Important Safeguarding & Wellbeing Information during this period of ‘stay at home’ online learning

The Covid-19 pandemic is understandably causing anxiety to lots of people, including many of our students. During this period of “stay at home” online learning, we are not able to provide face-to-face safeguarding support for students, but non-urgent safeguarding queries can of course still be directed to our safeguarding team by email at safeguarding@runshaw.ac.uk – we will aim to respond to any queries received at this email address as soon as possible (within one working day, wherever possible, during term time).

For any student in need of mental wellbeing support, we would always advise speaking to a trusted family member and/or close friend. The government has published a list of useful tips to help people manage/protect their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic and there is also a useful article on the BBC web-site.

For urgent safeguarding matters during this period of “stay at home” online learning, please consider using one or more of the following sources of support

· Childline is a free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk. Phone: 0800 1111 Website: www.childline.org.uk/

· Young Minds offers information, support and advice for children and young people on mental health, wellbeing and self-harm. Help for concerned parents of those under 25 is offered by phone: 0808 802 5544 (Mon –Fri 9.30am-4pm). Website: www.youngminds.org.uk/

· The Mix provides non-judgmental support and information for young people under 25 on a wide range of matters including exam stress, debt, drugs and self-harm. Phone: 0808 808 4994 Website: http://www.themix.org.uk/

· In an extreme emergency, call 999 or go to the nearest A & E department or police station depending on the issue.

In addition, the following websites are good sources of high-quality advice:

· www.nhs.uk · www.samaritans.org – or phone 116 123 (24 hour service)

· www.papyrus-uk.org – or phone 0800 068 4141 or text 07786 209697

· www.bigwhitewall.com

· www.mind.org.uk

· www.panic-attacks.co.uk

· www.prevent-suicide.org.uk

· www.getselfhelp.co.uk

· www.studentsagainstdepression.org