Support for families during coronavirus (COVID19)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to adapt the way we deliver services to ensure our families and staff are safe.
Our teams have worked really hard to ensure our services are delivered in line with government recommendations so we can safely meet the needs of children and families in Worcestershire. Some of our services are now delivered online while we have had to pause our face-face parenting groups and clinics.
In response to these changes, we have introduced new virtual groups and support sessions, including a variety of free parenting sessions, breastfeeding support groups and HENRY groups (healthy eating sessions) which can be accessed from home via video call.
Our Family Hubs have also reopened for the collection of free vitamins and we have introduced an appointment based system for our Child Health clinics.
The Health Visiting Service Telephone Advice service is available for those people with children under 5 years, who need advice on issues such as feeding, behaviour or constipation, contact our telephone advisory service. The service is available Monday – Friday via 0300 123 9551
If you would like more information on any of the above services; our parenting groups, childcare or free vitamins, please visit our website or contact your local Family Hub where a Starting Well team member will be able to help you.
The links below provide lots of practical information to keep you and your family safe and well.
> How to keep you and your family safe
Psychological First Aid training - New!
The online course, developed by Public Health England (PHE), offers training on how to provide practical and emotional support to children and young people affected by emergencies or crisis situations.
Children and young people can be very resilient, but crises such as COVID-19 can severely impact their mental health. Getting the right support early on can help prevent problems occurring or worsening.
Those completing the training will be equipped to better identify those children that are in distress and provide support to help them feel safe, connected and able to take steps to help themselves during the pandemic or other crisis situations.
The free course is available to anyone who cares for or is regularly in contact with children and young people aged up to 25, including parents and caregivers. It takes about 3 hours to complete (split into 3 sessions that the learner can complete at their own pace) and no previous qualifications are required.
Join the FREE course [opens in new window]
Talking to children about COVID-19
News of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is everywhere, many parents are wondering how to bring up the epidemic in a way that will be reassuring and not make kids more worried than they already may be.
Covid19 advice for parents when a child is unwell or injured poster
Coronavirus Specific Guides:
Coronavirus - A Book for Children
Children's guide to coronavirus
Pregnancy Guidance
Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it is likely that Coronavirus outbreak has caused you to feel anxious and worried. If you are pregnant and worried about coronavirus, here are some links for further advice.
Coronavirus Maternity Leaflet - Parent Information
School and education
The Department for Education have launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline their opening hours are 8.00am to 6.00pm (Monday to Friday):
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
If you require any information which has not been covered in these pages, please contact your local Family Hub.
Health and Wellbeing
Taking care of your mind as well as your body is really important while staying at home because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
You may feel bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also be low, worried or anxious, or concerned about your finances, your health or those close to you. It's important to remember that it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently.
Remember, this situation is temporary and, for most of us, these difficult feelings will pass. Staying at home may be difficult, but you are helping to protect yourself and others by doing it.
The tips and advice here are things you can do now to help you keep on top of your mental wellbeing and cope with how you may feel while staying at home. Make sure you get further support if you feel you need it.
Community Support
There will be many vulnerable people in our community who will have to self-isolate. This site will provide a central location for the vulnerable that are unable to seek help from family, friends and neighbours. You can request help, volunteer to help and find useful resources on the Here2Help website.