You are not alone
We know that this is a worrying time and it will definitely not be how you had planned your parenting journey. You may have concerns in relation to your pregnancy or your children. You may be wanting to access helpful parenting information. The iHV is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of all families and we are putting together links and resources from trusted organisations and websites to support you during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be developing and adding new resources to support families over the coming months, during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond.
This page is being regularly reviewed and updated.
National Guidance
GOV.UK
GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp
The new free to use service aims to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), and will further reduce the burden on NHS services.
This will help combat the spread of coronavirus misinformation in the UK, as well as helping ensure people stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ‘hi’ in a WhatsApp message to this number to get started.
Public Health England Guidance
NHS
- This also includes the following advice:
How to avoid catching or spreading coronavirus:
Do:
- wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
- always wash your hands when you get home or into work
- use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
- put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
- try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Don’t:
- do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean
Department for Education
Advice for parents and carers of early years children who have not yet started school.
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.
Your health visiting support will continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, however the way that the service is delivered will change as some services have been temporarily stopped and others are being provided using non-face to face methods like video-enabled contacts and text/ telephone.
All health visitors are following NHS and Public Health England COVID-19 guidance. Face to face contact with families will only be offered for compelling reasons in order to comply with social distancing and social isolation guidance. The decision on face to face contacts will be based on your family’s health needs (this includes mothers/ fathers/ partners and the needs of your children, including unborn babies).
If the health visiting team has arranged a video or telephone consultation, it is because they feel they will be able to safely give you the care you need without bringing you into the clinic or visiting you at home. The health visitor will work in partnership with you to discuss these reasons and decide the best option for you.
Your health visitor will provide advice on how to contact them – although, due to the changes that the service is facing, there may be a delay in responding to routine enquires owing to the increase of demand.
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 joined forces 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 produce a guides for parents.
It can be confusing to know what to do when your baby or child is unwell during the coronavirus pandemic. Remember that the NHS is still providing safe care.
Posters have been developed for families living in England, Scotland, Wales (in English and Welsh languages) and Northern Ireland about when and how to get medical help for your child, or for your young baby – or for yourself as a young person.
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 launched new “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
Guidance COVID-19: guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
Advice and information on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
NHS Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters has now released expert advice and top tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing if you need to stay at home during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. It also includes guidance if you’re feeling worried or anxious about the outbreak.
Mind - Coronavirus and your wellbeing
Mind offers practical information about maintaining your wellbeing while being asked to stay at home and offers practical advice on taking care of your mental health and wellbeing
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
List of various helplines available includes PHE-endorsed resources for CMDs, OCD, bipolar, SMI, addictions, suicidality, DV, child abuse, families/relationships, LD, eating disorders
Rethink
Families under Pressure
During this stressful and cooped-up time, don’t let the pressure of parenting get you down. Try these simple tricks and tips, formulated by Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke and the POP-UP team, which are backed by science and proven to work with families.
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 general support and guidance Perinatal Mental Health Partnership UK – this page provides lots of useful 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.
Being Pregnant… Preparing to give birth
Having a new baby is an incredible life changing event. You may be feeling a mixture of emotions as you prepare for the next stages in your journey through pregnancy to meeting your baby. We are also living through the coronavirus pandemic.
This booklet aims to give you encouragement, supportive ideas and help you identify simple steps to care for your wellbeing and prepare to give birth. Lots of mums have continued to have babies safely and happily during the pandemic.
Being With Your Baby... Becoming a Mum
You have just reached an incredible milestone… You are now or about to become a mum to a new baby, maybe for the first time or again.
Having a new baby is a remarkable transition, and even more so now during the current coronavirus pandemic. These are very unusual and extraordinary times, which create many new and unexpected challenges.
This booklet aims to share supportive ideas and words of encouragement as you enter into this next transition to discover yourself as a mum, get to know and bond with your 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
OCD Action – skype/phone support groups. OCD Action provides information, telephone and email email support for anyone affected by Obsessional Compulsive Disorder.
No Panic
(Help with panic disorder) 08449674848 Everyday 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.
Staying at home: supporting you with your routines, activity and wellbeing
A resource to support you through these times, in particular to
think with you about how your routines, activities and relationships can support your mental health and wellbeing.
Support during pregnancy
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Kicks Count
During the COVID-19 outbreak, your baby’s movements are as important as ever. Leaflet to advise pregnant women to monitor their baby’s movements and if you notice a change in your baby’s
regular movement call your midwife or maternity unit immediately.
NHS Pregnancy and Coronavirus Animation
This animation sets out what pregnant women should expect from NHS maternity services during the coronavirus. Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwifery Officer, and Dr Matthew Jolly, National Clinical Director for Maternity for the NHS in England explain what might change and why its important to keep in touch with your maternity team.
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 Virtual antenatal classes
The National Childbirth Trust are 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
PHE Guidance - COVID-19: guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Not sure how to talk to children or young people about COVID-19? Here are some top tips for explaining this in a calm and reassuring way.
Children's Commissioner - Children’s guide to coronavirus
There have been big changes in our lives because of coronavirus, so The Children’s Commissioner has created a children’s guide to coronavirus to help explain the situation.
The guide aims to answer children’s questions about coronavirus, tell children how to stay safe and protect other people and how to help them make the best of their time at home.
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.
NSPCC
The NSPCC has created a new 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 about Coronavirus. 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.
Place2Be
Place2Be is a children’s mental health charity that provides counselling and mental health support and training in UK schools. Talking to children about coronavirus. A site set up to offer helpful tips on managing worries about coronavirus.
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.
CBBC
CBBC have information for children about coronavirus. Children’s programme providing news information about coronavirus.
COVIBOOK
Mindheart has published a short book to support and reassure children under the age of 7 about coronavirus. Covibook is available to download in 21 languages including English.
Birdie and the Virus
A virus has made Birdie’s friends sick! Birdie feels lonely and worried. What if everyone stays sick forever? But the doctors and nurses are there to help.
‘Birdie and the Virus’ is part of the Birdie’s Tree storybook series developed by Children’s Health Queensland through the Queensland Centre for Perinatal and Infant Mental Health.
Birdie and the Virus has been specifically designed to support the mental health and emotional wellbeing of babies and young children, their parents and families, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Family Lives
Young Minds
A blog for young people offering advice and support.
Association for Infant Mental Health
Bereavement support
How to tell children that someone has died
Steps for parents to help them tell children about deaths from COVID-19
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
National COVID-19 NHS Bereavement Helpline
0808 2600 400 8am – 8pm
The Good Grief Trust
Umbrella organisation signposting to all UK bereavement charities available
Child Bereavement UK
Helpline 0800 028 8840
Winston’s Wish
Range of resources to support bereaved children during the COVID-19 period
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
Petals Baby Loss counselling
Previously hospital based but now by telephone/video conferencing
Lullaby Trust
Bereavement Helpline 0808 802 6868
The British Psychological Society
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. 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.
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.
Mush are trying to take the edge off the long days spent at home during the Pandemic by giving Mush mums access to daily virtual meet-ups.
These talks start at 11am every morning. You can access them for free from the home page of the app (you will need to sign up to Zoom which is easy peasy!) or from the link below.
Mumsnet
Netmums
Things to do with your children when social distancing
Hungry Little Minds
Hungry Little Minds is a gov.uk website with simple, fun activities for kids, from newborn to five.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, you and your children are spending more time at home and you might be looking for a bit more inspiration for things to do. Start by trying some of these simple, fun activities.
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
Activities
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.
Families under Pressure
During this stressful and cooped-up time, don’t let the pressure of parenting get you down. Try these simple tricks and tips, formulated by Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke and the POP-UP team, which are backed by science and proven to work with families.
Department for Education
Advice for parents and carers of early years children who have not yet started school.
Support with infant feeding & breastfeeding
iHV Parent Tips
Like other mammal babies, it is natural for a human baby to be breastfed, but many people in the UK have lost confidence and skills in breastfeeding. Breast milk contains anti-viral factors and antibodies which are likely to offer your baby some protection against COVID-19. There is no evidence that the virus can be transmitted through breastfeeding. If you have any concerns, you can discuss them with your midwife or health visitor (online or over the phone).
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
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers
NHS Start4Life - Breastfeeding
La Leche League GB
Breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards. National 24-hour breastfeeding helpline 0845 1202918.
Baby Buddy app
NCT
NCT Helpline 8am – 12 midnight – 0300 330 0700
Lactation Consultants
Support for you in your relationships
OneplusOne -thinking relationships
Find advice to support your relationships in your home and community over the coming weeks.
Facebook: ClickRelationshipsUK
Twitter: OnePlusOne_
Mental Health Foundation
The coronavirus outbreak is dramatically changing our lives, including our relationships with other people in our communities, our families, our homes and our workplaces.
Information for parents of babies and young children
iHV Parent Tips
HMRC announcement on Child Benefit
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, it may be more difficult for parents of newborns to register their child’s birth. Because of this, HMRC has announced that they are no longer requiring parents to register their child’s birth in order to claim Child Benefit at this time. They are encouraging all eligible parents to make a claim as soon as possible.
The Association for Infant Mental Health UK
Video links about “baby states” and information for parents on child’s emotions and how to interact with their child to meet their needs
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.
BBC - How lockdown affects babies
A short video on BBC
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.
There are a number of HENRY resources and tips below to help you and your family to continue to be happy and healthy during the pandemic.
iHV Top Tips for Parents.
Useful fact sheets with expert advice on key areas of looking after a baby from when they are born to when they go to school.
Families under Pressure
During this stressful and cooped-up time, don’t let the pressure of parenting get you down. Try these simple tricks and tips, formulated by Professor Edmund Sonuga-Barke and the POP-UP team, which are backed by science and proven to work with families.
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