Resources for people who work or volunteer with children
Child mental health
Our information about child mental health can help you recognise and respond to concerns. It includes:
- risk and vulnerability factors for mental health problems
- identifying mental health difficulties
- how to talk to children and young people about their mental health
- where children and young people can get support.
> Read more about child mental health
We’ve also put together some information about how you can promote children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, including:
- online wellbeing
- encouraging children to find ways to express themselves
- sharing tips with parents and carers.
> Find out about promoting mental health and wellbeing
Additional needs and disabilities
Children with special educational needs, additional needs and disabilities may experience extra challenges that make it harder to cope with the changes related to the pandemic, communicate how they feel, and access support. This can all affect their mental health and they may need extra support at this time.
> Read about safeguarding d/Deaf and disabled children
> Find out about safeguarding children with special educational needs, additional needs and disabilities
Coping with stress
Children might feel stressed as some restrictions remain in place and they can’t do all the same activities they used to. This can impact their mental health and development. We’ve produced information on how stress can impact children along with steps you can take to help reduce its impact.
> Read about the effects of stress on children and what you can do to help
How to have difficult conversations with children
You may need to talk to children and young people about difficult or sensitive topics, for example the coronavirus pandemic, serious illness and death. This page can help you prepare for a challenging conversation and provides guidance on how you can discuss difficult topics in a sensitive and supportive way.
> Get advice on how to prepare for a difficult conversation
What children and young people are saying to Childline about coronavirus
We’re sharing a series of briefings highlighting what children are talking to Childline about in relation to coronavirus. The briefings will help you understand how children’s mental health and wellbeing is being affected, what their main concerns are and what support they might need.
> Read the briefings
Supporting children and young people with worries about COVID-19
Emerging Minds, a research network that we’re a part of, has published evidence-based advice on how to talk about and respond to children and young people’s worries and anxieties about coronavirus. It includes advice on how to talk to them in a supportive way and links to helpful resources grouped by age category.
> Take a look at the advice by Emerging Minds
Reading list for children who are worried or anxious
The NSPCC Library and Information Service has created a reading list of books that you can share and use with children who may be feeling worried or anxious.
> View the reading list
Our free information service is still open, helping professionals find the research and resources they need to keep children safe.
> Find out how to contact us
Child protection newsletters
You can keep up to date on the most recent guidance during the coronavirus pandemic by subscribing to our newsletters.
> Sign up to CASPAR
> Sign up to the NSPCC Learning newsletter
NSPCC Helpline
If you need advice and support about a child, or if you are concerned about a child’s wellbeing, talk to us. It’s free and you don’t have to say who you are.
Call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or visit nspcc.org.uk/helpline.
