Covid-19 Advice and Support

The welfare of children remains a priority for the Council, especially during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Phone support is available for a variety of services to support parents and children. The services are available 9am to 5pm on weekdays.

For NHS advice on COVID-19 related and childhood illnesses and injuries during the pandemic please look at the Parent Guide (PDF).

Advice for parents when children are ill during the pandemic

The NHS has provided a guide for parents to advise them on what to do if their children feel ill during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Information about Coronavirus for children

This factsheet (PDF) provides a very useful and simple explanation on Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Mental health support

Some children will find the change of routine and staying at home difficult and advice on how to support your child’s mental health and well-being during the Coronavirus outbreak is available on the DfE website.

Unfortunately, there will be a number of children and young people who will experience bereavement during the pandemic. There is a range of organisations offer support to bereaved children and young people.

• Kooth
  A young person friendly site which provides resources, an online forum & free anonymous online 1-1 counselling.
  Website: Kooth.com
   
• Your Time
  Supporting vulnerable children and young people by providing a regular weekly catch-up with a professionally trained and trusted adult who they can talk to about their interests; the stresses of family life; their own wellbeing and keeping connections & routines going
  Tel: 020 3373 9983 (select option 4 – HeadStart)
  Email: your.time@newham.gov.uk
   
• HeadStart
  HeadStart Newham is a mental health service working closely with schools and the community to transform how young people and their families are supported to stay emotionally healthy.
  Email: www.headstartnewham.co.uk
   
• CAMHS
  Multi-agency specialist mental health service for children and young people
  Tel: 020 8430 9000
   
• MH Crisis (all age)
  24 hours a day 7 days a week
  Tel: 0800 073 0066
   
• Chat Health: Advice for Teens in Newham
  Allows any YP aged 11-19 in Newham to contact a school nurse to discuss their health including mental health.
  Text: 07507 326645
  Response time: Within 24 hours, 9am to 5pm, weekdays (except bank holidays)
   
• Child Bereavement UK (Stratford Branch)
  Provide support for bereaved children and their family.
  Tel: 020 8519 7025
  Website: www.childbereavementuk.org
   
• Grief Encounter 
  Provide free service to support bereaved children and their families. 
  9am - 9pm, weekdays
  Free phone Tel: 0808 802 0111
  Email: grieftalk@griefencounter.org.uk
  Website: www.griefencounter.org.uk
   
• Child Death Helpline
  A free telephone service for people bereaved by the death of a child.
  Free phone Tel: 0800 282 986
  Website: www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk
   
• Hope Again
  Support young people living after loss; contact via email or call the FREE helpline.
  9.30am - 5pm, weekdays.
  Free phone Tel: 0808 808 1677
  Email: hopeagain@cruse.org.uk
  Website: www.hopeagain.org.uk
   
• Winston’s Wish
  Provide support and guidance to bereaved children, young people and their families.
  Tel: 0808 802 021
  Website: www.winstonswish.org.uk

Feeding your baby and Coronavirus

There is a lot of evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of babies developing infectious diseases including Covid 19. 

There is a lot of evidence that breastfeeding reduces the risk of babies developing infectious diseases.

Live constituents in human milk, including immunoglobulins, antiviral factors, cytokines and leucocytes that help to boost the baby’s immune system.

For support and information to help you with feeding your baby including breastfeeding support please call Newham Baby Feeding Helpline on 07534 249611 or visit our website.

Advice for children aged 10 to 16

Please download the All About Me Journal (PDF) which contains for advice for young people

Newham Youth Empowerment services and support

Find out more about the Council’s Youth Empowerment Service and what services they provide here.

Keeping children safe online

Advice to keep children safe on line during the pandemic is also available on Gov.uk.