Children and Families: Covid-19 Support and Information
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Children and Families: Covid-19 Support and Information Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Contents Page This information pack includes details of services available to parents and families within Milton Keynes who may be struggling with the effects of Covid-19 or any other aspects of family life. Section 1 – Food Banks Section 2 – Local Area Support Section 3 – Online Family Support & Helplines Section 4 – Domestic Violence Intervention and Support Services Section 5 – Mental Health and Emotional Support for Children and Young People Section 6 – Mental Health and Emotional Support or Adults Section 7 – Bereavement Section 8 – Child Contact Arrangements Section 9 – Talking to Children and Young People about Coronavirus Section 10 – Learning at Home If you have an allocated social worker or family support worker, you can contact them directly if you feel you need support or if you would like to talk to them about any difficulties you are facing. As well as the information in this pack, if you are in a high risk category (e.g. over 70, usually eligible for a flu jab, or pregnant) and have no other local support (e.g. friends/family/neighbours) and need help to access food or medicine, you can contact the Local Help Hub helpline on 01908 252398 and speak to one of their advisors. The helpline is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5:15pm. For more information on support available to individuals, businesses or those who wish to help others, please visit https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/your-council-and- elections/coronavirus-support-and-information. If you have safeguarding concerns about the safety and well-being of a child, please contact the Milton Keynes Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 01908 253169. If you have concerns for the safety and welfare of a child which requires an immediate response, please call the police on 999, otherwise the police can be contacted on 101. Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 1: Food Banks If you are in financial hardship/crisis e.g. accepting benefits/free school meals, struggling with severe debt, unemployed or in another vulnerable situation, you can contact the Food Bank Helpline and request a food bank voucher (please note you will not be able to collect a food parcel without this). You can claim a maximum of 6 vouchers in a rolling 12-month period. You will need to take proof of ID with you when you collect the food parcel and if you have something which can show proof of eligibility, we would encourage you to take this along with you as well. The Food Bank Helpline can be contacted by calling 0300 303 4933, or texting HELP to 07874 964505 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday. If you are unable to call the Helpline, you can visit one of the following centres in person to talk to a member of the Food bank team about your circumstances. These centres can issue you with a voucher and give you food. • Melrose Centre, Bletchley 9:00am – 16:00am (Mon-Fri) • Milton Keynes Christian Centre, Oldbrook Food Bank Extra 11:30am – 12:30pm (Mon and Fri) • King’s Community Centre, Wolverton 1:00pm – 3:00pm (Mon-Fri) In addition to the 3 centres above, there are six collection points across Milton Keynes where you can collect your food if you already have a voucher; these places are open on different days throughout the week and the helpline will advise you of the best one for you to go to. • Moorlands Family Centre, Beanhill • Hedgerows Family Centre, Netherfield • Parish Council Offices, Great Linford • Parish Council Offices, Oakgrove • Rowans Family Centre, Fullers Slade • The Spotlight Centre, Lakes Estate If you are unable to collect your food parcel, we would encourage you to contact a family member, friend or someone you know in the community to support you. If you have no access to this support, the Food Bank may be able to identify someone who can help. More information can be found at http://mkfoodbank.org.uk/ Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
The Community Fridges enable residents and businesses to share surplus food and are available for anyone to help themselves to quality food that would otherwise be wasted. The community fridges are open to all. If you have a family member, friend or neighbour that are in need of food that can't attend one of the community fridge sessions due to being unwell, self-isolating or shielding food can be collected on their behalf. Community Fridges can be found at the following locations: Big Local Conniburrow Monday to Friday 11.00 – 15.00 Little Bookshop Great Linford: Monday 11:00-13:00 Friday 11:00-13:00 MK Community Fridges Vineyard Church Netherfield: Tuesday 17:00-19:00 Thursday 11:00-13:00 The Old Bath House Wolverton: Wednesday 18:00-19:30 Saturday 12:00-14:00 Woughton Community Council in Coffee Hall: Tuesday 10:00-14:00 Thursday 10:00-14:00 Saturday. 10:00-12:00 (last Saturday of the month) More information can be found at: Website: www.mkcommunityfridge.org Facebook: MKCommunityFridge Twitter: @MKFridge Email: mkcommunityfridge@gmail.com Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 2: Local Area Support The MK Coronavirus Support Group is supporting isolated and vulnerable people in Milton Keynes through the coronavirus crisis. There are Area Coordinators assigned to almost every area in Milton Keynes. If you don’t have anyone else to help or you know someone that needs help the team can be contacted via their website www.MK19CV.org Volunteers offer the following services: MK Coronavirus • Shopping Support Group • Medicine collection and delivery • Dog walking • Check-in calls to reduce isolation • Driving to medical appointments • Food delivery • Food collection for Community Fridges Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/260504221614280 The list of Parish, Town and Community Councils below is a snapshot of what is available in Milton Keynes. For more information about what may be available in your local area please check the individual website for each parish and town council. More details can be found at https://www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/your-council-and- elections/councillors-and-committees/parish-and-town-councils The Parish Council have a team of local people who have volunteered to support vulnerable individuals in the community who lack a large support network of family and friends. Website: www.oldwoughton.org.uk Campbell Park and Old Email: clerk@oldwoughton.org.uk Woughton Telephone: 07866 412 706 If you need assistance, please contact Charlotte Hall or one of the Councillor’s whose details can be found at: https://oldwoughton.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Corona-Virus-OWPC- leaflet-3.pdf The Town Council, Olney is Kind and Cobbs garden Surgery are working together to support those in need in the local community. Olney Olney Covid Support Group Email: olneycsg@gmail.com Mobile: 07309 449 445 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OC19SG/ Newport Pagnell Town Council has a team of volunteers who can help collecting and delivering shopping. Newport Pagnell Website: www.newport-pagnell.org.uk Email: npresponse@hotmail.com Telephone: 01908 618756 Facebook: Newport Pagnell Covid-19 Response Group Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 3: Online Family Support & Helplines The Family Lives website provides help and support for all aspects of family life. They are currently offering information and advice about coping practically and emotionally during the COVID-19 lockdown. https://www.familylives.org.uk/advice/your-family/family-life/coping-practically- and-emotionally-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/ Family Lives If you would prefer to talk to someone for support and advice, you can talk to a Family Support Worker on their confidential helpline. Website: www.familylives.org.uk Helpline: 0808 800 2222 Monday – Friday 9.00am – 9.00pm Saturday and Sunday 10.00am – 3.00pm The National Autistic Society (NAS), a national charity for people with autism and their families, has a useful section on their website with the latest guidance, updates and resources on coronavirus for autistic people, their families and professionals. www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/coronavirus National Autistic Society Website: www.autism.org.uk Helpline: 0808 800 4104 (due to the impact of the COVID-19 virus, helpline telephone lines have been amended to Monday to Friday 10.00am – 3.00pm) Online enquiry forms: https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/contact-us/online- enquiry-form The See, Hear, Respond project is able to support children and young people affected by the Covid-19 crisis. If you would like to make a referral please do so via their portal https://www.barnardos.org.uk/see-hear-respond. Useful resources can be found at their See, Hear, Respond Support Hub: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/support-hub The Support Hub is an interactive central space for parents, carers and young people to access a range of materials and resources to help deal with some of the challenges the pandemic has presented. Barnardos - See, Hear Respond The Support Hub has lots of helpful resources, from articles to toolkits, podcasts to Support Hub animations, and much more and covers the following; emotional wellbeing, supporting families, online life, back to School, Special Education Needs & Disabilities, Young Carers. BOLOH – The Black and Asian family COVID-19 Helpline and webchat is for children, young people and families affected by COVID-19. If you have been affected by the pandemic and you need someone to talk to or advice, you can contact one of their specialist support advisors to talk about it. Helpline 0800 1512605 (Monday to Friday 10.00am – 8.00pm Saturday & Sunday 10.00am – 3.00pm) Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 4: Domestic Violence Intervention Services The social distancing restrictions in place due to COVID-19 has made it a particularly challenging time for every family and every relationship. For those experiencing domestic abuse, the lockdown is likely to make things worse, as abusers are likely to escalate the abusive behaviours towards their partners. MK Act is a charity in Milton Keynes which works with families to help them move on from fear and abuse. The Government has categorised their services as essential and they are following the latest guidance and doing all their support over the phone unless they are unable to do so. Their team of staff and volunteers continue to work and are covering all their phone numbers and email boxes which are listed below as normal so please phone or contact them between office hours of 9.00am-5.00pm. MK ACT MK ACT Crisis Service Helpline 0344 375 4307 info@mk-act.org Professionals Helpline 01908 295 731 info@mk-act.org Refuge Service 01908 523 720 fss@mk-act.org Fresh Start 07718767974 freshstart@mk-act.org Programmes and Training (Freedom Programme, First Steps to Freedom etc): 07827358721/training@mk-act.org If you need to speak to someone out of these hours you can ring the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247 Karma Nirvana supports victims of abuse, honour-based abuse and forced marriage. Their helpline offers confidential support to those who are at risk, those who are concerned for someone that is and professionals Karma Nirvana Website: www.karmanirvana.org.uk Helpline: 0800 5999 247 Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm Email: support@karmanirvana.org.uk Domestic abuse affects men too. The Men’s Advice Line Team are working hard to support callers. Concerned family members, or friends as well as frontline workers supporting male victims are welcome to contact the Advice Line for support, practical advice and information. Respect – Men’s Advice Line Website: www.mensadviceline.org.uk Helpline: 0808 8010327 (Monday to Friday 9.00am – 8.00pm) Webchat: Wednesday to Friday 10.00 – 11.00am & 3.00 – 4.00pm Email: info@mensadviceline.org.uk Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Operation Encompass is a police and education information sharing partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support for children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Operation Encompass - Children experiencing domestic abuse can lead to emotional, physical and National Teacher’s psychological harm. Operation Encompass aims to minimise this harm by enabling Helpline for Children immediate support. Experiencing Domestic Abuse For more information, please visit their website: https://www.operationencompass.org/ Tel: 0204 513 9990 (Monday to Friday, 8am-1pm) Email: info@operationencompass.org Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 5: Mental Health/Emotional Support for Children and Young People The Covid-19 pandemic has meant that everybody’s life has had to change. This can have a huge impact on our mental health and how we are feeling. If you are struggling, then we would encourage you to reach out to family and friends and access the telephone and online support services available to you. The support services are there to listen and support you with any difficulties you may be facing, not just those linked to the effects of Covid-19. Below are details of telephone and online support services that provide emotional support and advice to children, young people and adults who may be struggling with their mental health or may feel they need to speak to someone or get some information about a problem they have been facing. The GOV website is providing guidance for all parents/carers who are supporting children and young people’s mental health and well-being during the Covid-19 outbreak. The website provides information about helping children and young Guidance for Parents people cope with stress, children with learning disabilities or physical health issues. and Carers (supporting The website also provides information about how you can access support if you have children and young any financial worries. people’s mental health and well-being) You can access this information by clicking on the link below https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting- children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-parents- and-carers-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and- wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak The Youth Starz Project is accepting referrals for 1:1 support, online group and Mentoring. Due to Covid 19 the services are offered in a range of ways, including via telephone, WhatsApp Video Call or Zoom. They are also offering Face to Face sessions. Telephone or Text: 07850 916600 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 7.00pm Service Six Email: katie.byrne@servicesix.co.uk referrals@servicesix.co.uk Facebook: Service Six@services123 or @ClaudiaSSix Twitter: @ServiceSix1 Instagram: @servicesix LinkedIn: Service Six Referrals can be made directly through the website www.servicesix.co.uk Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for local children and young people between the ages of 11 and 19. Kooth is accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and offers free safe and anonymous support for young Kooth people. Access online support on their website: www.kooth.com Monday to Friday 12pm – 10pm Saturday & Sunday 6.00pm – 10.00pm Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
YiS, a local service, offers free and confidential counselling, group work and 1:1 well- being sessions to young people aged 11 – 21 years. Services are currently taking place online. YiS Young People’s Mental Health Website: www.mkyis.org.uk Telephone: 01908 604 700 You can chat with YiS at m.me/YiSMentalHealth SHOUT provides free 24/7 confidential support via text for anyone in crisis and struggling to cope. Just text SHOUT to 85258 to be connected to a trained Crisis Volunteer. If you are finding things tough and struggling to cope SHOUT has resources that can SHOUT help. Whether you're a student looking for support, or you're wanting to find ways to cope with loneliness or anxiety, take a look at their resources section for support: https://giveusashout.org/get-help/resources/ Website: https://www.giveusashout.org/ Childline provides a confidential telephone counselling chat and email service for any child who wants to talk about anything that is worrying them. ChildLine Telephone: 0800 1111 & days a week 9.00am – 3.30am 1-2-1 Chat: 7 days a week 9.00am – 10.30pm Website: https://www.childline.org.uk/ The Mix is a UK based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under 25 via online, social and mobile. The Mix provides support for a variety of different issues young people may be facing, such as money worries, homelessness, finding a job, relationship break-up and how to cope with the changes of life due to Covid-19. The Mix Telephone: 0808 808 4994 Everyday 3.00pm – 12.00am Website: https://www.themix.org.uk/ 1-2-1 Chat: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support/speak-to-our-team Crisis text message service: Text THEMIX to 85258 Young Minds provides support and advice to anyone worried about their own mental health and well-being or if they are worried about someone else. Coronavirus advice and mental health support: https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/coronavirus-and- Young Minds mental-health/ Parents Helpline: 0808 802 5544 Monday to Friday 9.30am – 4.00pm Crisis text message service: Text YM to 85258 Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/ Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 6: Mental Health/Emotional Support for Adults Talk for Change offers access to talking therapies and mental health care to adults. You can complete a self-referral online. Due to the current guidance on social distancing, support is mainly offered by telephone, video call, or online. MK Talk for Change Website: https://talkforchange.org.uk/ Telephone: 01908 725099 Email: cnwl.mktt@nhs.net Mind BLMK a national charity working with communities to support positive mental health. The well-being centre in Milton Keynes offers a range of services promoting positive mental health and well-being. From the 25th March 2020 the support will be offered remotely to those who need support with their mental health and would Mind BLMK like to talk to someone. Telephone: 01525 722 225 Email: Victoria.Sharp@mind-blmk.org.uk Website: https://www.mind-blmk.org.uk/how-we-can-help/milton-keynes/ If you or someone else needs urgent mental health crisis support, you can call the Urgent Care Team. Mental Health Crisis Tel: 01908 724 365 or the Single Point of Access 0800 0234 650 For non-urgent mental health issues contact your GP Samaritans provide telephone support and advice to anyone in need. They will listen to anything that is upsetting you including intrusive thoughts or difficult thoughts and self-harm. Samaritans Telephone: 116 123 Free confidential line Open 24/7 Website: https://www.samaritans.org/ SANE provides emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. SANE is continuing to offer help through their team of professionals and trained volunteers. Although their previous SANEline number cannot operate at the moment, you can SANE leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and one of their professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable. Website: http://www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/ Email: support@sane.org.uk Anxiety UK Anxiety UK provides support for those living with anxiety and anxiety-based depression by providing information, support and understanding https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/coronanxiety-support-resources/ Telephone: 03444 775774 Monday – Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm Website: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 7: Bereavement A local service offering emotional and practical support after bereavement. They are currently offering 3 sessions of telephone support. If further support is required a request can be made to be put on their waiting list. Milton Keynes Bereavement Service Website: www.bereavementservicemk.org.uk Telephone: 07483 308 032 Email: mk.bs@virgin.net Child Bereavement offers support and advice to parents and children to help re- build their lives after they have lost somebody close to them. The website provides information about supporting children through this difficult time and supporting children who may have lost someone to Coronavirus. https://www.childbereavementuk.org/coronavirus-supporting-children Child Bereavement UK Bereavement support is currently being offered by telephone or digital means Telephone: 0800 02 888 40 Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm Website: https://www.childbereavementuk.org/ Live chat: via the website Email: support@childbereavementuk.org Harry’s Rainbow supports children between 0-18 years who have been bereaved of a parent or sibling. Harry’s Rainbow has tailored their service to ensure they can still support bereaved children whilst following the government guidelines of social distancing. They are doing this by offering a buddy service, providing online support groups using Zoom and providing activity packs Harry’s Rainbow https://www.harrysrainbow.co.uk/our-response-to-covid-19 Telephone: 01908 061 676 Website: https://www.harrysrainbow.co.uk/ Email: info@harrysrainbow.co.uk Winston’s Wish, a national child bereavement organisation, have written some advice around supporting those affected by death during the pandemic and provides some alternative ways to say goodbye to loved ones at this time. https://www.winstonswish.org/telling-a-child-someone-died-from-coronavirus/ https://www.winstonswish.org/coronavirus-funerals-alternative-goodbyes/ Winston’s Wish Helpline: 08088 020 021 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm This is currently a remote service. Please leave a message on their voicemail with your first name and a contact number (with area code) and a Helpline Practitioner will call you back from a withheld number as soon as possible. Website: https://www.winstonswish.org/ Email: ask@winstonswish.org Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 8: Contact Arrangements Due to Covid-19, some families have had to face not being able to have face to face contact with their children or parents due to isolation and social distancing guidelines. We understand this can be difficult, however if you do have a current court order in place and wish to obtain some information about where you stand and your rights as a parent, then you will need to seek some legal advice. Below are the details of support services who can offer you this advice. For those who have a Child Arrangements Orders in place made by the Family Court guidance can be found using the following link: https://www.judiciary.uk/announcements/coronavirus-crisis-guidance-on-compliance- with-family-court-child-arrangement-orders/ Rights of Women are a charity which provides free and confidential legal advice so they can help women understand the law and their legal rights. Women’s Rights provide advice regarding family law, criminal law, immigration and asylum law and sexual harassment at work advice. Information and advice about managing child contact and complying with court Rights of Women orders during the third lockdown can be found at https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/coronavirus-managing- child-contact-and-complying-with-court-orders-during-the-third-lockdown/ Telephone: Family Law Helpline 020 7251 6577 (Tuesday – Thursday 7.00 – 9.00pm Friday 12.00 – 2.00pm) Website: https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/ Families Need Fathers is the leading UK charity supporting dads, mums and grandparents to have personal contact and meaningful relationships with their children following parental separation. They offer information, advice and support services helping parents to achieve a positive outcome for their children. Families Need Fathers Telephone: 0300 0300 363 Monday to Friday 9.00am – 10.00pm Saturday and Sunday 10.00am – 3.00pm Website: https://fnf.org.uk/ Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 9: Talking to Children and Young People about Coronavirus We understand that it can be difficult to explain to children and young people about Coronavirus (Covid-19). Below are some resources which have been written specifically for helping parents and adults talk to children about the virus. This guide aims to answer children’s questions about coronavirus, tell children how Children’s to stay safe and protect other people and how to help them make the best of their Commissioner - time at home. Children’s Guide to Coronavirus https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/report/childrens-guide-to-coronavirus/ With input from expert consultant Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, as well as advice from teachers and child psychologists, this is a practical and informative resource to help explain the changes we are Coronavirus – A Book currently all experiencing. The book provides clear explanations about COVID-19 and its effects – both from a health perspective and the impact it has on a family’s day- for Children about to-day life. COVID-19 by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson There is a cost of £1.99 for this book with £1.00 from each copy going to NHS Charities and Nia Roberts Together. You can look inside the free digital edition here https://nosycrow.com/blog/coronavirus-a-book-for-children-about-covid-19-has- won-the-best-of-lockdown-futurebook-award/ Dave the Dog is Worried about Coronavirus is a children’s book written by Staff Nurse Molly Watts and aims to help parents talk to their young children about coronavirus. Dave the Dog is The free picture book features a dog named Dave relaying his anxieties about worried about coronavirus to an owl named Dotty, who is a nurse. Coronavirus https://nursedottybooks.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/dave-the-dog-coronavirus- 1-1.pdf Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
Section 10: Learning at Home Please find below guidance and information about online activities and home learning opportunities. Parents may wish to check the content of the websites before sharing with their children. Guidance for supporting Information, guidance and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home. your children's education during Information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your- coronavirus (COVID-19) childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19 Children’s A handy list of free online activities and materials to use at home to supplement Commissioner teaching materials and lesson plans provided by your child’s school (resources for parents Website: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/coronavirus/resources/ during coronavirus) BBC TV The BBC are broadcasting lessons on BBC Two, CBBC as well as online. This includes three hours of primary school programming every weekday on CBBC, and at least two hours for secondary pupils on BBC Two. BBC Bitesize BBC TV With many students learning from home BBC Bitesize has lots of easy to follow lessons for home learning as well as collections of resources for all ages. Bitesize Daily primary and secondary airs every day on the red button as well as episodes being available on demand on iPlayer. Website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/dailylessons Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline. The website offers age appropriate information and advice for children and young Online Safety people and their parents to help keep children safe online. You can also download a ThinkuKnow home activity pack with simple 15-minute activities you can do with your child to support their online safety. Website: https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/ https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/ Collar and Cuffs is a Bedfordshire based, multi-award-winning sensory theatre and arts company developing work for early years and SEND (including PMLD) about mental health and emotional development. Collar and Cuffs (free resources to They have developed a suite of suite of sensory walks families can undertake as part support family mental of their daily exercise in their community. More information about the walks can be health) found on their website. Website: www.collarandcuffs.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/CollarandCuffsCo Last updated version February 2021 Created by MK MASH April 2020
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