You are not alone
The iHV is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of all families and we have put together links and resources from trusted organisations and websites to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This page is being regularly reviewed and updated.
National Guidance
GOV.UK
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Guidance
NHS
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Many people will be experiencing anxiety about their health and safety during this time. This page provides information about COVID-19 and how to manage your mental health during the pandemic.
SignHealth - The Deaf Health Charity
Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and information in British Sign Language can be accessed on the SignHealth website. SignHealth is committed to making sure coronavirus information is available in British Sign Language.
Do you feel you need support now?
NHS 111
NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do,
The Samaritans
A free confidential telephone helpline available 24 hours a day 365 days per year. Also offer online support and self-help resources. Call free 116 123. Email [email protected]
How can your health visiting service help you?
Health visitors are Specialist Community Public Health Nurses who are also either Registered Nurses or Midwives and have done additional training to support the health and wellbeing of children under five-years old and their families in the community.
Health visitors lead the delivery of the Healthy Child Programme – more details about what a health visitor does are available here.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that the health visitor’s public health expertise will be needed more than ever.
Remember: You can contact your health visitor if you are concerned or worried about yourself or your child’s health and wellbeing – they are there to help you find the support you need.
Lots of useful information and Parent Tips are also available on our website in the Families section. Please also check out the contact details of support available from other organisations in the different sections of this dedicated Parenting through Coronavirus (COVID-19) section of our website.
What to do if your child is unwell
Advice for parents during coronavirus
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has produced guides for parents with the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM – part of the RCPCH), the Institute of Health Visiting (iHV), and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to help parents to know what to do when their baby or child is unwell.
It can sometimes be confusing to know what to do and posters have been developed to help families living in England, Scotland, Wales (in English and Welsh languages) and Northern Ireland about when and how to get medical help.
Posters include:
- For parents/carers of babies under 3 months – all UK nations
- For parents/carers (of children of all ages) – all UK nations
- For young people – all UK nations
iHV Parent Tips
iHV has published “Parent Tips” on managing the most common childhood illnesses, with signposting to further advice for parents to help ensure children get the right care at the right time and right place.
Healthier Together
At this time, when everyone is preoccupied with COVID-19, it’s really important to realise that not every illness your child has is due to COVID-19. All the ‘normal’ infections that can make children and babies really unwell still remain and there is a major risk that parents may delay bringing their child to the attention of a healthcare professionals even if they are unwell.
General information for supporting your mental health
NHS Every Mind Matters
Expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing, including guidance on coping with anxiety about coming out of lockdown.
Mind - Coronavirus and your wellbeing
Mind offers practical information about managing feelings relating to lockdown easing.
Mental Health Foundation
Looking after your mental health during coronavirus outbreak. The Mental Health Foundation is part of the national mental health response providing support to address the mental health and psychosocial aspects of the Coronavirus outbreak, alongside Public Health England and the Department of Health and Social Care.
Headspace - Mindfulness application and website
Mindfulness for your everyday life to reduce stress. Move more and sleep soundly. This is a free app and you can also access information at the website.
Action for Happiness
A website dedicated to providing lots of very useful resources and news to look after your mental and emotional health. Includes the Action for Happiness coping calendar.
NHS Mental Health helplines
Find out how you can get help from a mental health charity or organisation using this NHS A-Z of mental health conditions.
Rethink
Support for your mental health during pregnancy and after having a baby
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Also available in Welsh:
Royal College of Psychiatrists
You might be worried about how COVID-19 and the news around it can affect your pregnancy, your baby or your mental health. This resource is for any woman who is planning a pregnancy, is pregnant or has recently had a baby and is worried about her mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. It’s also for their partners, families and friends.
Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK
Facebook page hosted by the Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK, offering information for parents about staying well and managing mental health problems during pregnancy and after having a baby.
PANDAS
Mental health support for pregnant and new parents. PANDAS offer a free helpline 0808 1961 776 and email support Monday-Sunday offering signposting and a listening ear for parents experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy or after having a baby.
Centre for Interactive Mental Health Services - Bliss
Bliss is an 8 session interactive online therapy program for depression that you complete on your own. The program is based on psychotherapy treatment called cognitive behavioural therapy or CBT for short. CBT has been shown to be effective treatment for depression. The program is designed to teach you techniques that have been shown to be effective at improving your mood and mental health.
Anxiety UK
Anxiety UK – advice and helpline. Anxiety UK offer support for individuals experiencing anxiety and have a dedicated service for people experiencing increased leveld of anxiety as a result of Coronavirus. The site offers practical advice and online support including access to psychological therapies.
OCD Action
Information, telephone and email support for anyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
No Panic
No Panic is a registered charity that helps and supports those living with Panic Attacks, Phobias, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders and other related anxiety disorders.
The helpline 0300 772 9844 operates every day 10am to 10pm
PND and Me
Twitter Chat by @PNDandme every Wednesday 8-9pm and on Facebook. A very popular forum providing peer support for mothers and fathers during pregnancy and after having a baby who are experiencing difficulties with their emotional and mental health.
Action on PostPartum Psychosis
APP provide evidence-based information and support for families who have experience of postpartum psychosis or who feel they or a family member is experiencing symptoms of postpartum psychosis. This guidance offers information about accessing services, support and treatment during the Coronavirus outbreak.
This Mum Moves
We know there is a lot for you to think about during pregnancy and motherhood without having to worry about how active you should be and what’s safe for you to do.
This Mum Moves is here to help guide you on your way – with online workouts for pregnant women and new mums.
Support during pregnancy
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Maternity Voices Partnership
Maternity Voices Partnerships (MVP) are in most local areas and connect with pregnant mothers and fathers through Forums and social media. Find your local MVP at this website.
NCT
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) is offering online antenatal courses if you are unable to go out to your usual antenatal class.
Tommy’s Charity
Create a wellbeing plan for yourself during pregnancy and after you have had your baby with this online planning tool.
Maternal Journal
Journaling has positive benefits for mental health. This site provides information and hosts live journaling sessions.
The Lullaby Trust - safer sleep
The Lullaby Trust provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and offers emotional support for bereaved families.
Information on safer sleep is available on the website, and they also run an information line on safer sleep which is open 10-5 Monday- Friday. (0808 802 6869)
This Mums Moves
We know there is a lot for you to think about during pregnancy and motherhood without having to worry about how active you should be and what’s safe for you to do.
This Mum Moves is here to help guide you on your way – with online workouts for pregnant women and new mums.
Supporting children and young people during the outbreak
Healthier Together
Not every illness your child has is due to COVID-19. All the ‘normal’ infections that can make children and babies really unwell still remain – please look at the Healthier Together site to find further information on how to recognise if your baby or child is unwell.
NSPCC
The NSPCC has a webpage with information and advice for parents or carers who are worried a child or young person may be struggling with their mental health or has anxiety. The webpage includes information on: talking about feelings and worries; keeping in touch and balancing screen time; ways to create structure and routine; and helping to give children a sense of control.
Childline
Call 08001111. Help for children online and on the phone. Childline have made some changes to their service during the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to ensure they can continue to support children. In addition, they have a webpage for children about coronavirus.
Family Lives
Young Minds
Young Minds provides young people with tools to look after their mental health. Their website is full of advice and information on what to do if you’re struggling with how you feel. They empower parents and adults, who work with young people, to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives.
Bereavement support
Childhood Bereavement Network
Cruse Bereavement Care
Extensive resources for all age groups
Helpline 0808 808 1677 Monday- Friday 9.30 – 5pm. 8pm Tuesday/Wednesday and Thursday
The Good Grief Trust
Umbrella organisation signposting to all UK bereavement charities available.
Child Bereavement UK
Helpline 0800 028 8840
Sands
Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity) works to reduce the number of babies dying and to improve care and support for anyone affected by the death of a baby.
You can access support from Sands via the following:
- Freephone Helpline 0808 164 3332 [email protected]
- Online community sands.community
- Online resources sands.org.uk/book
- Mobile app sands.org.uk/app
Lullaby Trust
Bereavement Helpline 0808 802 6868
Are you or someone you know at risk of being harmed?
Women’s Aid
This website provides a confidential chat service through online chat or email to women in a relationship. It is for any woman who feels something doesn’t feel right in her relationship. It is not an emergency service.
Refuge
Refuge provides specialist support to women, children and some men escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence.
Domestic abuse
Government guidance on getting help for domestic abuse. Find out how to get help if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
Childline
Call 08001111. Help for children online and on the phone.
NSPCC - Help for adults concerned about a child
0808 800 5000 – Ring this telephone number if you have concerns about the welfare or safety of a child.
SafeLives - Domestic abuse and COVID-19
Connect with other parents
Channel Mum
Information and Forums for parents about all aspects of parenting. Chat and connect with other parents through this site.
Mush
Mush is an app for mums, and your local social network of mums, so that you find other mum friends nearby, know what’s going on, know where to go and organise Meetups.
Things to do with your children
Hungry Little Minds
Hungry Little Minds is a gov.uk website with simple, fun activities for kids, from newborn to five.
BBC's Tiny Happy People
Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child’s communication skills. Explore simple activities and play ideas and find out about their amazing early development.
Families can see activities for all ages (prebirth to age 5) in action on the website and loads more by following on Instagram.
Sign up to receive an email every Tuesday morning, to bring you:
- tips for involving all the family at home
- easy activity ideas for you to try
- wellbeing and mental health advice
- ideas for setting up a daily routine.
NSPCC Look, Say, Sing, Play
Parents interact with their babies all the time without always realising how those interactions shape the way their baby’s brain develops.
To encourage interaction between parents and their babies, NSPCC is providing tips for parents to look, say, sing and play with their babies.
Free Educational Websites for Kids
Physical health and mindfulness
This Mum Moves
We know there is a lot for you to think about during pregnancy and motherhood without having to worry about how active you should be and what’s safe for you to do.
This Mum Moves is here to help guide you on your way – with online workouts for pregnant women and new mums.
Support with infant feeding & breastfeeding
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
National Breastfeeding Helpline
Helpline (9.30am – 9.30pm) – 0300 100 0212 – (run by the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers and the Breastfeeding Network). This line also includes an option for Welsh and Polish language support.
Breastfeeding Network Bengali/Sylheti Helpline 0300 456 2421
Breastfeeding Helpline for Tamil/Telugu/Hindi speakers 0300 330 5469
Access to helplines and peer support, groups and web chat.
The Breastfeeding Network
NHS Start4Life - Breastfeeding
La Leche League GB
Breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards. National 24-hour breastfeeding helpline 0845 1202918.
Baby Buddy app
Support for you in your relationships
Mental Health Foundation
Information for parents of babies and young children
iHV Parent Tips
The Lullaby Trust - safer sleep
The Lullaby Trust provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and reducing the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and offers emotional support for bereaved families.
Information on safer sleep is available on the website, and they also run an information line on safer sleep which is open 10-5 Monday- Friday. (0808 802 6869)
ICON - Babies cry, you can cope
During this challenging time stress levels at home may be increased. Please follow the ICON guidance for coping with crying.
If you are a parent with a young baby that wont stop crying please watch this video. It is from the perspective of the dad and shows how to use the ICON resources. If you need any further support please go to www.iconcope.org
Twins Trust - for parents of twins, triplets and more
Twin line is Twins Trust’s listening service for parents of twins, triplets and more. All the calls are answered by volunteers who have multiples themselves.
0800 138 0509 – open Monday to Friday 10am to 1pm and from 7pm to 10pm.
Home-Start
Local Home-Starts have a great deal of expertise in supporting parents through challenging times and will offer both a holistic support with issues such as housing, benefits, debt etc. as well as more specialist supports around issues such as breastfeeding and perinatal mental health.
HENRY
HENRY provides a wide range of support for families in the early years. All support for families is underpinned by the HENRY approach to supporting behaviour change which helps parents gain the confidence, knowledge and skills they need to help the whole family adopt a healthier, happier lifestyle and to give their children a great start in life.
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