Support for Families
We are acutely aware of the pressures facing both students and their families. Here you will find links to a variety of external resources and support who can help during difficult times.
Food Banks
Even if you have never used a food bank before, you may find yourself currently needing help. This might be because you experienced unexpected changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic or you are now experiencing difficulties due to the rise in cost of living. If you, or someone you know, are experiencing hardship which makes it hard to afford food, our local food banks may be able to help.
A range of Food Banks across Devon can be found on the Pinpoint page here
Free School Meals
If your financial situation has changed, your child(ren) may be entitled to Free School Meals.
Please follow the links below to find out more:
For families living in Devon:
Phone - 0345 155 1019
For families living in Torbay
Phone - 01803 208244
For families living in Plymouth
Phone - 01752 307410
Devon HAF - Holiday and Activities Programme
The Holiday Activities and Food programme is being delivered by a number of different individuals and organisations across Devon including in Uffculme, Cullompton and Tiverton.
To access the programme, simply book a place through one of the providers listed on the webpage here:
All clubs will be operating for a minimum of four hours, including a hot meal. Please note that booking details differ depending on each provider. The schemes are fully inclusive and accessible, so please discuss your child’s needs with your chosen provider.
Family Support
Colab Exeter run a full timetable of events and activities to support families. Please see the overview here and timetable here and for more information on Colab Exeter go to: CoLab Exeter
Parental Minds
About Parental Minds:
Parental Minds gives support to families who are struggling with their mental health. They believe that the parental voice is vital when families are living with mental health issues; this under pins all their work.
The support includes Parent Support hubs in Honiton, Sidmouth and Exeter, plus resources and webinars for parents and carers.
Visit: Home - Parental Minds
WiserMoney - Financial Hardship & Debt Advice
Are you in financial distress due to losing your job, a relationship breakdown, mental ill health or other unexpected circumstances? You may be behind with bill payments, need help applying for benefits or have other worries about money.
For information about how WiserMoney can help please visit:
Website: NavigateCharity
Email: wisermoney@navigatecharity.org.uk
Phone: 01823 299050
Loan Sharks
Trading Standards have advised that in the current economic climate there has been an increase in loan shark activity and have they have received an increase in calls to their national hotline. The pandemic means that many may experience financial trouble. During times like these, people can be extremely vulnerable and at risk of being taken advantage of. If you're unsure of a lender, do not use them. The helpline is open 24/7 on 0300 555 2222
‘Stop Loan Sharks’ have put together a resource pack to help people who are experiencing financial difficulties. Their resource pack can be found here
Action Fraud
Action Fraud has launched a national awareness campaign to urge the public to think twice before handing over money and personal information when booking holidays.
For information about how to avoid scams, or to report a scam of phishing attempt, visit Action Fraud or phone 0300 123 2040
Online Learning and Safety
Parent Zone
A hub of advice for families from Parent Zone’s experts. Wide range of articles including 'How to spot when your child needs emotional help' and recommendations for awesome games and fantastic You Tube Channels: Parent Zone – Parents' area
Screen Time and Other Internet Concerns
Many of our young people will have spent a lot of time on their electronic devices during lockdown and school closures. For many this has been a huge benefit as they have been able to keep up with school work and their friendships. If you are worried about the amount of time your child is still spending on their devices, Internet Matters offers lots of advice and information including age specific guides on managing screen time: Screen time advice for kids | Effects of screen time - Internet Matters
Vodaphone Digital Parenting
You don’t have to be on the Vodaphone network to access the range of advice they offer about helping us make the right digital choices for your family. You can read their articles and expert advice here
Other Useful Contacts
Papyrus UK
Support for young people thinking about suicide.
Contact: HopeLine 0800 068 4141 or Visit:
Kooth
Online support including online counselling.
Visit:
ChatHealth
a text service for young people aged 13-19 at secondary school to reach out to the School Nurse team for confidential advice on a wide range of issues such as bullying, emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health as well as illnesses.
Contact: 07520 631722 or visit:
ChildLine
Contact: 0800 1111 (Phone lines open 24/7/365) or visit:
(Note - ChildLine offers lots of helpful advice and support and isn’t just a ‘report it’ service)
The Mix
A safe and confidential group chat and discussion boards, plus messaging support service and telephone counselling for young people under 25. You can visit the website, call the freephone number, or if you need help immediately you can also text The Mix on their crisis messenger text service which provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you’re aged 25 or under, and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258.
0808 808 4994 (Freephone) or visit:
Young Minds
They offer tips, advice and guidance on where to get support for your mental health during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. They also have a crisis messenger providing free 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis.
If you need urgent help text YM to 85258, or visit:
Young Devon
Face to face counselling (via video call at the moment)
Contact: 07935 364 652 or email: yes.exeter@youngdevon.org or visit:
Space Youth Services
A youth service with in person and online youth centres
Visit:
Child Bereavement UK
Contact: 0800 02 888 40 or visit:
School Nurse and Health Visiting HUB
Support and advice available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm, for parents and families. This is for both physical and mental health including support around anxiety and sleep.
Contact: 0333 234 1903 or email easternphnhub@devon.gov.uk
Support for families with autistic children and those with ADHD
Resources and bitesize videos are available from Children and Families Health Devon
To help families and professionals recognise and support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (whether they have a diagnosis or not). To access these resources, please visit:
Exploring stress and anxiety with children
A youtube video that explores using visual techniques for children with stress and anxiety.
Watch:
Babcock
Babcock has a collection of some useful information and resources which can be found here:
BisNet
Online webinars and live chats for parents plus free regular podcasts on how to support your autistic child.
Visit: