Support for back to school worries in Surrey
It is a difficult time for all of us including children and teenagers.
Parents and carers are being reminded that support is out there for children as they head back to school.
As young people settle back into learning there are concerns that the pandemic has had an effect on their mental health.
School can often feel daunting but this year there is the added worry of COVID-19, the unknown about how school might be different now and pressure to make up for the disruption of the past few months.
Dr Phil Ferreira Lay, Consultant Child Psychiatrist and Clinical Director at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:
“We all know that in these unprecedented times, the end of summer holidays and the return to school can be particularly worrying for some.
“It is important that we listen to and support one another, taking each day at a time.
“In Surrey there are also a number of options available to young people and parents who find themselves in need of emotional supporting and advice during this time, such as online counselling and telephone support.”
He added that it could be helpful if parents and guardians share their own concerns:
"In an age appropriate way obviously how you would talk to a six year old is very to how you would speak to a 16 year old.
"Talk about the uncertainty like how we're hearing of outbreaks in schools and adults are struggling to know when they can go back to workplaces.
"Sometimes sharing some of that with young people isn't a bad thing because then they can feel that the adults around them are also struggling with these things and everyone is trying to muddle their way through, to get through one day at a time the best way they can."
Support for children and young people:
• Kooth.com – 24/7 access to self-help materials and daily online counselling
• Children and Young People’s Havens-a safe place for 10-18 year olds to talk about their worries and mental health, the service is being provided over the phone, every weekday from 4pm – 8.30pm and weekends from 12pm - 6pm 07773 008435
• Virtual workshops – Online group workshops to discuss different mental health topics are being run by the CYP Havens on Wednesdays at 5pm and Sundays at 3pm.
Schools in Surrey have access to school nurses, Child Wellbeing Practitioners and Emotional Health and Wellbeing Nurses for support with low level mental health difficulties.
Support for parents
• Mind Matters – Support for Surrey residents aged 18+ experiencing common mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
• Other local talking therapy providers are available in Surrey