We are really saddened to hear the news of last weekend, and wanted to get in touch to offer advice and support to our schools, in supporting those that may have been affected by what has happened. It’s natural for all of our community to feel lots of different emotions right now including upset, distressed, angry and worried about what has happened. Children and young people are always able to contact KOOTH online here Home - Kooth for support, however please find below a list of services that you may find helpful to look at and use for more specific support:
Child Bereavement UK have lots of resources, advice and videos for children, parents and teachers including:
Supporting children and young people bereaved by murder or manslaughter | Child Bereavement UK
Remembering someone who has died | Child Bereavement UK
Returning to school after someone has died | Child Bereavement UK
Supporting a child after a frightening event | Child Bereavement UK
For teachers when a pupil returns to school after being bereaved | Child Bereavement UK
Winston's Wish - giving hope to grieving children (winstonswish.org) have some resources for teenagers who have experienced a loss:
You Just Don't Understand - Supporting bereaved teenagers – Winston's Wish (winstonswish.org)
Hope Beyond the Headlines - Supporting a child bereaved by homicide – Winston's Wish (winstonswish.org)
Out of the Blue – Winston's Wish (winstonswish.org) (bereavement activities for teens)
For specific support for those who identify as LGBTQ+ support can also be accessed from the following sources:
Warrington Youth Service TAGs (Teenagers, Gender and Sexuality) group
TAGS (for 17-24 year olds) “is a group which aims to help young people explore their transition to adulthood; develop support strategies; and challenge policies relating to the LGBTQ+ agenda. For more details about TAGS ring Sharon on 07717815859”
Youth TAGS (for 11-17 year olds) “is a group which aims to help young people explore issues around sexuality and gender. It also provides support to young people, wherever they may be in terms of their LGBTQ+ journey. For more details about Youth TAGS ring Jaime on 07775024897. The TAGS groups are part of Warrington Borough Council's Youth Service.”
The Proud Trust - Home of LGBT+ Youth
Happy OK Sad (warrington.gov.uk) have a specific section for LGBTQ organisations.
An introduction to supporting LGBT children and young people (stonewall.org.uk) – for schools info re supporting LGBTQ children in the school environment.
For any children and young people who may need more immediate support or who are in crisis:
Warrington CYPMHS: 01925 575904 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
CYPMHS Response Team: 01744 415640, Everyday 9am to 9pm (emergencies only)
Warrington Crisis line: 0800 051 1508 (urgent support, 24/7)
PAPYRUS (prevention of young suicide): 0800 068 4141 TEXT: 07786209697
Samaritans: 116 123 or Helpline 08457 90 90 90 (UK)
Childline: 0800 1111
NHS: 111 is the NHS non-emergency number
In an emergency, you can call 999 or attend A&E
Warrington Borough Council also have critical incident support for those schools that have been directly affected, and information about this can be accessed here: https://www.myschoolservices.co.uk/Services/1106
We appreciate that this is a difficult time for all of our community right now, but we wanted to reach out and remind you that Warrington MHST is here to provide support and advice, so please contact your EMHP if there is anything you think may be needed or helpful for your school right now.
