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Get some great baking tips, whilst raising money for our good cause - our friends at Youth Options. Check out their event below...

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Southampton Mr Men mosaics trail by Will Rosie

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Will Rosie Official Mosaics - Google My Maps

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This map shows mosaic trails created by celebrity mosaic artist Will Rosie. To keep upto date with new mosaics check out Will's instagram account @mrmosaicwill.

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Feb Half Term- Make a difference from home challenge (with certificate)

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Feb Half Term- Make a difference from home challenge (with certificate)

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KS2 activity pack

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February Half Term-activity pack with certificate

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February Half Term-activity pack with certificate

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Making a difference from home (KS3)

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Science@home ideas from Winchester Science Centre

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Welcome to Science@Home! Here you can find educational, inspirational and fun resources for your family to enjoy at home. Try out our super simple Science Sizzle experiments, enjoy hands-on activities in our Curiosity Challenges or take some inspiration from our top indoor science ideas.

Our aim for Science@Home is to get families learning and laughing together, with activities that will enable children to build their science inquiry skills - to think creatively, design, build, test, ask questions, research and evaluate - just like STEM professionals!

Indoor Science Ideas

When the weather gets wet and windy and the nights begin to draw in, why not stay indoors and have a go at some of these activities, from kitchen science ideas and indoor activities to films and books to enjoy together.

Activity Sheets
Space Activity Sheets - get creative with our space-themed colouring, spot the difference and maze
Space Wordsearch - can you find all the words?
STEM Quiz - just for fun
Minibeasts Crossword - can you solve the clues?
Bird Wordsearch - can you find all the words?

Websites
DadLab - fun and simple kitchen science experiments
Institute Of Physics - Do Try This at Home simple kitchen science experiments
WWF Nature Quizzes - fun quizzes themed around our natural world
Micro:bit - free coding lessons
DK Find Out - fascinating facts about all sorts of things
STEM Learning - inspiration and ideas to support the learning of STEM subjects

Books
15 Minute STEM, Emily Hunt - 40 quick and easy at home STEM activities
The Sticky, Stinky Science Book, Kris Hirschmann - fun activities to do at home with added facts about gross science in the real world
Science You Can Eat, Stefan Gates - discover the incredible, edible science that happens every time you cook, bake, or eat

Apps
Star Tracker - explore the night sky to discover stars, planets and constellations
Flora Incognita - discover what plants are in your local area with this useful automated plant identifier

Science Sizzles

Every week during the summer school holidays we brought you a new Science Sizzle - simple experiments that the whole family can get involved in using equipment that can be found in your home!

Check out our suggested kit lists and then join one of our Inspirers in a 'how to' video. Then it's up to you how far your curiosity will take you - we've shared what we did, but we would love to see what your testing involved.
Balloon Car
Egg Jackets Rollercoaster Engineer
Astronomer Mission Space
Minibeasts Spectacular Science - Ice on Fire
Spectacular Science - Exploding Bubbles
Spectacular Science - Whoosh Bottle
Tips and Activities Worksheet
Colouring and Maths Activity Spectacular Science - Elephant's Toothpaste
DIY Science - Refraction
DIY Science - Lava Lamp
DIY Science - pH Testing
Sounds of the Sea
Observing Space
Conservation
Family Band
Sound in Space
Food Chains
Soundproofing
Martian Mission
Birds
Weather in Space
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technician
Medical Illustrator
Zoologist
Insect Pooter
Growing Cress Cabbage Water Indicator
Brilliant Bubbles
STEM Career of the Week

We're passionate about inspiring the next generation of STEM superstars. Find out about some of these exciting roles through mini challenges, fascinating facts and skills tips.

Curiosity Challenges

We love it when families can work together to learn about STEM. Our Curiosity Challenges each involve three hands-on activities plus the science bit to explain what you've been doing.

Spectacular Science and DIY Science Demos

Bring a little bit of Science Centre magic into your homes with DIY science experiments that you can try yourselves and spectacular science demonstrations that you should definitely leave to us! Check out our YouTube channel for all the latest videos.

Christmas Coding Pantomime!

Follow Professor Trice and Al the Robot on one of their amazing adventures...

Our STEM NOW Team has joined forces with Get with the Program to bring schools and uniformed groups this very special Christmas Coding Pantomime to excite and build children's understanding of Coding.

To take part, all you need to do is complete the registration form to receive a link to the film.

To support children's learning, use the following:

Share your experience and help inspire others!

Please take photos of your children completing the activities and their achievements - we'd love to see them and share them with others to inspire more children to take part. You can share images in the following ways:

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Welcome to Science@Home! Here you can find educational, inspirational and fun resources for your family to enjoy at home. Try out our super simple Science Sizzle experiments, enjoy hands-on activities in our Curiosity Challenges or take some inspiration from our top indoor science ideas.

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Download the daily Art app

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Straight to your phone or tablet, for free

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* English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.

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Full of classic, modern and contemporary art masterpieces from museums and galleries all over the world

Became a curator of your own museum full of masterpieces

Use it however you like

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For iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Android devices

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App Store Google Play featured featured * English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. * English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.

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virtual Portsmouth- visit museums, D-Day Landings and the tourist attractions in the city.

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With England back under a national lockdown, Portsmouth's attractions, as well as our pubs, bars and restaurants must close.

Whilst you're not able to experience Portsmouth at its best currently, there's still an opportunity to experience a trip to the coast - from home! #VirtualPortsmouth gives you the chance to experience a trip to the Great Waterfront City remotely. The below activities give you behind-the-scenes tours, fascinating films, fitness classes and fun things to do for all ages.

So pop the kettle on, settle in, and head off to the coast on a journey of exploration - from the comfort of your own sofa. Click through the icons below to discover all the things to see and do at each attraction.

See the sights of Portsmouth and discover our links to some big names on this walking tour that you can take without leaving your seat.

See how Portsmouth looked during the very first lockdown, and see behind-the-scenes at all the work being done to ensure the city keeps ticking over and all residents are looked after.

Go inside The D-Day Story for guided tours of the museum's artefacts and visual displays.

Take in the extent of Blitz bombing of Portsmouth, which shows the locations across the city that were impacted during World War 2.

Portsmouth Museum is currently home to a dodo skeleton, one of only 12 thought to be left on earth. Learn about the display and take a virtual tour of the exhibition.

There's a huge selection of Tudor-themed craft activities (and more besides) from The Mary Rose.

Get involved in Aspex's interactive activities, inspired by the gallery's contemporary artists.

Heritage Open Days couldn't go ahead as planned this year - but you can still enjoy guided tours of four city hotspots, without leaving home!

As the Guildhall itself says: performance isn't dead, it's just in quarantine. Enjoy a host of live performances from your living room - meaning there'll be no queues at the bar or toilets either!

Peer in through the windows of the artists' studios and see what's been going on.

Check out History Bombs' fun, fast-paced video for an introduction to the creator of Sherlock Holmes.

See all the comings and goings from the unique vantage point atop HMS Warrior 1860.

See inside the luxurious Solent Forts, with an interactive tour of its stunning spaces.

Venture under the seas at the Blue Reef Aquarium, with a quick tour of some creatures that lurk within.

There are bakes to try, colouring in sheets to complete and even a playlist to listen to with Gunwharf Quays.

Keep fit and active from home with this all-inclusive regime from the experts at INEOS Team UK.

The Spinnaker Tower has a host of learning resources for Key Stages 1 and 2. What's more, you can download them for free!

Try your hand at a host of digital puzzles, featuring the Charles Dickens' Birthplace Museum and its collection.

Check out the BFI's Britain on Film resource for a host of archive footage of the city through the ages.

Download artworks from talented local artists and designers for you to colour in and display at home.

See a host of works from local artists or those with a connection to the city via Artsmouth.

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With England back under a national lockdown, Portsmouth's attractions, as well as our pubs, bars and restaurants must close. Whilst you're not able to experience Portsmouth at its best currently, there's still an opportunity to experience a trip to the coast - from home!

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Are you a Southampton resident aged between 16-18 in need of support with finding Employment, Education or Training?

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Are you a Southampton resident aged between 16-18 in need of support with finding Employment, Education or Training?

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Get in touch with our keyworkers for support today.

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Eastleigh College

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This fortnight has been supported by University of Winchester Catering Team

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Visit a zoo virtually

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Virtual museums to visit over Feb half term

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Virtual museums to visit over Feb half term

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Explore all Collections on Google Arts & Culture.

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What is "Let's Go Live with Maddie & Greg OUT & ABOUT"?

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Southampton City Council's Employment Support Team has been supporting clients and employers in Southampton since 1990. We work with adults and young people, supporting them to find and retain suitable paid or voluntary employment and/or training.
For more information contact Employment Support Team on: 023 8091 7585 or email: employment.support.team@southampton.gov.uk
Check out our videos sharing client stories and showcasing the work we do in Southampton
In this video, Jay shares how his Employment Support team worker, Paul, helped to get him back in to long-term work.

In this video, Jake tells us how Southampton City Council's Employment Support Team helped him to secure a successful career.

Find out more about our employment support projects in Southampton below

Sign up to receive our free Stay Connected e-alert. Get important updates, advice and news from the Employment Support Team straight to your inbox!

Virtual Work Club - Thursdays 3pm-5pm

Southampton City Council's Employment Support Team are running a weekly virtual work club for people in Southampton needing information, advice and guidance around employment. The virtual work club will take place every Thursday 3pm-5pm starting on Thursday 25th June 2020.

As part of our response to the ongoing situation, we want to give people the opportunity to drop in to a session where they can get advice from one of our Employment Officers. The virtual work club will be running on Zoom and you can drop in at any time in the 2-hour session. You will have the opportunity to speak 1 to 1 with a member of our team - we will be using Zoom's 'Breakout Rooms' feature to make sure your information is kept confidential, so there is no need for you to worry about discussing your case in front of other clients. At the virtual work club, we can help with:

IAG relating to job searching, applications and interviews

Creating or updating CVs

Advice and signposting around furlough and returning to work

Referral to our other projects for 1 to 1 support if required

Signposting to other support services

To join the virtual work club, you don't need to have a Zoom account. All you need to do is click this link: bit.ly/VirtualWorkClub and enter the password: 356055

T.E.E.M (Training, Education, Employment and Motivation)
Who is TEEM for?

16 - 70 years old

People who are currently unemployed or at risk of becoming unemployed

People living in Southampton Council Housing

Must live under the Southampton City Council Boundaries

What can TEEM offer?

Works with people on anything employability focused including CV writing, supported job search, interview preparation and more.

One-to-one support

Access to Work Clubs around the city

Signposting and referral to any other appropriate provision

How can I refer?
To make a referral, you can either drop in to a work club or download a referral form and send it to Francesca Prior, Senior Employment Officer: francesca.prior@southampton.gov.uk
What happens next? What happens in the first meeting? Where do the Work Clubs take place?

Bitterne Library - Every Monday 10am-12pm

Weston Community Library - Every Monday 1pm-3pm

Maybush Housing Office - Every Tuesday 10am-12pm

Northam Community Centre - Every Wednesday 10am-12pm

Central Library - Every Thursday 3pm-5pm

Self-Employment Support
Who is the Self-Employment Project for? What can the project offer?

IAG to help you start your own business

Advice on how to access funding and training

One-to-one support

Access to Work Clubs around the city

Signposting and referral to any other appropriate provision

How can I refer?
To make a referral, you can either drop in to a work club or download a referral form and send it to Francesca Prior, Senior Employment Officer: francesca.prior@southampton.gov.uk
What happens next?

You will be allocated to an Employment Officer working on TEEM

You will be directly contacted to arrange an initial meeting

What happens in the first meeting?
Solent Employment Support

Solent Employment Support (S.E.S). S.E.S is a new supported employment project that aims to support people with health conditions to achieve their employment goals. We provide tailored support including advice on housing, healthcare and social services to support you to get and keep a job. We also support clients to access training opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills. S.E.S can support individuals in a person-centred way with CV writing, job applications, interview advice and any other employment related goals.
Who can get support from S.E.S?

A recognised health condition

Unemployed (including recently unemployed)

Eligible to receive public funds

Has the right to live and work in the UK

Support from Solent Employment Support is available to people living in Southampton, the Waterside area, Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and the Isle of Wight.
What support does S.E.S offer?

Pre-employment support

Developing skills

Accessing volunteering and work placements

Impartial Information, Advice and Guidance around employment goals

1 to 1 support through individualised support plans

Support to access appropriate support such as substance misuse services, coaching, money management and confidence building activities

Identifying any possible childcare support required

Support to gain appropriate and sustainable employment

Ongoing support in the workplace if required

How can I refer to S.E.S?
Professionals - Complete a Referral Form and return to Francesca.prior@southampton.gov.uk

Self-referral - please call 023 8091 7585

For more information about Solent Employment Support, please email Francesca.prior@southampton.gov.uk, call 023 8091 7868 or visit www.southampton.gov.uk/EST

STEP

STEP supports young people aged 15-24 on their journey to education, training or employment. Support is specifically tailored to client's needs and our Employment Officers will work with clients every step of the way to help them achieve their goals.
Who is STEP for? What can STEP offer?

Information, advice and support to help you to progress into a positive outcome.

One- to- one support and mentoring to develop an action plan

Training sessions to develop your skills

Regular, tailored support every step of the way

Work experience to help you gain experience and prepare for employment

Signposting to relevant services for any additional needs such as benefits, mental health, accommodation will be signposted to the relevant services. As we will focus on employability issues.

How can I refer?
To make a referral, please download a referral form and send it to jon.martin@southampton.gov.uk
What happens next?

You will be allocated to an Employment Officer and an introduction meeting will be arranged

If appropriate we ask referrer to be present for the first meeting

You will be expected to meet in a mutually convenient location.

At the first meeting you will have a brief chat with your Employment Officer to explore your options.

Adult Community Learning Free Support for Offenders and Ex-Offenders

Our ACL Offenders' Project supports people from Southampton and the surrounding areas who are 19+, unemployed and have a history of offending. We offer non-accredited learning and IAG relating to;

Employment

Finance

Social

Health and Wellbeing

Functional Skills

IT/Digital Skills

Support can be offered on a 121 or group basis from a dedicated Employment Officer to help improve knowledge, skills and confidence in a range of areas to suit the needs of the individual and improve their future prospects and progress towards the labour market.

For further information or an informal chat, please contact;

Daniel.Stickland@southampton.gov.uk and Harry.Tucker@Southampton.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can make a referral to the project by completing a referral form and returning it to Daniel.Stickland@southampton.gov.uk

PATH (PerinAtal menTal Health)

Becoming a new parent should be an exciting event but for up to one in five women this isn't the case. Perinatal mental illnesses (PMI) such as postnatal depression are not always recognised and cost society approximately £64,000 per mother and child.

PATH (PerinAtal menTal Health) is an EU-funded project which will enable women, families and healthcare professionals to prevent, diagnose and successfully manage mild and moderate perinatal mental health issues.

The project will run from February 1, 2019 to September 30, 2022. It receives funding from the European Regional Development Fund, has a budget of over £7.3 million and involves partners from the UK, the Netherlands, France and Belgium.

PATH will prepare parents for their new role and help them avoid PMI, as well as improving the skills of healthcare professionals, equipping them to address PMI confidently and effectively. The project will design, deliver and implement durable services both online and face-to-face, aiming to increase recognition and prevention of PMI and support new families' mental wellbeing.
The project will develop:

In Southampton, the Employment Support Team is working with people affected by Perinatal Mental Health and supporting them into education, employment and training. Support we offer includes:

Listening to aspirations and fears

Supporting to achieve goals and overcome barriers

Identifying work that fits around childcare

Information on pregnancy and maternity rights

Job searching, application forms, CVs and cover letters

Interview techniques

Identifying relevant training, voluntary work or work placements

Support with talking to employers about aids, adaptations and support

Helping to identify pregnant women's wishes whilst on maternity leave/ shared leave, new Dads when on paternity leave and communicating these to employers

Support with the transition back to work after maternity leave/ shared leave

In-work and job retention support if difficulties arise with an employer as a result of pregnancy, maternity leave/ shared leave or returning to work

To refer someone please complete a Referral Form and return it to daniel.stickland@southampton.gov.uk.

For more information about PATH, please visit path-perinatal.eu

Learning Disability Life Skills Employment Service

Age criteria: 16+

Eligibility Criteria: Receiving support from Southampton City Council's Learning Disability Team

Referral via: Email mandy.burdfield@southampton.gov.uk

The Life Skills service commissioned by Southampton City Council provides support to adults with learning disabilities who want to explore paid employment, further education and voluntary work. We also support individuals to increase their independence skills, including travelling independently and community or leisure access.

Depending on the needs of the individual, the Life Skills team offer tailored support to:

Increase confidence and independence

Access training and education

Set up work experience or employment opportunities

Create CVs

Prepare for interviews

Offer support in the workplace

Travel training

Safety Awareness

Money and budgeting skills

Employability Training
Who is Employability Training for?
The Employment Support Team's Employability Training is for anyone aged 19 and over and living in or around Southampton who is looking to gain or improve their knowledge of employability to support them into work. The aim of this course is to improve your confidence around getting a job and develop your employability skills. This course acts as an introduction to employability, or to refresh existing knowledge.
What can Employability Training offer?
This free 3 day course aims to:

Improve learners' confidence and motivation

Support learners with CV writing

Teach job application tips and tricks

Develop interview techniques

Help learners plan their move into paid work

Training takes place regularly at venues across Southampton. There is also a free lunch and travel expenses will be reimbursed.
How can I refer?
For more information about upcoming courses, please call the Employment Support Team on 023 8091 7585. Learners will need to fill in an Enrolment Form and an Individual Learning Plan (our tutors can meet learners or they can drop into a work club). If you would like to sign up/refer someone to an Employability Training course, please contact employment.support.team@southampton.gov.uk or call 07811 165534.
What happens next?
Once the learner has been signed up, they will be expected to attend the three days of the course for a total of 15 hours of learning. After completing the course, learners can book a 1:1 session with the tutor to plan their next steps and be signposted to appropriate ongoing support.
What happens in the first meeting?
On the first day of the course, learners are given an induction telling them about health and safety and more details about what the course will cover. There is then an icebreaker activity to help learners get to know each other. The course runs from 9.30am until 2.30pm for all three days.

Integrated Mental Health Employment Service

The Integrated Mental Health Employment Service (IMHES) is delivered within the Southampton Community Mental Health Teams. Our aim is to engage with people with mental health issues earlier to prevent them falling out of employment, to find work or training and to maintain their employment status.
What does IMHES offer?
Employment based information, advice and guidance

An individualised employment action plan to help prevent future risk

Support through the process and signposting to additional support providers

Individual interventions based on identified goals
Who can be referred?
Anyone currently receiving a service from Southampton Community Mental Health Teams

Service Users who are unemployed and looking to engage in employment

Service Users who are signed off, or at risk of being signed off work

Service Users who are engaged in any form of employment who would benefit from this intervention

For further information or an informal discussion please contact the Employment Officer based within your local Community Mental Health Team or contact Emma Dalwood at emma.dalwood@southampton.gov.uk

Support for the Armed Forces Community

As a Council, we recognise the contribution and sacrifice made by members of the Armed Forces Community, and the unique skills and attributes they bring to our workplace. We are committed to ensuring better access to employment opportunities, support, mentoring and work placements for transitioning personnel, reservists, veterans and spouses/civil partners of those serving personnel and veterans.
Find out about the employment support and advice available in Southampton in this document
Royal British Legion - offers an employment support service to help serving and ex-serving personnel and their families prepare for employment as the transition into civilian life

The Veterans' Gateway App - helps veterans find support organisations in their area using their smartphone or tablet based on their location.

The Poppy Factory - works year round to support veterans into jobs. From giving advice to ex-service men and women, to supporting businesses

Forces Connect South East App - is designed to link users to organisations offering help and support across a wide range of services, including employment

Southampton City Council Employment Support Team - call us on 023 8091 7585 or email employment.support.team@southampton.gov.uk to find out how we can support you with getting a job or accessing training

Solent Armed Forces Covenant Partnership - Work Experience / Short Term Placements - Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils provide work experience and short term placements to the Armed Forces Community

Lifeworks - is a fully funded support service to help veterans looking to either move in sustainable employment, training or education; or advice & guidance on how to help land that dream role

Jobs Bulletin

We produce a fortnightly Jobs Bulletin that shows and overview of the latest Employment, Training and Voluntary opportunities currently available in Southampton.

Work for Southampton City Council
Energy. Ambition. Dedication. Teamwork Join us and make a difference to our communities
Southampton City Council is a forward thinking, progressive organisation, with a highly motivated and dedicated team of people who are passionate about delivering our services and making a positive difference to our communities.

We encourage, empower and invest in our staff whilst supporting them to make a difference, valuing their skills and helping them achieve their full potential. We are strongly committed to promoting equal opportunities.

A career with Southampton City Council will be rewarding and built on your particular strengths. If you are the kind of person who enjoys making a difference to people's lives, take a look at our vacancies and see where your career at the council will take you.

Job Search Websites and Support

Indeed - is the number 1 job site worldwide, so a lot of employers will post their vacancies here

DirectGov - is the official jobcentre job search site

Reed - is the number 1 job site in the UK

Total Jobs - has at least 110,000 live jobs at any one time

CV-Library - is the UK's leading independent job site.

Jobsite - is a site that matches jobseekers with employers

Monster - is also able to offer career advice as well as job vacancies

- The Southampton Jobs Fair gives you the chance to meet employers face to face. Find out when the next Jobs Fair is happening

Westquay Works - has been created specifically to help people find jobs and access training to work at Westquay Shopping Centre
*TOP TIP* Remember these are just a few of the many job search websites available. You should try them all out and see which ones work best for you
NHS Jobs - the NHS has its own recruitment website and the jobs range from entry level to graduate opportunities

www.teachsouthamptoneducation.co.uk/vacancies-southampton - education and teaching jobs in and around Southampton

Adzuna - is a job search site that also offers insightful data such as salary statistics

Jobs.ac.uk - is a site specifically for highly qualified staff looking for academic, research, science and other related jobs

Jobs Bulletin- Every two weeks a vacancy bulletin is up-dated for Southampton. Remember to check it regularly if you are looking for jobs. The site includes information from the local area regarding jobs, apprenticeships, traineeships and a featured career to get you thinking about different career paths. It also contains lots of information resources and an easy to understand table on the minimum wage.
*TOP TIP* If you need any advice or support looking or applying for jobs, you can speak to Southampton City Council's Employment Support Team
TEEM Work Clubs - If you are over 18 and are a council resident, you qualify for TEEM work clubs which take place across the city every week. The work clubs give support with job searching, CV writing, IT advice and interview preparation. They take place in Bitterne, Weston, Maybush, Northam and Central Southampton. Click here to find your nearest TEEM Work Club

No Limits - Do you need some help finding the perfect job for you? No Limits are based at 13 the High Street and have a job club every Thursday from 2-4pm. They offer support and advice to parents and young people on a variety of issues, including drugs, housing, crime, money, education and health. This is a confidential free service in the city open to all young people up to the age of 25.

E4S - Job searching site for full time, part time or Saturday jobs.

Holiday Staff - is a website that focuses on seasonal/holiday vacancies

JCP - If you are 18 and job hunting you can sign up for job seekers allowance. If you are under 18 you might be eligible if you live independently.

If you are looking for work, remember you need to be in learning until you are 18 (Year 13) or the employment will have to be an apprenticeship. You can find resources and support in our Young Adults Employment Hub

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Southampton City Council's Employment Support Team has been supporting clients and employers in Southampton since 1990. We work with adults and young people, supporting them to find and retain suitable paid or voluntary employment and/or training.

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Kooth digital counselling and emotional wellbeing service available for young people

We are delighted to inform you that Health and Care Portsmouth has commissioned the online counselling service Kooth, a service delivered by Kooth Plc. Kooth is now an integral component of Portsmouth’s mental health provision offering a digital counselling and emotional wellbeing service for young people from January 2021.

Please find an updated Service Guide attached which includes the main services available in Portsmouth for children and young people with emotional or mental health needs (up to 19 years of age).

Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional well-being support service providing young people aged 11-18 years (up to 19th birthday) in Portsmouth with a safe and secure means of accessing support with their emotional health and wellbeing needs from a professional team of qualified counsellors. By accessing Kooth young people can benefit from:

A free, confidential, anonymous and safe way to receive support online.

Out of hours’ availability. Counsellors are available from 12noon to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10 pm at weekends, every day of the year on a drop in basis.

Online counselling from a professional team of BACP qualified counsellors is available via 1-1 chat sessions or messaging on a drop in basis or via booked sessions.

Discussion boards which are all pre-moderated allow young people to access peer to peer support.

Online magazine full of moderated articles many of which are submitted by young people offering advice and guidance on a huge range of topics.

No referral is required. Young people can register for kooth independently at www.kooth.com.

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Welcome to Boloh, Barnardo’s COVID-19 helpline and webchat for those 11+

Call us on 0800 1512605 or chat to us online

Are you a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic child, young person, parent or carer, affected by Covid-19? You can speak to us about your worries, problems and stresses during this time, and we can provide emotional support, practical advice and signposting to other organisations who can provide further help.

If you’re a professional, you can also contact us to discuss how to support a child or young person they are working with.

Speak to us

We are available to talk Mon-Fri, from 10am-8pm, and Sat-Sun 10am-3pm.

In many languages, Boloh means speak.

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We offer support to Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, Asylum Seeker and Hong Kong services and Cost of Living

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Free and fun for all. Can be completed individually or as a group via zoom or similar platform.

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Southampton

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Advice & Support Line Poster - For Professionals

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Get help with loneliness | British Red Cross

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If you’re coping with loneliness and social isolation, or just feeling lonely, the Red Cross can help you combat loneliness.

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A community space for men (and women) to connect, converse and create.

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A community space for men (and women) to connect, converse and create.

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For all of our latest news please click here or on the NEWS link at the top of the page.
Coronavirus update, 9 November 2020

As per government guidelines we are not currently meeting in person.

However, we still meet up for a chat online on Thursday mornings, and we'd be pleased to see you there - do get in touch.

We will try and supply links to useful sources of information on this page: Covid-19 information.

It's similar to a garden shed - a place to pursue practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. The difference is that Men's Sheds are also about social connections and friendship building, sharing skills and knowledge, and of course a lot of laughter. There are Men's Sheds around the country, mostly members of the UK Men's Sheds Association.

We are working to develop a Men's Shed in Shirley, Southampton, in Bramston Road, behind the Methodist church in St James Road. We have a small shed with a few chairs and a kettle, and we have designs and ideas for a fully sustainable workshop building to be started in the near future.

We are actively seeking sponsorship and have a number of on-going fundraising initiatives. If you'd like to support us we would love to hear from you.

Who is it for?

Anybody! It's mainly for men living in the Shirley area. Some events might include younger folks and women, but it's mainly for men.

We aim to work on a range of projects that benefit organisations in the Shirley area including: nurseries, care homes, young people, food banks, local charities and our local community groups including the BBGA (Boys Brigade and Girls Association).

Anybody who is interested in helping with this should contact us through our contact page or via email info.mensshedshirley@gmail.com or call Brian Hooper (Secretary) on 07790 850501.

How to join in:

We currently meet at our very modest Shed on Monday mornings, 10 to 12, where we chat and do the occasional bit of woodwork, except when it's raining. You can find us in a former garden area to the left of the church car park in Bramston Road. We also meet on Thursday mornings, 10 to 11.30 or so, at Sainsbury's cafe in Shirley Precinct, where we swap stories and plan social events; most recently, we put together a quiz team which turned out to be triumphant!

Do come and join us! It's a good idea to ring our Secretary, Brian Hooper, on 07790 850501 to let us know you're coming, if you can - then we can look out for you. He can also give you a membership form.

There's an "Easter Eggstravorganza" at St James Park on Easter Monday, 13th April, and we'll be there. Do come along and say hello!

To follow our progress please visit our news page.

"Shedders" - as they are known, are usually men who like to get together socially, work on practical projects or get more involved in the community. By working 'shoulder to shoulder' we aim to reduce social isolation and promote active and healthy lifestyles in later life.

Men's Sheds are like a larger version of the typical man's garden shed. They are well-equipped with workbenches and a range of machine and hand tools. Using their skills and knowledge, members work individually, or together on practical projects that benefit the local community. And for those who are happy to socialise, it's a place to sit and relax, enjoy a chat over a cup of tea, or perhaps play a game.

The big idea is that a Shed is a safe, friendly, and inclusive environment to share old skills and learn new ones; talk about the issues and experiences that affect our lives; and build new social networks and friendships. It's been shown that having a sense of purpose and avoiding social isolation has a positive effect on health and well-being in later life.

Sheds are intentionally informal in approach and welcome men (and some women) from all walks of life - whether from manual or knowledge working backgrounds - including those who can be the hardest to reach.

Men's Sheds started twenty years ago in Australia and now number over 1000. In the UK, we now have several hundred with new ones opening all the time. We aim to be one of them!

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For all of our latest news please click here or on the NEWS link at the top of the page. Coronavirus update, 9 November 2020 As per government guidelines we are not currently meeting in person. However, we still meet up for a chat online on Thursday mornings, and we'd be pleased to see you there - do get in touch.

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Free course for 16-25 year olds with the Princes Trust.  

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Free course for 16-25 year olds with the Princes Trust.  

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February 8th-12th

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ideas for activities during winter lockdown

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With half of the world practising self-isolation and social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, and individuals in the UK being urged to work from home, the reality of confinement is looking increasingly likely for us all in the near future. But staying in can be just as fun and productive as going out, with HELLO!'s tips to keep boredom at bay. From learning new skills to embracing your inner DIY guru, we've got you covered...

1. Clear out your wardrobe

Dedicate your new found time and attention to sorting out your clothes, ditching items you haven't worn for six months and co-ordinating clothes into sections so it's easier to browse in the mornings. This is a great opportunity to get inspired about new outfits or rediscover an old favourite.
MORE: How to cope with Coronavirus anxiety
2. Give yourself a manicure

Sometimes it's the small things in life that make us feel better, with a fresh manicure being up there. Take some time for yourself, push your cuticles down, slather on some hand cream and choose a shade that makes you smile from ear to ear.

3. Read a book

It's time to read that book that's been sat on your shelf for the last few months. Get inspired by a best-selling memoir, indulge in a chick-lit or escape to a different world for a few hours. Hot drink and blanket desirable.

4. Binge-watch that must-see boxset

Did you miss the Game of Thrones craze or are you late to the Grey's Anatomy party? Now's the time to catch up on all that TV you've been curious about, so get comfy and get ready to commit hours of your life to watching someone else's dramas.
READ: See the Royal ladies' boldest colour clash outfits
5. Do a crossword/Sudoku

Looking for something a bit more challenging? Put your brain to the test and do a crossword or Sudoku puzzle and see how far you can get. There's lots of online crosswords or word puzzles which means you don't have to leave the house to have a go.

6. Make a photo album/back up your phone pictures

Remember that girls' holiday you took in 2016 or when you swam with dolphins? Ensure that memories like this are treasured by taking the time to compile a photo album or scrapbook. Similarly, make a back-up of photos on your phone, to ensure you don't lose them in years to come.

7. Plant some flowers

Introduce some welcome colour into your house or garden and plant some flowers.

8. Start a blog

Are you the modern-day Carrie Bradshaw or Bridget Jones? Or does your fashion taste rival that of Olivia Palermo and Estée Lalonde? Use your down-time wisely and start a blog to share your thoughts or favourite hobbies.

9. Marie Kondo your drawers

In the words of everyone's favourite Japanese organisation expert, if it doesn't 'spark joy' it's got to go. Sift between socks, underwear and whatever else is lurking in the depths of your drawers and reap the rewards of a tidy and organised chest of drawers.

10. Baking

Indulge your sweet tooth and try a Bake Off masterpiece of your own at home.

11. Learn how to knit

Pick up your needles and take the time to hone a new skill like knitting. Not just for grandmas, knitting is considered incredibly therapeutic and practical.

12. Dance it out

Blast out some of your favourite tunes and get dancing in your bedroom, living room or bathroom. Hairbrush microphone optional.

13. Exercise

Replace your gym visit with an at home work-out, with squats, burpees and press-ups all achievable without equipment. Transform your lounge into a yoga space and stretch it out.

14. Make a travel bucket list

Write it down in black and white the places you've yet to explore, the trips you want to take and the food you've got to sample. Similarly Pinterest is the perfect place to find inspiration and pin places you want to go to.

15. Learn a language

Challenge yourself to learn a new language in just a few weeks, ready for your next trip away. With a ton of apps and websites that give you lessons for free, you've truly run out of excuses not to.

16. Get your DIY on

Take the time to tackle some interior improvements - be that painting your walls, upholstering old furniture or rearranging a room. Remember health and safety at all times!

17. Call your nan

The chances are you're not the only one that's self-isolating and people will appreciate a friendly chat or text message to let them know you're thinking of them. Call your grandparents to check on them or suggest a funny thread in the girls' WhatsApp group.

18. Play board games

If you're lucky enough to be in quarantine with company, embrace some old school entertainment and crack out the board games for some light competition. Monopoly should be chosen at your own risk.

19. Let your creative juices flow

Embark on a creative arts and crafts challenge, from sketching and mindful colouring to pottery. Stuck for ideas? 64 Million Artists have some great suggestions to get you started, launching a two-week daily creative challenge you can get involved in.

20. Learn to play an instrument

Dedicate your new-found time to music and learn an instrument that you've always wanted to play.
Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

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Self-isolating: 20 things to do if you're bored at home

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With half of the world practising self-isolation and social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic, and individuals in the UK being urged to work from home, the reality of confinement is looking increasingly likely for us all in the near future.

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learning activities for home schooling

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Use BBC Bitesize to help with your homework, revision and learning from KS1 to GCSE. Find free videos, step-by-step guides, activities and quizzes.

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Activity to  help understand loneliness and who to turn to if you're stressed and lonely

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Activity to  help understand loneliness and who to turn to if you're stressed and lonely

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Find your meaningful connections, for support in difficult times

What are connections?

What does the word mean to you? And what makes a connection meaningful for you? We can use the word 'connection' to talk about the people we know and how we communicate with them.

1. Think of 5 ways connecting with others can help support your wellbeing.

2. What things do you need to remember to protect your wellbeing?

3. Consider how you could help others and their wellbeing.

Web of connections

Use the video activity to identify people you can reach out to. Now think about ways you can connect. How would you get in touch if you were feeling lonely? How can they reach out to you?

Understanding others

Why and how often you feel lonely, and how you show it, may differ from someone else. Remembering that other people feel and experience things differently can help you understand them.

Think about the needs of the people in your web of connections. How do you know when they feel lonely? What can you do to support them? Write this down if it helps you to reflect and remember.

Supporting yourself

How can you support yourself when your connections are not available? As an example, you could write an email, letter or postcard, or record a video or voice note.

Sometimes just putting our feelings into words can help us. Read or listen and reflect for yourself on what you said. Do you feel the same as you did when you said these things? Does listening back give you some ideas of how you could help yourself with some of the issues raised?
This resource was made with support from the British Red Cross psychosocial team.

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Find your meaningful connections, for support in difficult times What are connections? What does the word mean to you? And what makes a connection meaningful for you? We can use the word 'connection' to talk about the people we know and how we communicate with them.

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Free online first aid workshops from children.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Some positivity ideas for a happier January.  

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Some positivity ideas for a happier January.  

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Free online sessions for kids.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Andover group collecting old laptops/desktops and other devices, restoring them and giving to families who don’t have them to help with home learning.

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Set up to refurbish, recycle and redistribute donated laptops to keep our young learning through these unprecedented times. Have a device no longer needed? Need a device for home learning? Happy to...

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O2 are supporting home schooling families by providing 40GB of free data in partnership with the DofE

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O2 are supporting home schooling families by providing 40GB of free data in partnership with the DofE

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Ordering is closed for laptops, tablets and extra mobile data. 4G wireless routers are available to order until 31 July.

Get help with DfE laptops, tablets or 4G wireless routers you've received

Go to reconfiguring devices before 30 September 2021 to make sure Microsoft Windows devices are safe for children and young people to use.

If you were given 4G wireless routers by DfE, you'll need to reset them and replace the SIM cards to continue to use them after 31 July 2021.

You'll need to reset your Huawei routers before 16 July 2021 to keep using them after this date. If you do not do this, you'll be unable to use another SIM card when the data runs out.

Use the get help with technology service for information on:

repairing or replacing faulty devices

resetting 4G wireless routers

device ownership

help guides for children, families and young people using the devices received

How laptops and internet access were made available for disadvantaged children and young people

The Department for Education ( DfE) provided more than 1.3 million laptops and tablets to help disadvantaged pupils and young people with remote and face-to-face education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DfE also worked in partnership with mobile network operators to support disadvantaged school pupils in years 3 to 13 and students in further education. Those eligible for support benefitted from free increases to their mobile data until the end of the 2021 summer term.

4G wireless routers were also available for disadvantaged children, social care leavers, and students aged 16 to 19 who did not have access to broadband at home. SIM cards provided data until the end of the 2021 summer term.

Apply for a grant and support to set up a digital education platform

Schools, colleges and 16 to 19 academies can apply for government-funded support to access:

Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals (formerly G Suite for Education)

Microsoft 365 Education (formerly Office 365 Education)

There's further guidance for schools and colleges on choosing and applying for the most appropriate platform at digital education platforms.

Get funded training and support to set up and use technology effectively

Academy trusts, schools, colleges, 16 to 19 academies and other FE institutions can access funded advice, guidance and training from the EdTech Demonstrators.

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Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Ordering is closed for laptops, tablets and extra mobile data. 4G wireless routers are available to order until 31 July. Go to reconfiguring devices before 30 September 2021 to make sure Microsoft Windows devices are safe for children and young people to use.

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Children and Young People's Safe Haven - Havant & East Hants Mind

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Havant and East Hants Mind have been commissioned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight CCG Partnership to deliver the Young Person's Safe Haven, which is an out of hours crisis support service for any young person in the Havant Borough aged 11-17 years old.

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Services for children and young people in Hampshire

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Training

For more information on training, please click the link below. Find out more

Volunteer

If you have energy, experience and enthusiasm and want to make a difference in people's lives Find out more

Donate

With your help we can make a real difference in people's lives. Make a donation today. Find out more

Latest Updates

Follow Havant & East Hants Mind on your favourite social network

Facebook

Photo

Photo

Video

Photo

Photo

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Children and Young People's Wellbeing - Havant & East Hants Mind

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For more information on training, please click the link below. Find out more If you have energy, experience and enthusiasm and want to make a difference in people's lives Find out more With your help we can make a real difference in people's lives. Make a donation today.

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The Mental Health Foundation is part of the national mental health response during the coronavirus outbreak. Government advice designed to keep us safe is under constant review and will be different depending on where you live: more details and up to date information here.

Infectious disease outbreaks such as coronavirus (COVID-19) can be scary and can affect our mental health. While it's important to stay informed, it's also vital we look after our mental wellbeing.

After living in a pandemic for so long, you may be feeling exhausted, fed up, depressed or anxious. You may have experienced bereavement, furlough or unemployment as well as loneliness, disruption to normal life and relationship stress. While some of us have been able to enjoy new family routines or more time outdoors, for many of us life feels difficult and uncertain.

Here are some tips we hope will help you, your friends and your family to look after your mental health.

Looking after your mental health while staying at home

If there are restrictions on meeting people in person, or you don't feel safe or comfortable doing so, there are other ways to stay in touch. Social media, e-mail, phone calls or video calls are good ways of being close to the people who matter to you.

Create a daily routine that prioritises looking after yourself. You could try reading more, watching films, exercising, trying new relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or learning new things online - for example, the Open University offers free courses through OpenLearn. Try and view this as a new (if unusual) experience that might have its benefits.

Make sure you're taking care of your physical health too. For example:

make sure you have enough prescription medicine

go to any routine check-ups or scans you're invited to

eat well - a healthy diet can lift your mood

stay physically active. If you can't leave your home, you can stay active by cleaning, gardening, dancing or doing online exercise videos such as the free ones on the NHS website

manage your stress levels

try to get a good night's sleep.

It might help to see this time as a different period in your life: one that gives you the chance to find a different way of life, and a chance to be in touch with others in different ways than usual.

Read our  full list of tips on staying at home.

Use reputable news and information sources

Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about coronavirus can help you feel more in control.

Follow Government advice about how to look after yourself and others. This advice will depend on where you live. Visit our advice from the four nations webpage for the latest information.

Try to find a balance between staying informed and feeling overwhelmed by the news. This may mean only watching the news once a day, for example, or only checking news websites for a limited amount of time.

Similarly, social media can be a great way to stay in touch with people but may also leave you feeling anxious or confused if people are sharing stories or their feelings about COVID-19. Ask yourself if you need to reassess your social media activity: are there particular accounts or people that are increasing your worry or anxiety? Consider muting or unfollowing accounts or hashtags that cause you to feel anxious.

And if you're sharing content online, avoid sensationalising things: use trusted sources and remember that your friends might be worried too.

Make a personal financial plan

If the pandemic has stretched your expenses, reduced your income or left you unsure about your job prospects, this uncertainty can take a toll on your mental health.

Take control of your finances by making sure you're getting any benefits you are entitled to and getting help with any debt concerns.

Using a budget tool to redo your household budget could be useful. Remember that you may be saving money if you're spending less on transport and socialising. Staying financially stable is incredibly protective to our wellbeing but can be tough. Visit our page on finance, housing and unemployment worries to find out more and get help.

Try to stay connected

At times of stress, we work better in company and with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family,  contact a helpline for emotional support or look for online peer support.

Talk to your children

Involving our family and children in our plans for good health is essential. We need to ask our children what they have heard about coronavirus and support them without causing them unnecessary alarm. They may have heard different things about coronavirus, lockdown and vaccinations. They might feel positive and confident, or worried and confused.

It's important to reassure children and help them get the facts from reputable sources. Discuss the news with them but try and avoid over-exposure to coverage of the virus.

Be as truthful as possible. You could share our guide on coping with coronavirus as a young person with them.

Don't avoid the 'scary topic' but engage in a way that is appropriate for them. We have more advice on  talking  with your  children  about  coronavirus.

Try to anticipate distress

It is OK to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed as we read news about the outbreak, especially if you have experienced  trauma or a mental health problem in the past, or if you are shielding, have a long-term physical health condition or fall into one of the other groups that makes you more vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus.

It's important to acknowledge these feelings and remind each other to look after our physical and mental health. Try to avoid coping mechanisms that may not be helpful in the long-term, like smoking, drinking and overeating.

Try and reassure people you know who may be worried and check in with people who you know are living alone.

Try not to make assumptions

Don't judge people and avoid jumping to conclusions about who is responsible for the spread of the disease. Coronavirus can affect anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity or background.

Don't make assumptions about people not wearing masks in public. It's easy to assume people are irresponsible or selfish, but there can be many reasons why people find wearing a mask distressing or difficult. People may have an invisible disability such as anxiety, autism, PTSD or a mobility problem that prevents them from wearing one.

You can find out more about when you should wear a face covering and what exemptions exist by visiting:

The Mental Health Foundation is committed to bringing readers reliable and relevant information. All of our pages are written and regularly reviewed by our mental health experts, in line with official advice on the coronavirus outbreak.

We need your support to keep providing vital information during this time.
Please consider making a donation today If you want to develop a personalised plan for supporting your mental health you can visit the Every Mind Matters site, developed in collaboration with the Mental Health Foundation. If you need to talk confidentially you can call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time. We also have a resource on how to get help for your mental health.

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The Mental Health Foundation is part of the national mental health response during the coronavirus outbreak. Government advice designed to keep us safe is under constant review and will be different depending on where you live: more details and up to date information here.

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cbbc bluepeter "adam b" "lindsey russell" mwaksy "richie driss"

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SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLUE PETER YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE - https://bit.ly/3hNvZjR Welcome to the incredible Blue Peter YouTube channel! Here you will get to see all the best bits from the show and more! Blue Peter is the longest running children's television programme IN THE WORLD!

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If you are a Care Leaver living in Hampshire and you need support during this difficult time then we are here to help! 

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If you are a Care Leaver living in Hampshire and you need support during this difficult time then we are here to help! 

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Message us at careleavers@youthoptions.co.uk

#careleavers #HereToHelp #southampton #Hampshire #InThisTogether

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Net Aware: Your guide to social networks, apps and games

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Net Aware brings together the NSPCC's expertise in protecting children and O2's tech know-how, we've got everything you need to help you keep your kids safe online. Whether you're an online expert or you're unsure of where to start, we're here to help.

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BCR have some great mental health and wellbeing tools to try.

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Free mental health and wellbeing tools for young people to help reduce loneliness

Anyone can feel lonely, but some research has shown loneliness is more likely to affect young people.

Loneliness in young people can be caused by many factors including the rise of time we spend online, our physical or mental health, and big changes in our lives like the coronavirus pandemic.

The following tips and advice have been developed in partnership with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport as part of the Tackling Loneliness Digitally programme.

If you are a parent or teacher supporting children and young people with feelings of loneliness, find out more about our resources further down the page.

Discover ways to build your confidence, develop meaningful connections and have tools to cope with change.

A happy playlist for lonely times. Young people around the world choose a song and share a story about why it helps them.

The Snowman™ and The Snowdog Kindness Calendar

Children are encouraged to learn about and practise kindness this December with the The Snowman™ and The Snowdog in our new kindness calendar.

Free teaching resources

If you are a teacher or a parent, we provide free online educational resources help children and young people (ages 5-18) practice kindness towards others and themselves. Explore some of our key resources.

Get in touch

We'd love to hear your stories. Have you had to overcome feelings of loneliness? What are your coping mechanisms? How do you build confidence and meaningful connections? Your real-life stories may inspire others. Please email yourstory@redcross.org.uk.

Get help if you are feeling lonely and want to speak to someone between 10am and 6pm every day. Call:

0808 196 3651

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Tackling loneliness in young people | British Red Cross

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Free mental health and wellbeing tools for young people to help reduce loneliness Anyone can feel lonely, but some research has shown loneliness is more likely to affect young people. Loneliness in young people can be caused by many factors including the rise of time we spend online, our physical or mental health, and big changes in our lives like the coronavirus pandemic.

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50 + things to do in winter lockdown to explore England

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50 + things to do in winter lockdown to explore England

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50+ ways to explore England while staying home

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Here are just a few ways to keep busy and explore England during the country's second lockdown without stepping out of your front door.

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If you're not sure what you want to do now you have your GCSE results then DON'T PANIC... our team are here to help.!

Welcome to Youth Options

Youth Options was established in 1937. We believe passionately that every young person has the potential to realise their abilities and aspirations, and to make a valuable contribution to their communities. We are committed to developing young people's social and emotional skills to improve their chances in life. Our services are individually tailored to deliver vibrant, dynamic and ever-evolving opportunities that connect with and inspire young people.
Find out more

What we offer

Our services are individually tailored to deliver vibrant, dynamic and
ever-evolving opportunities that connect with and inspire young people..

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If you're not sure what you want to do now you have your GCSE results then DON'T PANIC... our team are here to help.! Youth Options was established in 1937. We believe passionately that every young person has the potential to realise their abilities and aspirations, and to make a valuable contribution to their communities.

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Arts award challenges for October by In Focus

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Arts award challenges for October by In Focus

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Below is a link to the digital version of our new set of photography challenges. You can view the challenges online or you are more than welcome to download and print them. You will need Adobe Acrobat or a PDF viewer to do this.

If you need to install Adobe Acrobat the latest version can be found by clicking here.
Click Here to Access In Focus' First Set of Photography Challenges.
For more links to the artist included in the challenges go to infocusedu.co.uk/challenges/

If you have any other questions please email xavier@infocuset.co.uk

Challenge 1 - Black & White Below are a collection of links to websites that will help you complete...

Challenge 1 - Orientation Below are a collection of links to websites that will help you complete the first...

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Below is a link to the digital version of our new set of photography challenges. You can view the challenges online or you are more than welcome to download and print them. You will need Adobe Acrobat or a PDF viewer to do this.

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Click on the image above to access the online version of our Bronze Arts Award Worksheets. These work great with all of our challenge sets.

Contact info@infocusedu.co.uk if you would like more information on the Arts Awards or click on to the Arts Award section of our website here

Challenge 1 - Black & White Below are a collection of links to websites that will help you complete...

Below is a link to the digital version of our new set of photography challenges. You can view the...

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Click on the image above to access the online version of our Bronze Arts Award Worksheets. These work great with all of our challenge sets. Contact info@infocusedu.co.uk if you would like more information on the Arts Awards or click on to the Arts Award section of our website here Challenge 1 - Black & White Below are a collection of links to websites that will help you complete...

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Our resources can help you build confidence and cope with loneliness.

At times, life can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to look for advice or how to reach out to others for support.

Our resources and activities are here to give you a helping hand.

Follow the links to find tools to connect with others, build confidence and learn new coping skills. Resources will be updated regularly so there will always be opportunities to learn something new, too.

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Building digital communities to support people feeling lonely | British Red Cross

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At times, life can feel overwhelming. It can be hard to know where to look for advice or how to reach out to others for support. Our resources and activities are here to give you a helping hand. Follow the links to find tools to connect with others, build confidence and learn new coping skills.

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Dear Families,

University hospital Southampton are holding a virtual event for young people on Wednesday 7 th October 2020. We would like to invite young people aged 11-17 from across Southampton and the surrounding area to attend. The event gives young people the opportunity to find out about how to become a youth ambassador for the hospital. Please see attached poster.

The Youth Ambassadors Group is a space for young people to have their say and  decide which projects relating to the hospital matters most to them. We value the views and options of young people and encourage them to be involved in shaping the hospital services.

It’s an opportunity for young people to-

·         Explore ideas

·         Be involved in decisions about the hospital

·         Have their voices heard

·         Meet new friends

·         Gain new skills

·         Enhance their CV

The Event

‘Youth Ambassador’

Wednesday 7th October at 6pm

Virtual platform- ZOOM

Tickets are available on eventbrite.co.uk- search ‘Youth Ambassador’

Parents/carers will need to buy a FREE ticket and complete a short survey

Please share with all families of local schools.

The Hospital Youth team,

Becky Cutler, Sarah Shamati and Eleanor Petrie

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The Department for Education (DfE) is providing a range of support through its get help with technology programme.

For the 2020 to 2021 academic year, DfE is providing laptops and tablets to schools to help children and families in need to access remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19). Devices have been made available for disadvantaged children in certain year groups who:

Get laptops and tablets for children who cannot attend school due to coronavirus (COVID-19) provides information for schools, trusts and local authorities about how to apply.

These devices are in addition to those DfE provided during the 2020 summer term to local authorities and academy trusts for children, families and young adults most in need.

Get internet access for disadvantaged children

DfE is working in partnership with mobile network operators to help schools support disadvantaged pupils in years 3 to 11 who rely on a mobile internet connection when their face-to-face education is disrupted by coronavirus (COVID-19).

Disadvantaged families may be able to benefit from free increases to their mobile data if they're a customer of either:

More providers may join the scheme soon.

The amount of data available to families will vary by provider. Data will be increased until the end of July 2021. Schools, trusts and local authorities will be able to request these free mobile data increases for families during the spring and summer 2021 terms if they're experiencing disruption to face-to-face education.

DfE is also giving schools, trusts and local authorities 4G wireless routers that they can lend to disadvantaged children in the event of disruption to education. This is in addition to routers dispatched to local authorities and academy trusts in the summer 2020 term.

Local authorities and trusts that received 4G wireless routers in the summer should log in to the support portal to identify unused routers and reallocate these to children and young people with the greatest need.

The guidance on getting internet access includes information on:

how schools can request additional mobile data for disadvantaged children and young people

how schools can order 4G wireless routers

the pilot schemes DfE ran using BT Wi-Fi hotspots and increased mobile data allowances

Manage laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers received from DfE

Technical guidance for local authorities, academy trusts and schools that received devices from DfE during the 2020 summer term can be found in the laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers provided during coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance. This includes information about:

online safety

mobile device management

warranties

how to contact a support desk

Apply for a grant and support to get set up with a digital education platform

Schools can apply for government funded support to access G Suite for Education or Office 365 Education. Get funding and support to set up a digital education platform has information to help schools choose and apply for the most appropriate platform for them.

Get funded training and support to set up and use technology effectively

Schools and colleges can access funded advice, guidance and training from the EdTech Demonstrators, a network of schools and colleges expert in their use of technology.

Read the other guidance on remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Read the other guidance on social care during coronavirus (COVID-19).

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Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19)

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The Department for Education (DfE) is providing a range of support through its get help with technology programme. For the 2020 to 2021 academic year, DfE is providing laptops and tablets to schools to help children and families in need to access remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19).

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Transfer to Transform - The Solent Apprenticeship Hub #apprenticeships #Solent

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Free online coaching programme for challenging times. 

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Free online coaching programme for challenging times. 

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Boost your wellbeing

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Action for Happiness developed this free online program based on a decade of work helping tens of thousands of people put the science of wellbeing into practice. The program is based on the 10 Keys to Happier Living, and is designed to give an uplifting overview of the building blocks to happier living in just 10 days. It can be used in good and bad times to give your happiness boost and remind you of what is important.

Abi is voiced by Isobel Adomakah Young.

She is illustrated and animated by Phoebe and Angie at ARC.

The technology behind our digital coaching is powered by LiveBetter.

Happiness for everyone

Access to health and happiness is unequal across our society and certain groups, including women and BAME communities, often report worse mental health than others. Action for Happiness is committed to offering free and inclusive resources that can be used widely and can help to reach under-represented groups.

The 10 days program is a high-quality, evidence-based, accessible introduction to happiness available free to everyone who speaks English and has access to email, and it is available free by SMS in the UK.

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Free online program to boost your wellbeing

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Some resources for young people interested in STEM, cyber security and computer networks. 

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Some resources for young people interested in STEM, cyber security and computer networks. 

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Provided by the British Army

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Sort By: Latest added Highest rated

Women in the Army

The Women in the British Army resources help students aged 11-16 to explore the varied contributions of varied women throughout the history of the British Army.

Interested in showing your students more about what the Army can offer?

Find more information on Army careers for your students.

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Sort By: Latest added Highest rated Women in the Army The Women in the British Army resources help students aged 11-16 to explore the varied contributions of varied women throughout the history of the British Army. Interested in showing your students more about what the Army can offer?

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Flying start Southampton.  For young people in year 11

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Flying start Southampton.  For young people in year 11

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Flying Start Southampton is designed to help young people in year 11 plan and prepare for life, study, and work after school by providing resources to help make decisions about the next steps.

The end of year 11 has not been as any of us planned, and so it is really important that you plan and prepare to be ready for your next step - Flying Start is here to help.

If you're unsure about what you want to do next, don't worry! It's not too late to decide - there's lots of useful information on the following pages to help you do this.

If you already have a plan for September then the Flying Start programme has a range of information and activities for you to work through to make sure you're ready and prepared.

Over the next few weeks, we will be adding more resources and links to help you, so make sure you check out the page regularly.
CONTACT US
REMOTE ACTIVITY SURVEY - Once you have taken part in any of the below activities and resources, we would really appreciate your feedback by completing our short survey.

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Flying Start Southampton is designed to help young people in year 11 plan and prepare for life, study, and work after school by providing resources to help make decisions about the next steps.

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Board in the city CIC

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The mental health foundation have some great ideas on how to improve your mental health.

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The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 was anxiety.

Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.

Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food. But anxiety can be made easier to manage.

Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase people's awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, we are keeping up the pressure to demand change - making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government and society as a whole.

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The Mental Health Foundation is the home of Mental Health Awareness Week. Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is taking place 13 to 19 May. Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event where there is an opportunity for the whole of the UK to focus on achieving good mental health.

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Weekly zoom support from Yellow Door and Northam Local Conversation.

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Find out what's available for you and your family at home from our libraries, there's something for everyone and it's all free with a library membership!
Not a member? Join online now (also free!)

Reading and Listening

Our libraries might be closed but you can keep reading from home.

Access our extensive collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks with your library membership

Find inspiration on what to read next with Who else writes like? (for adults) and What next? (for children)

Read your favourite newspapers and magazines with PressReader

Access over 2,000,000 classical music tracks available to download or stream

Learning

Now might be the perfect time to learn new skills online.

Local and Family history

Research your family history or discover Southampton's past.

Online Events

Libraries are closed but we are still engaging and entertaining you from a distance.

Staying in touch

Useful websites and signposting

Libraries are trusted sources of information and here are some useful websites and resources.
Children and families -

Booktrust transforms lives by getting children and families reading

National Literacy Trust - providing simple activities to engage your children at home

Nosy Crow release a free information book to help explain Coronavirus to children

BBC Bitesize are releasing daily lessons to support home schooling and distance learning

The Book of Hopes - a collection of short stories, poems, essays and pictures with contributions from over 110 children's writers and illustrators

Art and culture -

Every Mind Matters - Looking after your mental health during the lockdown

NHS guide to maintaining wellbeing through managing stress and anxiety with mindfulness techniques

10 minute cardio workout - for the more energetic among you

Silver Line - a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people

Entertainment and Music -

Consequence of Sound - a source of breaking news about music, film and TV, plus daily reviews, exclusive interviews and videos.

National Theatre Productions - watch full length plays for free every Thursday on their Youtube channel

March Network - access music gigs, opera performances, full length plays, plus learning opportunities and origami tutorials for beginners!

BBC Sounds - a wide range of interesting programmes, podcasts, radio and music. You will need to sign in with your free BBC account or register if you don't have one.

Reading Groups -

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Find out what's available for you and your family at home from our libraries, there's something for everyone and it's all free with a library membership! Not a member? Join online now (also free!) Our libraries might be closed but you can keep reading from home.

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To keep your 7-11 year old entertained whilst at home, we've put together lots of fun educational and play resources.

You'll find everything from story time with Usborne authors, Maths and English practice, science quizzes and activity sheets, tips on writing your own stories and relaxation activities.

Make sure to check back regularly as we add more content.

And please note - many Usborne ebooks are still available for just 99p via online retailers until end of July 2020.

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To keep your 7-11 year old entertained whilst at home, we've put together lots of fun educational and play resources. You'll find everything from story time with Usborne authors, Maths and English practice, science quizzes and activity sheets, tips on writing your own stories and relaxation activities.

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Thank you to everyone who has signed up to NHS Volunteer Responders. We have now paused applications and will reopen soon.

Registration for NHS Volunteer Responders are temporarily paused to enable us to process applications and work together with NHS England to get the volunteer army up and running. Please bear with us at this time.

Join the NHS Volunteer Responders

NHS Volunteer Responders is a new group that will carry out simple, non-medical tasks to support people in England who are self-isolating because of specific health conditions. They will be used by healthcare professionals to make sure people who are highly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19) are able to stay safe and well at home.

NHS Volunteer Responders will support with simple but vital tasks including driving people to and from hospital, delivering food and medication, and telephone befriending. Volunteers will also support the NHS to transport equipment and supplies.

Please note: We should all be staying at home and only going out for essential reasons to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

However, NHS Volunteer Responders can still provide essential support to people who are isolation if you fulfill ALL of the conditions below:

You are well and have no symptoms like a cough or high temperature and nobody in your household does

You are under 70

You are not pregnant

You do not have any long-term health conditions that make you vulnerable to Coronavirus

Guidance for those at increased risk of severe illness from Coronavirus can be found here.

NHS Volunteer Responders is not intended to replace local groups helping their vulnerable neighbours but is an additional service provided by the NHS.

Click on the questions below for more information about NHS Volunteer Responders.

Health and social care professionals will be able to refer people into this service if they have certain health conditions which put them at high risk from coronavirus. It will be used by doctors, nurses and others where there is no current local support for these people to help them stay well. This keeps hospital beds free and provides health professionals with a trusted, national database of volunteers.

NHS Volunteer Responders is being delivered by Royal Voluntary Service one of the country's largest and long-standing volunteering charities.

NHS Volunteer Responders is not intended to replace any local provision so if you are doing that please continue. NHS Volunteer Responders will provide a service where informal support is not available or easily linked to by health and social care professionals.

If you have clinical training please offer to help your local hospital trust. The NHS Volunteer Responders will not do clinical tasks.

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NHS Volunteer Responders | Royal Voluntary Service

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Thank you to everyone who has signed up to NHS Volunteer Responders. We have now paused applications and will reopen soon. Registration for NHS Volunteer Responders are temporarily paused to enable us to process applications and work together with NHS England to get the volunteer army up and running.

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Free digital and numeracy online courses

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Free digital and numeracy online courses

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One in three people have used online learning to help them get a better job. On average, online learning can boost your annual pay by £3,640 too [ 1]

94% of employees would stay at a company longer if it invested in their career development [ 5].

Help boost team productivity and motivation by upskilling your employees with free, high-quality digital, numeracy and soft skills courses. All courses on The Skills Toolkit are free and available online, so your teams can learn flexibly from home at a time that suits them.
Explore courses

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Learn a new skill at home. Find free, high quality digital courses in The Skills Toolkit.

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Year 11 school leaver advice & support Portsmouth (Southampton soon!)

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The Flying Start Programme is designed to help young people in year 11 plan and prepare for life, study, and work after school. It gives you the resources you need when considering a course at college, apprenticeship or other employment, and help you fulfil your potential.

Click on the link for your area below.

Flying Start Southampton - coming soon!

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The Flying Start Programme is designed to help young people in year 11 plan and prepare for life, study, and work after school. It gives you the resources you need when considering a course at college, apprenticeship or other employment, and help you fulfil your potential. Click on the link for your area below.

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top tips for parents

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Online gaming top tips for parents - Internet Matters

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Use our 6 top online gaming safety tips to help children use gaming as a way to build on their skills, have fun, all in a safer environment.

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Apps for children aged 2-5 to boost their learning and development. 

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Apps for children aged 2-5 to boost their learning and development. 

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With advice and guidance on internet and APP safety.

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Simple, fun activities for kids, from newborn to five

Many little things light up hungry little minds. Kids take everything in, and even the smallest things you do with them can make a big difference.

They love it when you chat, play and read with them, even when they're too young to understand everything. Whatever the time and wherever you are, you can turn almost anything into a game. And every little thing you do together will help set them up nicely for the day they start school.

We understand that due to the coronavirus outbreak, you and your children are spending more time at home and you might be looking for a bit more inspiration for things to do. Start by trying some of these simple, fun activities.

You'll find some short videos and simple, fun activities that you and your children can do together.

We've broken down the activities by age, but no one knows your child better than you do.

So you could pick and choose the ideas that feel right for you, adapt our suggestions or even come up with your own. And you can use whatever language you feel most comfortable with.

You can find more ideas at:

See our get more information section for more links to fun things to do.

We understand how hard things are at the moment. If you need some further advice on how to support your child, read our guidance on helping 2 to 4 year olds learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19).

Ideas: 0 - 6 months

Fun activities to add to your routine

Let your baby splash at bath time. Talk about what's happening and how it feels. Say the same words and do the same actions over and over - things like pouring water on their feet and saying, 'Wash, wash, wash your toes.'

Other ideas

Play together with fabric books that have different textures. Try scrunching the fabric to get your baby's attention or stroking their hands with the fabric. Name the objects you are playing with and talk about how they feel.

Sing lullabies which are simple, soothing and repetitive - for example, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.

Say or sing rhymes with actions where you tickle and touch your baby - for example, songs like Round and Round the Garden.

Stick your tongue out and see if your baby can copy you. Try blinking your eyes and making funny noises with your lips.

Copy the noises your baby makes. React to what they're doing - try saying things like, 'Oh, you're telling me a story,' or, 'Wow, you can make loud noises.'

Have a guess at what your baby might be thinking or feeling and put it into words - for example, 'It looks like you're sleepy.'

Ideas: 6 - 12 months

Fun activities to add to your routine

Try doing actions that go with what you're saying - like waving when you say 'Hello.' You can do this every morning when your child wakes up.

Other ideas

Put some everyday items in a bag and get your baby to find what's in there. Talk about what they are and how they feel.

Play peekaboo games using a scarf or your hands to hide your face, saying things like 'Where are you? There you are!'

Gather a few noise-making objects like spoons to bang on saucepans. Watch what your child does and copy it and describe what you are doing.

You could also act out actions in songs. Try patting your palms together or on your legs to the beat of Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake. See if your baby will clap along with you.

Look at a picture book with your child, notice what they are looking at and describe it. For example, 'Oh, see the dog,' or 'Wow, she's jumping.' Try to do this within a couple of seconds, before their attention moves on to something else.

Go on a walk/ carry your baby around the house and listen out for noises such as the washing machine, or a clock ticking. Find the sound and make the noise. Tell your baby what it is: 'I can hear the washing machine'.

Ideas: 12 - 24 months

Fun activities to add to your routine

At mealtimes, say the names of the foods your child is eating and say what they're like, using words like 'crunchy', 'squishy', 'sour', 'cold', 'warm'.

Give your child choices, so that they can hear and understand more words. For example, 'Do you want an apple or an orange?' Make sure you give them time to respond!

Try playing pretend games. For example, you can make meal times fun by pretending to be a dinosaur eating trees as you bite into some broccoli, or a monkey enjoying a slice of banana. Make sure that both you and your child have some food to try!

Other ideas

Look at picture books together. With each new page, give your child time to point out things to you. Talk about what they can see using words for actions as well as for things - for example, 'The monkey is eating.'

When your child starts using words respond to what they say and make it a conversation using words for actions as well as things, for example, 'Mummy? Yes, Mummy is cooking dinner.'

Play with your child with things they are interested in. Start a simple game with them by making a story together out of your child's favourite teddy. Then encourage your child to take the lead.

Do some colouring-in with your child, by drawing your own pictures or searching online. Make the game fun and talk about the pictures and colours while you are playing.

Let your child copy what you do around the house. For example, if you are brushing your hair, give them the brush and let them brush their hair too. If you are cleaning, give them a cloth and let them copy you.

Ideas: 2 - 3 year olds

Fun activities to add to your routine

Do daily tasks with your child. Talk about what you are doing and why you are doing it. When hanging up the washing, you could say 'The clothes are wet, let's hang them up to dry.' Give them simple tasks like passing you the socks. Praise them for helping.

Other ideas

You could make a photo-book of funny, or memorable, family events and talk about it with your child.

Sing songs together that encourage your child to use their imagination. For example, try singing The Wheels on the Bus and ask your child to suggest other things on the bus and describe what sound they make.

Read picture books together. Talk about the things they can see and how we use them. For example, 'A bed is something we sleep in.'

Use books to talk about your own experiences, and theirs, giving them time to respond. 'Oh look, there is a cow. What sound do cows make?'

When you're sharing a book with your child, sit close together or even build a den to sit in.

Talk to your child about what has happened so far in the day - for example, 'We spoke to Grandma on the phone this morning, didn't we?' And talk about what is going to happen next - 'After lunch we'll do the washing up'.

Put on some music and play 'musical statues'. Dance together then stop the music - see who will be the first person to stand still.

Ideas: 3 - 5 year olds

Fun activities to add to your routine

Try sharing familiar books at bedtime. Pause when reading so that your child can join in. Talk about the sounds at the beginning of words and words that start with the same sound (like words beginning with P).

Encourage your child to recall what has happened in the story. For example, 'Why is bear feeling sad?' Ask them to guess what might happen - 'What should they do next?' - or how the story might end - 'Do you think they're going to find the treasure? Where could it be?'

Other ideas

Try role-playing games together such as shopping. Set items out on the sofa, give your child a bag and some pretend money. Then switch roles and let them be the shopkeeper.

Play teddy bears' picnic. Put soft toys in a circle and give your child a few cups and spoons. Give your child a chance to tell you what to do like, 'Stir teddy's tea.' You could chat to them as you are doing actions, for example, 'let's cut the cake in half'.

Start conversations by using open questions with lots of possible answers, for example, 'What are you going to play with today?'

Plan a treasure hunt game, where your child has to listen to your instructions to find a clue or an object. For example, 'Try looking behind the sofa'. Help your child look for a specific number of objects and count them together - such as 3 cups, 2 pink socks, 5 pens.

Help your child make a puppet show about their favourite story using objects around the house.

Play sorting games together. Collect a range of different household objects and practise sorting them into different groups, perhaps by size or colour. Once you have finished, count all the objects in each group.

Play a make-believe journey game with your child. Make a car out of a cardboard box that you decorate together, or just grab some cushions, pile in a few teddy bear passengers, and let your child drive you off on an adventure.

Apps for 2 to 5 year olds

We know that phones or tablets are part of many families' everyday lives and kids love to use them, but it's not always easy to know which apps and games can benefit your child's learning.

That is why we have given a quality mark to apps that an independent educational panel believes have good educational value.

Why not try these with your child alongside the other activities listed on this site?

The following apps contain phonics content and therefore are only intended for use with school-aged children. Used with your child, they may be a way to support the phonics they are already learning at school, however, you should check with your child's class teacher that the approaches used in the apps align with your school's teaching methods before using at home.

The following app is intended for use with school-aged children. A child could use this app for further independent reading once they have successfully completed their school's phonics programme. If you are unsure when this is, we recommend that you discuss the matter with your child's class teacher before using the app with your child.

The Department for Education is not the creator, owner, editor, manager or provider of the apps listed. The app providers are neither affiliates, associates nor partners of the Hungry Little Minds campaign, the content of this website is solely the property of the Department of Education and does not necessarily reflect the views or position of any of the providers listed.
Early years apps pilot: home learning environment legal disclaimer.

More information on apps

Choosing an app for your child - the FEED test

There are lots of apps that say they are 'educational', but you'll want to reassure yourself that's the case and that they are right for your child. The FEED check may help.

Fun - Will your child enjoy the app? Will it keep their attention?

Educational - Is there a clear educational aim? Do you know what your child will learn? Will it keep them learning and allow them to progress?

Engaging - Will it help your child if they get stuck? Will it give them feedback and let them know when they've got challenges right?

Design - Is it attractive and easy to use? Is it inclusive and does it avoid gender and racial stereotypes? Can an adult change the settings? Is it safe, with links to the internet and adverts protected behind a parental gate?

Find more information on how to support your child's learning through apps and get advice on screen time:

Get more information

You can find out more information and get more ideas and activities to do with your child from the following websites:

Online educational resources

We have recently brought together a range of online educational resources to support children at home during the coronavirus outbreak.

Communication, Language and Literacy

Audible - all children's audiobooks are available for free while early years settings are closed.

Authorfy - access to masterclasses on texts from a range of authors, including videos from the authors and activities linked to novels. Registration required (age 5+).

BookTrust - a site with recommended booklists, categorised by age range and topic, including fiction and non-fiction, family activities are included in the 'home time' section.

Classroom Secrets - downloadable resource packs which cover a range of subjects, including reading and writing (age 3+).

Literacy Counts - free home learning packs for parents covering reading and writing. Registration required (age 4+).

Purple Mash - free during the school closure period, each week, a selection of daily activities is produced on different subjects, including comprehension and grammar. Registration required.

Rising Stars - books and reading resources available online, registration required (age 4+).

Storytime with Nick - films of well-loved stories read by Nick Cannon, a trained actor, teacher and trainer (age 4+).

The Children's Poetry Archive - an archive of spoken poetry recordings, children can listen to poems read out loud (age 4+).

The Reading Agency - the Summer Reading Challenge takes place during the summer holidays. Registration required.

Maths

Bloomsbury - activity ideas for young children.

Cbeebies Help Your Child With Maths - videos for numeracy development with fun activities that can be applied to everyday life and play, and for children aged 3+, online activities with Numberblocks.

Mathematics Mastery - downloadable guidance and resource packs for parents and pupils (age 4+).

Maths with Parents - videos and activities for home-based learning, with resources for both parents and teachers available. Registration required (age 3+).

Nrich - a range of activities, some are interactive and some are to be completed offline. Activities are categorised by age range (age 3+).

Top Marks - a range of interactive maths games categorised by age group (age 3+).

White Rose Maths (home learning) - presentations and downloadable workbooks which are easy to use for parents, new material is being released each week (age 4+).

Physical development

Personal, social and emotional development

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

The Autism Page - online support and information aimed at supporting parents of young children with autism. Information and ideas to support the implementation of helpful teaching methods.

Charles Dickens Primary School - the Jenny Wren Virtual School SEN Hub offers daily lessons for pupils with moderate learning difficulties, focusing on Makaton and a daily activity to complete with a parent or teacher.

PMLD thematic units - from the Northern Ireland Curriculum - comprehensive guidance on themed activities for learners with PMLD. A full sensory curriculum is offered. More suitable for teachers, but activities and resources will be useful for parents too.

Priory Woods School - resources from an award-winning, innovative school, rated by Ofsted as outstanding and put together by SEND teachers for parents and teachers. The resources include apps and programmes.

School Cloud - a secure online video call service to connect pupils, parents and teachers. Potential use might include pupils with SEND and/or their parents having a weekly video call with a SENCo to monitor their progress with home learning. Registration required.

SEN Teacher - downloadable and printable resources that can be adapted to suit the needs of pupils. Resources are aimed at a range of abilities. The website has over 300,000 regular users and is suitable for both parents and teachers.

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Your child's brain grows the fastest during the first 5 years of life. As a parent, you play a huge role in feeding your child's mind and helping them to communicate. Check out our top tips for simple activities that you can do with your child as part of your daily routine.

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Power of Play ideas

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Our amazing team of play experts have assembled a treasure trove of games and activities below, to help children across the UK and beyond cope with today's challenges and support your family through this challenging time.

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Sleep support

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Lots of young people find getting to sleep, staying asleep or waking up a real problem. Disrupted, broken or insufficient sleep can really impact on people's mood and ability to cope with daily life.

Top tips to help you get to and stay asleep:

Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks or foods. This includes avoiding technology like phones, tablets, TV etc.

Doing some exercise or activity during the day

Make sure you're as organised as you can be for the day ahead so that you are not worrying or thinking about what you have to do or what you might need

Try not to nap during the day

Make sure you have something to eat for dinner, you will find it harder to sleep if you are hungry or thirsty

Have a regular night time routine; do things roughly in the same order at the same time each night to get your body and mind ready for sleep

Try to wake up at the same time, even on weekends

Create a calming and peaceful environment. Rooms that are dark and cool are best for sleep

Avoid using your bed for studying, reading or listening to music. Your bed should be used for sleeping.

Sometimes having a warm milky drink (such as hot chocolate) can help

Take a warm (not too hot) bath or shower

Download:

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Lots of young people find getting to sleep, staying asleep or waking up a real problem. Disrupted, broken or insufficient sleep can really impact on people's mood and ability to cope with daily life. Top tips to help you get to and stay asleep: Avoid stimulants such as alcohol, caffeine, sugary drinks or foods.

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When rain or cold weather-or a pandemic-keeps kids inside, it can be hard to keep everyone entertained. But, staying at home can be lots of fun if you're armed with the right indoor activities.

Below, we've rounded up 50 indoor, boredom-busting games, crafts, and other things to do with kids to turn a rainy day into a memorable one. If you need more ideas, you'll find tons of indoor activities in our Stay-at-Home Guide. We've also got a toddler-friendly list of 30+ activities to keep little ones busy and happy at home. So, read on and relish this time inside.

Find more great indoor activities in our Boredom Busters Guide and sign up for our FREE newsletters to get posts like this delivered to your inbox.

1. Bake without losing your sanity.

2. Whip up a batch of slime and challenge your young scientist to define its state of matter.

3. Let the kids raid your closet and put on a fashion show.

4. Cuddle up with a pile of books.

RELATED: Best Board Games for All-Ages

5. Build, create, and invent with STEM-inspired toys.

6. Play "Simon Says" or "Follow the Leader."

7. Create colorful salt paintings.

8. Gather the family to enjoy a story podcast.

9. Make instruments; then, lead a marching band parade through the living room.

10. Burn some energy with one of these 25 indoor exercise games.

RELATED: Best Kids' TV Shows and Movies to Stream During Quarantine

11. Pop some kernels and watch a classic movie. We've got 50 family-friendly picks!

12. Try these imaginative DIY sensory games for the babies and tots.

13. Write letters (on actual paper with pens and pencils) to out-of-town relatives or friends.

14. Bake a mug cake.

15. Play a game of freeze dance using a playlist inspired by these kindie bands.

16. Do anything that involves bubble wrap.

RELATED: 65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age

17. Buy pre-made frosting (and even cupcakes) and set up a cupcake decorating station with whatever candies, nuts, and sprinkles you have on hand.

18. Blow up some balloons, toss 'em in the air, and don't let them touch the ground, or grab some paddles for balloon tennis.

19. Learn to code.

20. Keep your heart rate up with Wii Fit or Xbox One games.

21. Make a marshmallow catapult and see who can catch the most in their mouth.

22. Try these easy at-home crafts for preschoolers, or whip up a set of fairy wings for more imaginative play.

23. Have a tie-dye party, or opt for an easier tie-dye alternative (with a built-in science lesson!).

RELATED: Working From Home: A Big List to Keep Kids Busy While Mom and Dad Work

24. Embrace your inner Einstein with cool science experiments.

25. Make a watercolor masterpiece.

26. Pull out the building blocks and Legos to create a mini city.

27. Play "I Spy" or "20 Questions."

28. Make paper-bag puppets and put on a show.

29. Craft the easiest bird feeder ever.

RELATED: 30+ Toddler Activities to Keep Little Ones Busy (and Happy) at Home

30. Become an origami master.

31. Grab some sheets and make a good old-fashioned fort. Perfect for playtime-and naptime!

32. Fill the kitchen sink with bath toys, give them a bottle of soap, and let them have at it.

33. Tackle a challenging puzzle as a family.

34. Play-Doh.

35. Explore NYC- in a book or the whole world with a virtual field trip or tou r!

RELATED: 40 Jokes That Will Keep the Whole Family in Giggles

36. Bake simple salt-dough ornaments and then paint them into seasonal designs, such as Easter eggs, or use whatever cookie cutter shapes you have available.

37. Challenge your brood to a game of charades.

38. Then find your voices with a karaoke concert.

39. Make granola bars.

40. Use hallways for classic games like "Red Light, Green Light" and "Leapfrog."

41. Get groovy and make your own lava lamp!

42. Go bowling at home.

RELATED: 99 Sensory Activities for Any Child

43. Build an indoor obstacle course!

44. Satisfy your sweet tooth and DIY some rock candy.

45. Get all dressed up and host a fancy tea party (be sure to invite the dolls and stuffed animals).

46. Crack open those activity books you have piled up.

47. Get everyone together for a family scavenger hunt.

48. Grab a deck of cards and teach your kids the simple joys of Rummy, Spit, or Slapjack.

49. Have an indoor "camp out" with sleeping bags, a tent, board games, and s'mores.

50. Cook dinner together.
Photos by Rose Gordon Sala except where noted. This article first published in November 2008 but has since been updated.

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50 Engaging Indoor Activities for Kids - Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids

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When rain or cold weather-or a pandemic-keeps kids inside, it can be hard to keep everyone entertained. But, staying at home can be lots of fun if you're armed with the right indoor activities. Below, we've rounded up 50 indoor, boredom-busting games, crafts, and other things to do with kids to turn a rainy day into a memorable one.

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Indoor activity ideas

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Activity ideas for children aged five to 12 - Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Entertaining your children at home? Action for Children's parenting coach Joanna Miskin has lots of ideas.

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Eastleigh borough council resources and ideas

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Eastleigh borough council resources and ideas

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During these unprecedented times it's important to look after your mental health and wellbeing, as well as the people around you. This includes keeping your brain constructively busy and challenged and those of children and young people.

Help and support others: Think about how you could help the people around you; check in on your family, friends and neighbours. Volunteering can boost confidence and mood, as well as keeping the mind busy on constructive tasks.

T he national Every Mind Matters campaign, launched last year, has expanded to offer tips and advice on how to cope during this pandemic; dealing with social isolation, social distancing and the virus itself. Key highlights include c onnecting with others by maintaining relationships with friends and family through alternative methods like telephone, video calls or emails.

They also have a mindful breathing video if you need to feel calmer and more present - especially when the family may be burning your fuse more than normal!

Take the quiz to help create your own personalised mind plan.

Audio guides

The NHS Mental Wellbeing  Audio Guides  a re available to help boost your mood , sleep and confidence.

The MIND charity have brought lots of useful information and resources together around staying at home and staying on top of things.

CALM are offering a free resource pack from soothing sounds and audio guides (including for children), mindful movement exercise videos and a lot more.

Talk about your worries

It is very common to feel worried or scared in the current situation but talking about how you're feeling can really help. As well as reaching out to friends or family members there are also professionals available to talk, check out this list NHS recommended helplines

Those living with or supporting those with mental illness

Rethink Mental Illness have created an online hub to help people with mental illness and those who support them

Address your stress

Address your stress for Stress awareness month (April).

Keep your mind busy and challenged

Keep the mind active and get some quiet time with Hampshire libraries, who provide free access to a huge range of different resources including ebooks , magazines and newspapers . Some services will require a Hampshire Library card, but there is also lots you can look at if you don't have one to hand.

Connecting with wildlife has strong link with our wellbeing. The People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and the Hampshire & IOW Wildlife Trust have some ideas of how to help and learn about wildlife from home.

The Point's #ConnectionPoint activities and resources:

Inspiring Minds Gallery - The Point has partnered up with Solent Mind to offer a creative platform to express feelings and thoughts artistically during lockdown.

Virtual programme called for children and young people in Eastleigh Borough. Arts Award Discover is a Trinity College London qualification designed for ages 5 to 25 to explore the arts - it's about trying things out, learning about creative people and sharing your findings with someone else. It's really straightforward to do, whether you have experience in the arts or have decided to do something different at home.

Meditation resources and a Mind Your Own checklist to help plan out your day and make sure you pause for your wellbeing.

Support for children and young people

With UK households in lockdown, it's likely that children and young people are enjoying more screen time than usual. Whilst technology is a great way for children and young people to stay connected, entertained and educated, it's also more important than ever to ensure that they remain safe online. Internetmatters.org has put together a #StaySafeStayHome advice hub for parents. Thinkuknow has created a support page for parents, and each fortnight will be releasing new home activity packs with simple 15-minute activities you can do with your child.

The NSPCC have brought together tips and advice to help families find a balance and create structure, as well as advice and support.

Shout is a text service for young people feeling anxious and stressed. It's free on all major mobile networks, and is for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It's a place to go if you're struggling to cope and you need immediate help.

YoungMinds provides mental health support for young people in the current crisis.

To reinforce the habit of children washing their hands properly each time the NHS has created a fun video to help.

Activities for children and young people to keep their mind active

(see also #ConnectionPoint above and Wildlife Action)

The Point and Berry Theatres are thrilled to announce The Wonderful Window Challenge as part of #ConnectionPoint. Follow the fun and take part each week as they provide a theme, basic instructions and a list of materials you are bound to have lying around your home in order to transform your window creating something wonderful to capture your neighbour's attention and brighten up their days. First up Kitchen Characters! There's storytelling to begin w/c 6 April with help from Bearface Theatre. Check out The Point's Facebook for updates and join in with participating in story content...

The Government have put together support children's education during this time - it includes 2-4 year olds, primary schoolchildren and SEND children. Remember "No one expects parents to act as teachers, or to provide the activities and feedback that a school or nursery would. Parents and carers should do their best to help children and support their learning while dealing with competing demands."

Families Hampshire West magazine has gone online to provide a Surviving Lockdown special with helpful ideas for parents including home learning resources, family health, pre-school play, activities and much more.

The BBC have launched their huge education push from 20 April to help parents and children alike during this challenging homeschooling period. It includes videos, quizzes, podcasts and articles across their many platforms.

Hampshire County Council have created Ten Tips for Hanging Indoors for school/college aged pupils.

Hampshire Music Service launches their Summer 2020 Festival - Tuning In. Join in their virtual music activities and projects, including body percussion and the Tuning In Challenge.

Change4Life, as well as great recipes for families, have brought together Disney activities to keep moving.

There are plenty of online book-themed activities for young people of all ages on the Booktrust website.

A group of well-known artists including Antony Gormley and Grayson Perry have got together to produce free art activity packs, to give you ideas on how to get creative at home. You don't need to have any special art materials to take part, and new packs will be available each week from the website.

With all their usual meetings on hold, the Scouts have produced a range of activities to do while you're inside and will be adding to the site over the coming weeks.

The Prince's Trust have pulled together some of the most useful advice, guidance and resources so you can continue to upskill by developing your confidence and abilities during this challenging time, as well as find the answers to your questions on work and self-employment.

For more activities for children to keep moving, please see our Physical wellbeing at Home page

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During these unprecedented times it's important to look after your mental health and wellbeing, as well as the people around you. This includes keeping your brain constructively busy and challenged and those of children and young people. Help and support others: Think about how you could help the people around you; check in on your family, friends and neighbours.

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Our keyworkers Claire and Chris can offer 1:1 support in all kinds of ways to help anyone living in Southampton with finding work, developing their skills and accessing education & apprenticeships.  This can be done via whatsapp, email, telephone or zoom video calls.

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Our Step Forward project team can offer you support, especially in uncertain times like these.  

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Our Step Forward project team can offer you support, especially in uncertain times like these.  

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Supporting Care Leavers in Hampshire

Our Step Forward programme supports young people leaving Local Authority foster or residential care or who have left care in an unplanned way, and who need extra support to achieve their potential and move forward in their life. The project's primary function is to support young people from care into independent living, strengthen their support network, develop and improve their independent living skills, engage them with education and employment, and help them to create positive relationships within their communities.

During the CoronaVirus pandemic we realised that help was needed more than ever. That is why we adapted and expanded our project to help more care leavers with the help they desperately needed.

This included:

Supporting young people with 1:1 support and advice remotely.

Delivering care packages of essential supplies to those most in need.

Supplying educational games to young people with young families to support them with home-schooling.

Creating action plans to stay active during the pandemic.

Training young people to be Youth Options volunteers over the phone and email.

Supporting young people with CVs, job searches and applications.

Liaising with other professionals to make sure care leavers are being supported.

Most importantly we want care leavers to know they are not alone.

If you are a care leaver and you are feeling lonely, stressed or anxious; if you need support with finances or education and training, or even if you just want someone to talk to then please contact us.

Email: careleavers@youthoptions.co.uk

Phone: 01794 525510

Twitter, Facebook or Instagram: @youthoptions

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Supporting Care Leavers in Hampshire Our Step Forward programme supports young people leaving Local Authority foster or residential care or who have left care in an unplanned way, and who need extra support to achieve their potential and move forward in their life.

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Information for parents and Year 11 Students regarding COVID-19

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Information for parents and Year 11 Students regarding COVID-19

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-@ofqual guidance on grading
-Local College Details
-Apprenticeship Opportunities

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Government advice on awarding GCSE and A-level Applications to college: If you have applied to college you will receive information on next steps from that college. They may ask you to bring predicted grades to enrolment or you may sit an assessment to make sure you're on the right level of course. You can still apply for college, interviews will be over the phone. If you have applied & don't hear from them - contact the college: Richard Taunton Sixth Form College City College Southampton Itchen College Bitterne Park 6th St Annes 6th Form Applications for apprenticeships:
Make sure you are registered Here vacancies to start in the autumn will be out already and increasing over the next few months. Remember to apply to college as a back up.

Support with applying can be found on our Apprenticeships page.
Unsure about your September plans? Contact your school careers department for support:
Cantell: Theresa Petzold careers@cantell.org.uk

Bitterne Park: nancy.austwick@bitterneparkschool.org.uk

St Annes: julie.gough@st-annes.uk.com

Redbridge: careers@rebridgeschool.co.uk

Regents Park: Barbara.Cooper2@hants.gov.uk

Chamberlayne: Stephen.robinson@chamberlayne.org

Oasis Sholing: clare.jesson@oasissholing.org

Oasis Mayfield: Jan.rance@oasismayfield.org

Oasis Lordshill: jan.rance@oasislordshill.org

Woodlands: careersguidance@ebpsouth.co.uk

Compass: sally.howells@compass-school.net

Polygon: Peter.Rooke@polygon.southampton.sch.uk

St Georges: Sharron Ward sward@stgcc.co.uk

Upper Shirley High: Carey.Anderson@ushschool.org

Information on apprenticeship applications will be updated when we have it.

What are my options after leaving school?

After year 11 you need to stay in some form of learning until you are 18.

Raising the Participation Age.

Research your options, Ucas gives a great overview of what paths you can take after your GCSEs.

There are three main options available to you:

A-Levels

A-levels are an academic choice. If you enjoyed studying GCSEs this could be right for you. You can choose to study at a 6th form college or in a school sixth form.

You're going to be dedicating a lot of time to the subjects you choose, so it's important to take things that interest you and that you want to study further.

Click on the pictures below for articles about where each subject might take you.

Vocational Qualifications

These are qualifications with a practical learning programme that relate directly to a career. There are many types of qualification available - from entry level beginner courses, right the way up to courses that are the equivalent of a degree.

There are three colleges and two school sixth forms in Southampton.

There are also many excellent colleges just outside Southampton:

Top Tip

Make sure that you attend the open days at the colleges that you're interested in - you'll be able to meet with tutors and talk to them about the courses, as well as get a feel for the atmosphere of the college in a way that you can't from a prospectus or website. These tend to be in June and September, and if you've missed one, you can always call and ask for a visit - colleges are always happy to oblige!

For extra guidance, or if you want to go further afield, visit the National Careers service site to look at where the courses you want to study are run. Always make sure that you check with the college, as the name of the course may vary slightly. National Careers Service

Apprenticeships

This is a route to gain qualifications while working. Go to our Apprenticeships page for more details.

Help with applying for College or Apprenticeships

Not sure which to choose? Know what you want but not how to get there? Not sure what you want to do?

If you are unemployed or just about to leave Year 11, we can offer you one to one support to:

Plan what you want to do next

Develop a plan of activities to help you achieve your goals

Recognise your skills, talents and ambitions

Match you to the right opportunity, whether that's education, employment traineeship, apprenticeship, further training or volunteering opportunities

Stay on track with that opportunity through continued advice and guidance

Create your CV, support with application forms and practice interview techniques

Call us on 023 8091 7585 or email Francesca.prior@southampton.gov.uk to find out how we can support you.

Work-based-learning

Not feeling ready for the next step? Hundreds have benefitted from a short time on one of these local programes.

The Enham Trust Training and employment programmes that help disadvantaged people of all ages to take control of their lives and find success in finding work.

Skills to Achieve for young job seekers aged 16-19 currently not in education, employment or training.

The Military Preparation College Designed specifically for 16-19 years olds. The college equipps you to make informed decisions in unfamiliar environments and situations. Fusing physical training, vocational instruction, academic work and personal development.

The Prince's Trust programmes that aim to support young people back into education, employment or training through developing young people's personal and social development and enhance work skills.

Safe helps isolated and disadvantaged young people rethink their options and find new ways to move forward.

Southampton City College An opprtunity to work on maths, English and employment skills. The aim is to support progression to a career-led course; apprenticeship or a job

My Coaching delivers further education programmes to people aged between 15 and 19 years old

Wheatsheaf Trust offers individualised mentoring support for young people aged 14 - 24 to access education, training and employment opportunities.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to build up your experience and impress employers.

Do-it can help you find volunteering opportunities

Vinspired will help you find ways of improving your employability through volunteering and work experience

Southampton Voluntary Services support you to find the most suitable volunteering opportunities

What you choose to do will depend on where you want it to lead you. What career ideas have you got? Do the research and make sure you are heading in the right direction.

Our Top Recommended sites

View our top recommended career links

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Government advice on awarding GCSE and A-level Applications to college: If you have applied to college you will receive information on next steps from that college. They may ask you to bring predicted grades to enrolment or you may sit an assessment to make sure you're on the right level of course.

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SO: Linked have cancelled/suspended all events, meetings and drop ins. We are however still delivering a service which for the foreseeable future will focus on supporting Southampton through the coronavirus situation:

navigating people who are affected by the coronavirus situation to practical and emotional support

supporting/coordinating the Southampton voluntary sector response

All our drop ins, events and meetings are cancelled. We are focussed on supporting people through the coronavirus situation. Please continue to refer in the same way via the online form, email or phone number or EMIS / System 1 and please check the website and social media for regular updates.
If you or someone you know needs practical or emotional support at this time get in touch and we'll do our best to link you to the support you need. We also have a dedicated page which will be regularly updated with the Community Links for support during COVID-19 where you can get help and how you can be of help.
So if you are impacted by self isolation or other issues surrounding coronavirus contact us (details at the bottom of this page) and we will do our best to link you with voluntary organisations who can help in practical ways and offer emotional support. We can also signpost you to other resources and help you link in with virtual support groups, that can help you look after your mental health and wellbeing during this time.

NB: if you are making a referral on behalf of someone else you must tick the consent box in order for us to accept the referral.

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So:Linked - Community Navigation service in Southampton

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SO: Linked have cancelled/suspended all events, meetings and drop ins. We are however still delivering a service which for the foreseeable future will focus on supporting Southampton through the coronavirus situation: navigating people who are affected by the coronavirus situation to practical and emotional support supporting/coordinating the Southampton voluntary sector response All our drop ins, events and meetings are cancelled.

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Hampshire Libraries have lots of online resources and you can hire ebooks and audio books.

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Live cooking classes to do with children.

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Cook-A-Long Live! Chicken Skewers & Cous Cous Salad

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How Bitesize will support you while you’re learning from home

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From 20 April, you’ll be able to access regular daily lessons for homeschooling in English and Maths, as well as other core subjects, in an expanded version of our website and also on special programmes broadcast on BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button.

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Facebook group with ideas for activities

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SO'TON kids activities/events has 2,269 members. To share clubs/ upcoming events for 0-18 year olds in the southampton area. Please not for selling...

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What to do if your child is unwell or injured.

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Coding activity

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Learn how to code for free with BT. Coding can be as easy as baking a cake so step inside our robot bakery and let's code a cake.

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Some great clues for an Easter Egg Hunt for older children.

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On the morning of 8 May 1945, a national holiday for 'Victory in Europe Day' was declared in Britain, Churchill had gained assurances from the Ministry of Food that there were enough beer supplies in the capital and the Board of Trade announced that people could purchase red, white and blue bunting without using ration coupons. Street parties were held across Britain with bunting lining the streets.

By spring 1945, almost 9,000 people were working at Bletchley Park and its Outstations. Bletchley Park was one of the first organisations to learn of the formal surrender of Germany in the early hours of 7 May 1945, the day before VE Day was formally announced on 8 May 1945. Although VE Day signalled the end of the war in Europe, the war in the Pacific continued, until VJ Day on 15 August 1945.

Many staff who'd been working on German codes and ciphers joined the Bletchley Park team's working on Japanese codes, whilst some of the secret listeners who'd been intercepting German messages were given the option to transfer to the Pacific. Staff were also involved in winding down Bletchley Park as a war station. This included the dismantling of Bombe and Colossus machines, innovative technology developed by the Codebreakers to help speed up the decryption of enemy messages.
#BletchleyParkVEDay75
On Friday 8 May 2020 Bletchley Park will be marking the 75th anniversary of VE Day online with a digital 'Nation's Toast' at 3pm, and a special recording of a VE Day speech by 'Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill'.

There are many ways to join our celebrations and this celebration pack should give you a few ideas on how to celebrate with us at home. Remember to share your photos and videos of your activities and celebrations with us #BletchleyParkVEDay75 and find out how you can be part of our celebration film in the activity pack.

Don't forget to revisit our website where you will find more activities and fascinating VE Day archive material in the run up to VE Day 75.
#BuntingForBletchley
We need YOU to help us to create 1,945 metres of red, white and blue bunting to celebrate VE Day! We want you to adorn your houses and streets with bunting on the 8 May. Then, once the site is reopen to the public, we're asking you to send us your bunting so we can create a real celebration atmosphere when we open.
Click here to download your #BuntingForBletchley template and how to guide. We can't wait to see your VE Day creations at home! Make sure you share them with us on social media using #BletchleyParkVEDay75 or #BuntingforBletchley.

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Celebrate VE Day 75 at home with Bletchley Park

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On the morning of 8 May 1945, a national holiday for 'Victory in Europe Day' was declared in Britain, Churchill had gained assurances from the Ministry of Food that there were enough beer supplies in the capital and the Board of Trade announced that people could purchase red, white and blue bunting without using ration coupons.

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Helpline

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Our experienced advisors will offer you support and ideas to help you to cope if you are:

Experiencing poor emotional health or feeling anxious or low

Would like practical guidance on how to keep active and well during isolation

Are wanting to know how you can access specific support, such as benefits advice or bereavement services

Or caring for someone affected by COVID-19 and are looking for support

Our help is available to everyone and you do not need to be receiving any other kind of mental health support to be able to call us.

The helpline is not a counselling or therapy service but our wellbeing experts will be able to listen to you and offer information, signposting and bitesize support.

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Coronavirus & Mental Wellbeing Helpline - Solent Mind

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Our experienced advisors will offer you support and ideas to help you to cope if you are: Experiencing poor emotional health or feeling anxious or low Would like practical guidance on how to keep active and well during isolation Are wanting to know how you can access specific support, such as benefits advice or bereavement services Or caring for someone affected by COVID-19 and are looking for support Our help is available to everyone and you do not need to be receiving any other kind of mental health support to be able to call us.

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Free

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Students, teachers and parents can now access a free virtual coding programme - thanks to Amazon Future Engineer and .

The virtual coding programme will provide learning resources for students while schools are closed, with minimal to zero impact on teachers, to support students and build their interest in computer science.

Students can to access 20 hours of content which includes flying drones, designing smart cities and creating chat bots. The free resources use a Python Programming Platform, exploring 'Fourth Industrial Revolution' themes, plus a moderated forum and handy FAQs. Students can also earn experience points for completing the work and earn badges when they unlock skills

Amazon Future Engineer's virtual coding programme will be available for two months from 3 April to 3 June 2020, and the resources cater for students aged 12 to 17, covering computer programming aspects in line with Key Stage 3 and 4 of the English National Curriculum. By the end of the course students will have solved problems of an equivalent level to GCSE Computer Science courses. Teachers interested in using this with their class remotely can also request special access to a teacher dashboard, allowing them to track their students' progress.

These new free resources for secondary aged pupils add to the existing online Amazon Future Engineer programme which includes a collaboration with non-profit organisation Code.org. Hour of Code: Dance Party is an interactive dance-themed online coding tutorial giving primary aged children the opportunity to code characters to dance songs from leading artists.

Our Amazon Future Engineer programme also includes Hour of Code - a global movement in over 180 countries that aims to introduce tens of millions of students worldwide to computer science, inspiring them to learn. Just 60 minutes of learning through Hour of Code is proven to have a positive impact on students and it's easy to get started. By visiting , anyone can try coding and everyone who completes the program will get an online certificate, as well as their very own mini dance video to download and share. You don't even need a computer to take part, there is an 'unplugged' (offline) version of
About Amazon Future Engineer
Amazon Future Engineer is a comprehensive childhood-to-career programme aiming to inspire, educate and enable children and young adults from lower-income backgrounds to try computer science.

Research shows that the UK needs 21,000 more computer science graduates on average, every year, to meet the demands of the digital economy. By making computer science skills such as coding more widely accessible to young people, we hope to inspire many more young people to take up careers in computer science.

Having better access to computer science skills and the chance to be taught by highly trained teachers who have experience in a digital environment can be a transformative opportunity for young people - especially those from poorer backgrounds who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
Amazon's response to COVID-19
As a global company, we are closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19. In addition to those who are affected by the illness, many more are indirectly dealing with changes in their work, school, and community environments.

To find out more, please see our roundup of Amazon's actions to help employees, communities and customers who have been directly or indirectly impacted by COVID-19.
To access the virtual coding programme, .

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Sign up to our free Amazon Future Engineer 'virtual coding programme'

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Students, teachers and parents can now access a free virtual coding programme - thanks to Amazon Future Engineer and . The virtual coding programme will provide learning resources for students while schools are closed, with minimal to zero impact on teachers, to support students and build their interest in computer science.

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From Hampshire Constabulary

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by https://www.instagram.com/longcreations/

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E-penpal service to help reduce loneliness

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E-penpal service to help reduce loneliness

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The impact of COVID-19 will not only be a physical one. Many of us will find ourselves feeling lonely, anxious and stressed as we are deprived of our loved ones and our daily routine. We launched E-Pal to remind you that you are not alone.