Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Resources for Parents and Carers

The ESSCP has brought together a number of sources of information and guidance for parents and carers regarding coronavirus (COVID-19).

Child friendly coronavirus (COVID-19) guides:

• The Children’s Commissioner’s children’s guide to coronavirus.
• Childline information on Coronavirus for children and young people.
• CAFCASS COVID-19 guidance for children and families.
• NSPCC advice and support for children, families and parents/carers. Home isn’t always a safe place. Schools closing could put some children at greater risk of abuse and neglect. If you’re worried about a young person, the @NSPCC are here. Call 0808 800 5000 (8am-10pm Mon-Fri/9am-6pm weekends) or email help@nspcc.org.uk at any time.
• Great Ormond Street (GOSH) information for children, young people and families.
• World Health Organisation HealthyAtHome resources and ideas to support parents to engage children in understanding the coronavirus, the challenges it brings to their world and what can be done to protect them.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council and The Children’s Society are encouraging people to speak out if they notice signs that a child or young person is being abused or exploited at home: You Can Save Me

National Online Safety and the MET Police have produced an Online Grooming guide for parents.

Support and guidance for parents and carers:

• If your child is unwell it is likely to be a non-coronavirus illness, rather than coronavirus itself. Whilst it is extremely important to follow Government advice to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do when your child is unwell or injured.

Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done. Here is some advice to help.

• Community Hubs are the contact point that residents of East Sussex can turn to if they:
  • Feel they need extra help in coping with the effects of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Know someone else who needs help

• Domestic Violence help and support:
  • Staying safe during COVID-19 – A guide for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
  • Information about support for those experiencing domestic and sexual violence and abuse is available on the Safe in East Sussex website.

• Online safety: With children spending more time online to do school work or occupy themselves while parents and carers are busy, they are at an increased risk from those posing a sexual threat, who are also online in greater numbers.
  • Guidance is available to help keep children protected when online.
  • Thinkuknow contains informative and educational tools aimed at children of all ages, parents and carers as part of the #OnlineSafetyAtHome campaign.
  • The Cyber Crime Unit has issued guidance regarding the use of Zoom video conferencing

• Health:
  • The Sussex Mental Healthline offers crisis care for people in urgent need of help with their mental health. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 0300 5000 101
  • The NHS has produced a range of advice, including symptoms, what to do if you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19), and self-isolation.
  • Every Mind Matters provides guidance on looking after your mental health.
  • The ICON Programme offers guidance for parents and carers to cope with crying babies.
  • The COVID Symptom Tracker has been developed by Guys and St Thomas’ and Kings College NHS Trusts to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

• East Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board (ESSAB) have produced guidance around a number of issues, including Coronavirus scams.
• Childline have produced a ‘‘What children are saying to Childline about coronavirus’ briefing, to help adults think about what support their children might need during the pandemic.
• East Sussex County Council information regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), in particular specific information regarding Schools, children and families’ services.
• Active Sussex have teamed up with REBOOT, providing young people and their families access to local sports and activities, directly into your homes.
• The coronavirus (COVID-19) page on the GOV.UK website provides guidance on a range of areas, including health, wellbeing, financial support and education. In particular What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak.

• Easy Read Documents:
  • Mencap easy read guides and information about Coronavirus.
• Signed Videos:
  • Sign Health have created a series of signed videos explaining what COVID-19 is and what help and advice is available.
• Translations:
  • NHS advice about COVID-19 in 34 different languages.