Lumi Nova coffee morning

On Friday 4 Oct 2024,  there will be a coffee morning to share with parents/ carers information about the FREE Lumi Nova app, which supports children struggling with anxiety, recommended by the NHS.

9am- 10:30am in the Partnership Unit on the corner of Bannockburn Road and Plumstead High Street.

Lumi Nova: Tales of Courage

A therapeutic digital intervention (game) for childhood anxiety:

• For 7-12 year olds (facing difficulties with anxiety)
• Therapeutic basis: Psychoeducation and Exposure therapy
• Built in safeguarding & accessibility features
• Available on Android and iOS
• Co-created with young people, guardians, teachers, clinicians, academics, game experts

Online game to support anxiety 7-12 year olds

 

Looking after our mental health during winter

The Young Minds website has lots of tips and advice to help us all through the winter.

A guide for parents and carers: Money and mental health

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/money-and-mental-health/

"Information on the links between money and mental health, how to support your child's wellbeing and look after yourself in the cost-of-living crisis, and where to find practical and financial support for your family."

This includes where to find practical support and further advice.

Tips for coping with seasonal affective disorder

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/blog/tips-for-coping-with-seasonal-affective-disorder/

"Although seasonal affective disorder is very common, it’s not something you hear talked about enough. It is similar to depression, except it comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, with the symptoms usually being mainly present during the winter. These symptoms include low mood, a lack of energy, a loss of pleasure in activities you would normally enjoy, and feelings of irritability."

• Sunlight and walking
• Stop scrolling in the mornings in bed
• Journaling
• Creating a routine and planning my days
• Therapy/ Talking with someone you can trust

How to help your child if Christmas makes them anxious

https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/blog/how-to-help-your-child-if-christmas-makes-them-anxious/

"Gifts, gingerbread houses, advent calendars and chocolate. Trips to see Santa, trips to see his ‘elves’, ice skating, movies and more chocolate - the stuff of Christmas that children so often love.

But for some children, the festive period can be a time that makes them anxious."

1. Check in with your child

2. Plan ahead

3. Discuss plans for time with extended family

4. Understand their needs

5. Get out of the house

6. Be aware of what your child picks up on

7. Look after your health (adults)

8. Do what's best for you

Anxiety in Children Workshop

 Anxiety in Children Workshop

Greenwich CAMHS- Mental Health in Schools Team 

Useful for parents and carers whose children are experiencing anxiety and would like to learn more about how it presents and how to manage it.

The Mental Health in Schools Team offers a psychoeducation workshop for parents around Anxiety in Children. This workshop aims to provide information for parents about what anxiety is, the factors that can lead to children experiencing anxiety and strategies that can be used to support them and build their confidence. In addition, the sessions hope to provide a space for parents to share their experiences with others of anxieties they have seen in their children and promote awareness of it.

The workshop is divided into two sessions taking part on the 7^th and 14^th of December. Session one will focus on what anxiety is and the factors that can lead to children experiencing anxiety. Session two covers strategies that can be used to support your child with their anxious feelings and build their confidence.

Duration: 2 sessions, each between 45-60 mins. 9:10am start

Sessions will be held in The Partnership Unit.

On the corner of Bannockburn Road and Plumstead High Street, SE18 1HE.

Please be aware that there is only street parking and the surrounding streets can become quite congested.

You do not need to go into the school office, please come straight through the iron gates to the white door. Please knock loudly on the door, if it is not open.

 

 

 

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing- 11

"With disruption in everyone’s lives due to coronavirus (COVID-19) it’s important that we all pay attention to our mental health and wellbeing and the mental health of children and young people.

Research suggests that the pandemic is going to affect everyone’s mental wellbeing, particularly vulnerable groups such as children (Holmes et al, 20201).

Children and young people may be feel worried or anxious about different things. Beyond the virus itself there is the interruption of the normal school routine, suddenly spending most of their time indoors and no longer regularly seeing family and friends.

They may also experience someone close to them, such as a family member, carer, friend or teacher, becoming seriously ill or passing away. This can cause feelings of sadness, loss and grief."

There is a variety of resources, for parents/carers and children here-
https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/news/2020/april/supporting-children-young-people-mental-health

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing - 8

"The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while. It may cause you to feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated.

It's important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently. Remember, this situation is temporary and, for most of us, these difficult feelings will pass.

There are some simple things you can do to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing during times of uncertainty. Doing so will help you think clearly, and make sure you are able to look after yourself and those you care about.

Here are 10 ways you can help improve your mental health and wellbeing if you are worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak. For specific tips and advice while staying at home, read our advice on maintaining your mental wellbeing while staying at home.

It is important to follow the latest official guidance on staying at home and away from others to keep everyone safe."

www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/?WT.tsrc=Paid_Social&WT.mc_id=CoronaWorries2

1. Stay connected with people
2. Talk about your worries
3. Support and help others
4. Feel prepared
5. Look after your body
6. Stick to the facts
7. Stay on top of difficult feelings
8. Do things you enjoy
9. Focus on the present
10. Look after your sleep

Loads more information and support on the website. 

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing - 6

In response to the Coronavirus outbreak, EPIC have created a Parent Resource Pack to support you in boosting your family’s resilience, reducing anxiety and ensuring your families overall wellbeing throughout these unprecedented times.

https://epicleics.com/epic/home-learning

There are sections on-

• Understanding Coronavirus
• Anxiety
• Resilience
• Structure
• General Games and Activities
• EYFS

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing - 4

'A guide to anxiety for kids'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfSbWc3O_5M

'What causes anxiety and depression - Inside Out'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNsTy-j_sQs

Below are some tips from 'helpguide.org' aimed primarily at children with autism, however they are tips that all children benefit from, especially at the moment. 

Provide structure and safety

Be consistent. 

Stick to a schedule. 

Reward good behaviour. 

Create a home safety zone. 

Find different ways to connect

Look for nonverbal cues. 

Figure out the motivation behind the 'tantrum.' 

Make time for fun. 

Pay attention to your child’s sensory sensitivities. 

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/autism-learning-disabilities/helping-your-child-with-autism-thrive.htm

Something fun, quiet, calming and therapeutic everyone in the house could do- shadow drawing. Whether the sun is shining, or you use a lamp.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing- 3

Click here to see 'Apps to support your wellbeing'

Support with-

• anxiety management, 
• grief and bereavement, 
• moods, 
• self harm,
• suicidal thoughts.