Five Things You Should Know About Food Allergies

Wellbeing advice and support for families during COVID-19

We understand the current situation may bring some tough times. We encourage every family to make mental and emotional wellbeing a priority. Find some time to play games, relax and enjoy some time together - all vital for our mental health (and supportive of our immune systems, too!)

We have put together a list of resources to help in case things get tricky.

Talking about COVID-19 with your children (from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-04/how-to-talk-to-children-about-coronavirus/12020324)

Assess what they know already. Find out what they understand so you know where to start.
Don’t dismiss or minimise your child’s fear – validate their concerns. It is reasonable to be concerned because they have probably never experienced anything like this before.
Make your explanation age-appropriate, provide facts, and keep it positive. Tell them scientists and doctors are working on treatments. Reassure them that right now the risk of getting coronavirus is low and most people only get cold-like symptoms.
Give them some control over what is happening. Teach the importance of handwashing and how to do it properly, remind them of their responsibility to protect others from coughs and sneezing. If they are very young, make a game of having good hygiene.
Make it an opportunity to learn. Talk about how our bodies fight viruses. Understanding the science can alleviate fears. Get them to do their own fact-checking on what they have heard at school.
Remind children that no-one should be ostracised or bullied because they have been associated with the virus.
Do not make it one-time conversation. Keep checking in to see if they need reassurance or if they have any new questions.

Further information:

Use only reputable sources for information, such as government and ABC sites.

Myth-busting COVID-19

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/blog/blogcollectionpage/novel-coronavirus-mythbusting

Talking to kids about COVID-19

https://radio.abc.net.au/programitem/pgd6o3QQq6

Looking after your mental health during a pandemic

https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-a-global-pandemic/12073476

Headspace - how to cope with stress related to COVID-19

https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/

Support Services for Kids

Headspace - lot of great information and support for teens https://headspace.org.au/

Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800 (for telephone or online counselling for teens and children).

Support services for parents

KCLC Family Support Services Program 5852 0000 - https://www.kclc.com.au/family-services-support

Parentline 13 22 89 – counselling and support for parents and carers of children aged 0-18, 8am-midnight, 7 days a week

Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 Hour telephone counselling)

Centre for Non-Violence (Loddon area) 1800 884 292

Emergencies: Call 000

Visit your GP when open/available for more ideas for mental health support.

Mental Health Regional Triage Service 1300 363 788.(24 hours a day, 7 days per week)

Apps for the family

Calm

Smiling Mind

Clear Fear (for managing worry and anxiety)

Combined Minds (for families of those who need support with their mental health)

Yours sincerely,

The Wellbeing Team

Campaspe Emergency Food Relief Services

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