Yahoo, the summer holiday is almost here. This can be a great time to connect with family and friends, but for many, it can also be a time of isolation from peers, and family stress can increase.

This article is to highlight resources you can turn to should you need to or simply ways of keeping safe whilst having fun.

Keep your skin safe: New Zealand sunlight can have high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation can cause skin and eye damage. You can protect yourself and your children by being SunSmart. Learn how to keep safe while still living life in the sun.

Check out: https://www.sunsmart.org.nz/

Keep yourself safe: If you're out at a party remember to stay with trusted friends, let your caregivers know where you are, think about how you will get home, download the Uber app, or cheaper, Ola App, taxi or parents.

Key points about alcohol and young people:

• It is best not to supply alcohol to young people under 18.
• Those under 15 years of age are at the greatest risk of harm from drinking, and not drinking in this age group is especially important.
• If under-18-year-olds do drink, they should always be supervised, drink infrequently and at levels usually below and never exceeding two standard drinks.

For parents and caregivers:

It’s natural to worry and wonder what you can do to help keep your child safe as they encounter alcohol and other drugs in their party scene. It might not always feel like it, but research shows that you do have a big impact on the attitudes and actions of your child. Please head to this link for guidance about how to keep your teenager safe.

https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/parenting/talking-young-people/safe-partying/

Water Safety:

New Zealand has a high fatal drowning rate compared to other Western nations such as Australia, Canada, and the UK. For the past ten years our rate has been 1.7 per 100,000 of population and in 2020 is 1.62. In comparison, Australia's per capita rate is 1.1, and Canada's 1.3. Each fatality comes with a human and financial cost. It's a life cut short - often a young life - and it leaves families and communities devastated.

Please head to this link for advice about ways to keep safe around water.

https://watersafety.org.nz/

Organisations to call if you need help:

YouthLine: 0800 376 633, free text 234, email: talk@youthline.co.nz

www.thelowdown.co.nz: For support with depression or anxiety

www.sparx.org.nz: An online self-help tool that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety

www.leva.co.nz: Support for Pasifika families on mental health/addiction/suicide prevention

www.afterasuicide.nz: Practical info and guidance for people who have lost someone by suicide

Rape Crisis: 0800 883 300

Sexual/Reproductive health concerns: Call Rangiora Family Planning on 03 313 6697 (free of charge)

Rural Support: 0800 787 254: For those dealing with financial or personal challenges

Anxiety Helpline: 0800 269 4389

Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797, free text 8681

Psychiatric Emergencies for youth, CAFLINK : 0800 920 092