Supports

Supporting Children and Young People in a time of war

Here are some Top Tips:

  • Go for a walk
  • Take photographs in Nature
  • Go for a picnic
  • Go to the beach, Watch and listen to the waves, even dip your toes in
  • Dance to your favourite music
  • Meditate
  • Practise Mindfulness
  • Sit down with a nice cup of tea and quiet music to relax for 5 minutes

Relaxation Techniques and Meditation

Here is a podcast of Relaxation techniques from NEPS. It includes:

  1. Muscular Relaxation (Start – 4:39 mins)
  2. Deep Breathing Exercises (4:40 – 7:43 mins)
  3. Visualisation (7:44 – 11:28 mins)
  4. Body Focus (11:29 – 12:43 mins)
  5. Mindfulness Exercise (12:44 – 14:13 mins)
  6. Stretch (14:15 – end)

You can listen to it all or select the technique most suitable to you using the guide above.

5 Minute Meditation – Remember you are important so make some time for yourself

Barnardos

This website has lots of activities for looking after your Heart, Body and Mind. Lots of activities for families to do together and scroll down to the end for the Parents Section.

www.barnardos.ie/HBM

Anxiety Advice for Parents

Here is a link to a great document that gives advice on helping your child with anxiety and the benefit of being aware of and changing our thoughts.

C:\Users\HSCL\Documents\2019-2020\Covid 19\CAMHS Mental Health Resources – Clare CYPSC\NEPS Anxiety  – Information for Parents (2).docx

HSE 24/7 text service

Text 50808 is a free 24/7 text service, providing everything from a calming chat to immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis.

When you text you will be connected with a trained volunteer who will chat to you and link you with supports that are available online, by phone and text to mental health resources for those who might be struggling at this time.

Text your message to 50808

HSE Mental Health Website

This website has lots of links to activities for a variety of mental health issues. Click on the link of the one that applies to you or someone in your family.

www.yourmentalhealth.ie

There are also suggestions of how to look after your mental health, including tips on sleep problems, and ways to support friends or family who may need it.

https://www2.hse.ie/looking-after-your-mental-health/

A Helpdesk for Vulnerable People in Cabra who are unable to leave their house

If you can’t leave your house due to illness, medical needs or not having someone to mind your child when you go out etc. you can call or email the details below to get what you need.

TELEPHONE: (01) 2228 555 | EMAIL: covidsupport@dublincity.ie

Updated Local & Nationwide Support Services

Here are some updated contact details for people in Cabra.

Look through the list to find the correct service. The table explains what each services does. Simply contact the service you need should you or anyone in your family need to talk to someone during this time of uncertainty.

People to contact

We know that it can be challenging, worrying time being at home at the moment so if you need to talk to someone during the coming days for some further advice here are some free, confidential numbers you can call/email:

Talking to your child about Covid-19

The following link has important information on:

The following link is a video teaching your children how to wash their hands properly: Hand washing for children

Minding your mental health

The spread of Coronavirus can be a worrying time for ourselves and our children and as a result may affect our mental health. 

It is important that we look after ourselves and follow advice but also remember that scientists and healthcare experts around the world are working around the clock to keep us safe, contain the virus and come up with a solution. 

It is important to remind our children of this too as they may also be experiencing increased anxiety.

The HSE is encouraging us to remember that although life is changing at the moment this outbreak will pass.

 Here are some ways your mental health may be affected:

  • increased anxiety
  • feeling stressed
  • finding yourself excessively checking for symptoms, in yourself, or others
  • becoming irritable more easily
  • feeling insecure or unsettled
  • fearing that normal aches and pains might be the virus
  • having trouble sleeping
  • feeling helpless or a lack of control
  • having irrational thoughts

The HSE recommend the following 6 things so we can mind our mental health:

  1. Stay informed but set limits for news and social media: Constant news updates can make you feel worried. People on social media can talk about their worries which may increase your anxiety. Limit the amount of time you spend on social media to reduce your anxiety. Take information from trusted sources (hse.ie, rte.ie/news) to have accurate facts and avoid rumours.
  2. Keep up your healthy routines: Even though your routine is affected make sure to keep structure to you day. Pay attention to how you feel. Here are some ideas of how to relax and reduce stress:
  3. Stay Connected to others: Friends and family are a good source of support. Use email, social media, video calls, phone calls to stay social. Talking to other can lessen anxiety and worries
  4. Talking to children and young people: Involve them in making plans so they understand why and are not overly worried. Give them time to talk about how they are feeling. Share facts with them that are appropriate to their age. Limit their time on social media as it will increase their anxiety
  5. Support each other: It is normal to feel overwhelmed. Acknowledge your feelings and talk with and listen to others about our feelings. Look after your physical and mental health
  6. Don’t make assumptions: Don’t judge others. We are all in this together 

The HSE have put together a list of services who offer support during this time: 

Click on the following links or see the list of services below

Mental Health Services

  • Pieta House
    • Freephone 1800 247 247 any time, day or night
    • Text HELP to 51444 (standard message rates apply)
    • Telephone appointments will be provided to replace face to face appointments – contact your local Pieta House for details
  • Turn2Me
    • Visit www.turn2me.org for peer support online, online support groups and counselling online
  • Aware
    • Freephone Support Line 1800 80 48 48 from 10am to 10pm every day
    • Support and self-care groups nationwide, are cancelled until further notice
    • Life Skills Online Programme continuing as normal 
    • Email supportmail@aware.ie for services information and support
  • Crisis Text Line Ireland
    • Text TALK to 086 1800 280 any time, day or night
  • Shine
    • Email phil@shine.ie for counselling support
    • While face to face services are suspended, Shine staff will be available to offer remote support and an outreach service to people who use Shine services by phone and email.
  • BeLonGTo
    • While face to face services are closed, information, referral and advice will be provided digitally, by email, SMS, phone call or video conference.
    • Contact BeLonGTo for more information.
  • LGBT Ireland
    • LGBT Helpline 1890 929 539
    • Gender Identity Family Support Line 01 907 3707
    • Email info@lgbt.ie for support or information while face to face services are closed
  • Jigsaw
    • Visit Jigsaw Online while Jigsaw centres are closed – for mental health information for young people, their parents and guardians, and those who work with young people
  • Mental Health Ireland 
  • Bodywhys
    • Email alex@bodywhys.ie for information or support, while all face to face and helpline services are currently suspended. Online support groups continue as normal.
  • Childline (under 18s)
    • Freephone 1800 666 666 any time, day or night
    • Text 50101 from 10am to 4pm every day
    • Chat online at www.childline.ie from 10am to 4pm every day