Family Wellbeing Support Information
Mana Ake - Stronger for Tomorrow: Mana Ake provides support to children in years 1-8 at school, promoting wellbeing and positive mental health. Family/whānau will find many useful tips, ideas and resources on the ‘Supporting your Child’ page of their website: https://manaake.health.nz/
The information below is taken from a sheet complied by Canterbury Leading Lights:
Children's wellbeing
Many children will be experiencing mixed emotions. They may be excited about school closure and imagine it’s like a holiday, or they may be worried about not being able to see their friends.
To support their wellbeing, talk to them about how they are feeling, let them know it’s normal to feel this way, and help them manage worries.
You can get more information from:
Ministry of Education: Learning from Home – Tip Sheet: Wellbeing Support for Parents and Caregivers
Emerging Minds – Helping Children Cope with Stress during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
Family/whānau wellbeing
To be able to support your children’s wellbeing, it's important to take care of your own as well, especially through these challenging times.
You can get more information from:
Mental Health Foundation – Top Tips to get Through
NZ Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience – Real-Time Resilience Strategies for Coping with Coronavirus
Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā – For Whānau (information and advice for whānau Māori to reduce risk of COVID-19)
Need support?
If you or anyone you know is feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed, or would just like to talk to someone, 1737 is a free confidential helpline. Trained counsellors are available to talk 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call or text 1737.
For any health concerns, phone your general practice team. You must always phone first. Canterbury DHB –I’m not Well, Where Do I Go? has all the local information on how to access health services during lockdown.
If your income has been impacted by COVID-19 and you may need financial and other support, the Ministry of Social Development – COVID-19 has all the information you need.