Anna Freud self-care summer resources Self-care summer | Resources for primary schools, secondary schools and staff (annafreud.org)
• Accident prevention in the home

Childhood deaths now and forever have been heavily associated with accidents. Healthy Schools share a range of resources on accident prevention.

Education is the best way to prevent accidents that could be prevented. The National Fostering Group has published a page on their website, aimed at informing adults about some of the top causes of childhood accidents. The information there is an excellent start point. Follow the link below to read more: 

https://www.nfa.co.uk/story/story_category/10-common-childhood-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them-in-your-home/

• Online/Digital safety –

Smoothwall delivered parent workshops throughout the year and will deliver them again in Autumn term. There is a parent online portal and one for staff to access too. If you want further information, please contact katherine.howard@smoothwall.com and she can provide you with further details of free support for staff. There are hundreds of articles and resources with advice about apps and games and the usual queries.

Internet Matters: https://www.internetmatters.org/hub/news-blogs/what-is-omegle-what-parents-need-to-know/

Childnet: https://www.childnet.com/blog/what-is-omegle-key-things-parents-and-carers-need-to-know/

https://swgfl.org.uk/.../report-harmful-content-button
free and dowloadable from here

Introduction to ChatGPT and AI chatbots - Ineqe Safeguarding Group

• Vaping

This is a concern for young children and adults. You may wish to read the report from the Children’s Commissioner. The Children’s Commissioner’s response to ‘Youth vaping: call for evidence’ | Children's Commissioner for England (childrenscommissioner.gov.uk)