We know that the coming weeks and months are likely to be challenging, probably in ways we haven’t even yet considered.

A key priority in supporting students is communication. Your child’s Form Tutor/ Mentor will endeavour to make regular contact with them each week via Show My Homework. Please encourage your child to engage in this communication (but please also encourage them to be sensitive and realistic about their expectations of their teacher’s time, as set out in the overview)

If your child has already been receiving support, our existing counselling team are continuing to work to support your child remotely, as best as they can. Should you feel your child requires our support – even if they have never accessed our team before – please encourage them to make contact with us using the Here2Help link on their iPads. We will aim to monitor this daily.

For many students and families, prayer can be extremely powerful in times of trouble. Mr D’Aguiar, our Director of Spirituality, will endeavour to continue to post prayers and/or reflections on the school website for the entire Richard Challoner community to access every weekday. We would encourage you to make time as a family to engage with these.

How should I support my child with maintaining positive wellbeing?

Aside from the importance of routine (see overview), it is also important to make time for positive, face-to-face interactions with your child – aim for at least 15 minutes of your undivided attention. We would also encourage you to look at our suggestions for supporting your child with a personal interest project, family activity and wellbeing support, and fresh air, sunlight and exercise.

Our family have suffered significant bereavement, what should we do?

If your close family is affected by bereavement and you would like to make this known to us so that we are aware of your family situation, please contact the school office which will then be forwarded to an appropriate person.

You can also access support resources via the Kingston Bereavement Service and Saying Goodbye Project.

My child is going to really struggle with being isolated from their friends how can I help them with this?

It is likely to be very difficult for them. Try to encourage them to spend some time each day chatting to their friends on the phone or via face time. They could also arrange to do their daily reading together – read first independently and then get together online to discuss/debate. They could also collaborate on some of the tasks being set for them by their teachers. Likewise, the Personal Interest Projects should also provide students with lots of opportunities to collaborate on constructive projects together on a range of topics.

Are there any apps that my child/family can use to support their emotional wellbeing?

Two apps that our pastoral support team have used previously are Clear Fear and Smiling Mind.

If you or your child are struggling and need further pastoral support, please reach out and use the charities and organisations that are set up to help in times of need. Below you can find a comprehensive list together with their contact details.

The NHS Mental Health Helplines page provides an invaluable list of organisations that can offer support and advice if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one.

A few key organisations (some are on the NHS Mental Health Helplines page, some aren’t):

Childline

Phone: 0800 1111
childline.org.uk
Free 1-to-1 chat support and 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.

Hopeline UK

Phone: 0800 068 4141
https://papyrus-uk.org/hopelineuk/
A specialist telephone service that gives non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to young people

Kooth

kooth.com
Counsellors available until 10pm every day. Free, safe and anonymous online counselling for young people. Check whether this is offered in your area.

NSPCC

Phone: 0800 1111
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children.

On My Mind

annafreud.org/on-my-mind
Information for young people to make informed choices about their mental health and wellbeing.

Samaritans

Phone: 116 123
samaritans.org
Free 24-hour helpline. Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including suicidal feelings.

Young Stonewall

Phone: 0800 050 2020
youngstonewall.org.uk
Information and support for all young lesbian, gay, bi and trans people.

Think You Know

www.thinkyouknow.com
UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.

Child Expliotation and Online Protection (CEOP)

https://www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/
If you have been a victim of sexual online abuse or you're worried this is happening to someone you know, let us know safely and securely.

​​​​​​