Kind Minds Newsletter September 2021 Highlights
Staffordshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Staffordshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing Support Service, have a digital offer in the form of Silver Cloud, including
- ‘parenting my anxious child’
- ‘parenting my anxious teen’.
Use the following link to sign up to Silver Cloud, our digital offer:
https://actionforchildren.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/
Let’s stop abuse together.
Child sexual abuse is a reality for thousands of children across our country with at least one in ten estimated sexual abuse before they turn 16.
https://stopabusetogether.campaign.gov.uk/
North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare’s NEW Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Portal
In addition to the wealth of information available, now anyone can make a routine referral or self-refer to access children’s and young people’s mental health services via: https://combinedwellbeing.org.uk/
What’s on your Mind? With Dr Alex
The Department for Education (DFE) have worked with the Government’s Youth Mental Health Ambassador, Dr Alex George, on a series of wellbeing videos. The videos are based on Dr Alex’s five core ‘ways to wellbeing’ and build on content already in the relationships, sex and health education curriculum. They involve a whole host of special guests, alongside follow up activities and discussion ideas for children and young people about the video content. The videos are freely available to all children and young people, education staff and parents and carers. DfE are encouraging all education settings to download the videos and supporting resources and deliver them throughout the term, to support all children and young people to look after their own mental health and wellbeing.
Ask the Awkward – think u know
Talking regularly with your child about relationships and sex can help develop shared understanding, trust and support between you. Talk little. Talk often. Ask The Awkward. – think you know.co.uk
Use the following links:
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/globalassets/asktheawkward-parents–carers-help-sheets.pdf
https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/globalassets/asktheawkward-a-parent–carers-intro.pdf
Addiction
Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.
Addiction is most commonly associated with gambling, drugs, alcohol and smoking, but it’s possible to be addicted to just about anything, including:
- work – some people are obsessed with their work to the extent that they become physically exhausted; if your relationship, family and social life are affected and you never take holidays, you may be addicted to work
- internet – as computer and mobile phone use has increased, so too have computer and internet addictions; people may spend hours each day and night surfing the internet or gaming while neglecting other aspects of their lives
- solvents – volatile substance abuse is when you inhale substances such as glue, aerosols, petrol or lighter fuel to give you a feeling of intoxication
- shopping – shopping becomes an addiction when you buy things you don’t need or want to achieve a buzz; this is quickly followed by feelings of guilt, shame or despair
Addiction is a lot more common than people think, and there is a lot of help and advice available. Click here to go to the NHS website for further support.
Dealing with Divorce or Relationship Breakdown
The very early stages of a divorce or separation can be a very painful and difficult time. Not only are you grieving for the loss of your relationship and coming to terms with this but you are expected to continue with your day to day life, such as work and looking after your children.
Family Lives have some really useful tips on coping with the stress and emotional aftermath of a divorce or break up.
Financial Worries
Feeling low or worried when you feel overwhelmed by debts, have just lost your job or have been made redundant, is a normal response.
There are lots of different organisations who offer support and advice on coping with financial stress, such as the NHS.
You may meet the criteria for benefits. Click here to look on the Gov UK website for more information about this.
Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle gives us physical and mental wellbeing and good social connections. This is important, as the coronavirus pandemic has shown that people have a better chance of recovery if they are healthy. Being healthy is a good way to be kind to yourself.
A healthy lifestyle includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. It should include plenty of rest, especially sleep. Alcohol should be avoided or drunk in moderation.
Children learn about healthy lifestyles from their parents. To set a good example, follow these simple guides from the NHS.
If your child is taken into care
Coping with the aftermath of having your children removed by social services, or even being accommodated by the local authority under a voluntary (Section 20) agreement, is a very painful experience for parents and close relatives. This can be a very traumatic experience for the children and their families.
Family Lives have some really useful information on how to cope if your child is taken into care, and what the next steps are.
Supporting Your Child's Education
Your child’s education may seem like a minefield at times. At Bailey Street, we want to help you to support your child throughout their secondary education. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you wish to know more about how you can encourage your child to try their best at school, or how to support them to succeed.
Click here to read an article from Family Lives about supporting your child at school.
School anxiety/school refusal is something that can be very concerning for parents. Young Minds have a useful guide to supporting your child with this. Alternatively, you can always contact the school for further advice and support, and what we can do to help you to help your child attend and engage with school.
Supporting Your Child's Post-16
Young people in England now have to continue in some form of education or training until they are 18. This could be completed at a sixth form, college, or through an apprenticeship.
It can feel overwhelming looking at your child’s next steps after their GCSEs. We have a designated teacher at school, Mr Rowe, who supports your child with choosing the right option for them when they leave Bailey Street.
For more information, please visit Parent Info, or contact the school office.
Your Mental Health
Struggling with your mental health can feel very lonely and isolating. However, you are not alone, and there are many support systems out there that can give you guidance and advice on feeling better.
Click here to look at the Mind website for further advice.
Call the Samaritans if you need to talk anonymously.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Bereavement
There are a number of organisations that can help you at this difficult time.
Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS). https://uksobs.org/. SOBS runs support groups all over the UK and also has a helpline service that you can call on 0300 111 5065 for support.
Another organisation who may be able to help is Cruse Bereavement Care. https://www.cruse.org.uk/. Cruse also run a support helpline that you can call on 0808 808 1677.
Local Foodbanks
Stone Community Hub
Frank Jordan Centre, Lichfield Street, Stone ST15 8NA
The Hub’s Food Bank will continue to offer emergency food parcels on each weekday morning (except Thursday) between 10 and 12. Once again this service will be available strictly by appointment basis and only one person at a time will be allowed into the Food Bank. Appointments can be made by telephone.
Opening Times
Monday – 10.00am to 1.00pm (12.30pm to 1.30pm cafe)
Tuesday – 10.00am to 1.00pm
Wednesday – 10.00am to 1.00pm
Thursday – Closed
Friday – 10.00am to 1.00pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Type of Food Available:
Fresh
Dry / Packaged
Frozen
Prepared
Contact:
Jo Yendole
01785 812417 or jo.yendole@stonecommunityhub.or
House of Bread
43 Browning Street, Stafford ST16 3AX
Opening Times
The House of Bread food bank is open 24/7 for both members of the public and professionals. Café43 is the charity’s on-site café and has the following opening times
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Wednesday – 9.30am to 8.30pm
Thursday – 9.30am to 8.30pm
Friday – 10.00am to 3.00pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Type of Food Available
Fresh
Dry / Packaged
Frozen
Prepared
Contact:
01785 243492
info@hobstafford.co.uk
Rising Brook Baptist Church
Burton Square, Stafford ST17 9LT
Opening Times
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 9.30am – 11.30am
Wednesday – 9.30am – 11.30am
Thursday – 9.30am – 11.30am
Friday – 9.30am – 11.30am
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Types of Food Available
Fresh
Dry / Packaged
Prepared
Contact:
01785 214750
liz.dipple@risingbrook.org
Please come to the Outer Foyer.
Anyone who is registered with us who is self isolating please contact 01785 214750
Staffordshire Community Organisers “Food Projects”
Community Social Supermarket / Warehouse Distribution
10 Mill Street, Stafford ST16 3AH
Community Larder Model, using surplus food to create a “choice based” shopping experience, using a membership scheme to take part, providing affordable foods to the community.
Warehouse Distribution, providing free food directly to community groups and Organisations County wide including food banks, who serve the public.
Opening Times
Monday – 11.30am – 3.00pm
Tuesday – 11.30am – 3.00pm
Wednesday – 11.30am – 3.00pm
Thursday – 11.30am – 3.00pm
Friday – Closed
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Stafford and Surrounds Community Food Support (Foodbank)
10 Mill Street, Stafford ST16 3AH
We can provide short term support to local individuals and families in need.
Opening Times
Monday – 10.00am – 2.00pm
Tuesday – 10.00am – 2.00pm
Wednesday – 10.00am – 2.00pm
Thursday – 10.00am – 2.00pm
Friday – 10.00am – 2.00pm
Saturday – Closed
Sunday – Closed
Contact:
Foodbank Coordinator for a confidential conversation on 07738729878
Highfields Community Larder
Oxleathers Pub, Weston Downs, Sundown Drive, Stafford ST17 9QT
Opening Times
Monday – 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Tuesday – 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Wednesday – 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Thursday – 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Friday – 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Saturday – 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Sunday – Closed
Type of Food Available:
Fresh fruit and Vegetables
Dry Goods / Packaged
Frozen and Chilled Items
Prepared Foods
Contact:
Debbie Howe
Any individual food issues or organisation needs in the Borough: staffordshirecommunityhub@gmail.com
Community Distribution / Training / Network Building and Community Organising: eileen.jordan@corganisers.org.uk
Christian Food Help
St. Austin’s Catholic Church Community Hall
82 Wolverhampton Road, Stafford, ST17 4AW
We provide food directly to established community support organisations and food banks who serve the public.
We can provide short term support to local individuals and families in need. Please contact St. Austin’s Catholic Church or the email below, if you have a need.
Non-perishable food only.
Contact:
Salvation Army
Faraday Road, Stafford ST16 3NQ
By personal appointment only.
Contact:
Linda Downward
01785 257676 or stafford@salvationarmy.org.uk
Holmcroft Youth and Community Centre
Newland Avenue, Stafford, ST16 1NL
In partnership with Harvest Community Church, Holmcroft Youth and Community Centre provide emergency supplies of food to residents in the North End of Stafford.
Opening Times
Monday – 10.00am to 11.00am
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 10.00am to 11.00am
Thursday – Closed
Friday – Closed
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Contact:
David Lawrence
01785 664760 or david@holmcroftycc.org
Elim Hope Food Bank
Elim Hope Church, The Ark, Sash Street, Stafford ST16 2PS
We offer emergency parcels in partnership with Local Schools, Charities and Healthcare Services on a short-term referral or discretionary basis.
We provide non-perishable food items and toiletries. We also have a small selection of essential ‘moving-in’ items for people who may be new to the area and in need of essential items.
Opening Times
Monday – 9.00am – 3.00pm
Tuesday – 9.00am – 3.00pm
Wednesday – 9.00am – 3.00pm
Thursday – 9.00am – 3.00pm
Friday – 9.00am – 3.00pm
Contact:
Debbie or Lauren
01785 242373
admin@elimhope.church
manager@elimhope.church