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At the moment, we may all be facing our own challenges and may be unsure of how to overcome them. This page is designed with you in mind, and provides the help and information you might be looking for.

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-Elen is a current PhD student and ambassador. Like all of our students, Elen is learning to readjust to life in lockdown and has shared her tips for balancing mental health and studying.
-Katie is a young carer as well as a student - read her blog on studying and caring during lockdown.
-Our student ambassador and Newport Campus student representative Kyle shares what is helping him deal with lockdown.

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Young people with Autistic Spectrum Condition

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Young people with Autistic Spectrum Condition

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The Coronavirus pandemic has affected everyone. But we know that for children and young people with autism and their families, it has been especially hard. Routine and structure has disappeared, support services have been withdrawn and for many mental wellbeing is suffering. Ambitious about Autism has lots of information and support available that may help you and your family during this time. It provides weekly, daily and routine planners as well as tips for helping to manage anxiety and worries you may have.

It also has some great information about autism and preparing for adulthood as well, which you might like to look at.

The charity Mind also has a great video from Jonathan who talks about his experience of ASC, working with Mind and taking part in their work and influencing related campaigns at a parliamentary level.

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It can be hard work being a young carer, add in COVID-19, and lockdown and that has very likely added to your anxiety and worry about the loved one you are caring for. Hopefully you are part of a young carers support network and if you are or aren’t then young minds has some organisations you can contact for help. You might find these links useful for support as well Barnardo’s and Carers Trust.

If you are thinking about studying at University UCAS.COM has information on financial support and scholarships at University that you can apply for. If you are a young carer they also have some great tips on how you can highlight your skills gained as a young carer on your personal statement that you can look at before heading back to school in September.

If you are thinking of studying with University of South Wales we have information on the support available at the University for carers.

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If you’re worried about the impact of coronavirus on your mental health, you are not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and uncertain time for all of us and will affect our mental health in different ways. However you are feeling right now is valid. With the right help and support, we can get through this. Here is our advice on things you can do to keep mentally healthy during this time.

I really like BBC Radio 1 - Life Hacks with Katie and Cel and Dr Rhada, they talk about lots of different stuff that affects us and there are some really good listens on it this week that cover how you feel, Ramadan, break-ups during lockdown and weirdly - gardening! These are programmes that offer advice but they are also funny and reassuring that there are no wrong questions and whatever we are feeling is normal.

Feeling anxious or stressed can lead to lots of different reactions that can be hard to deal with.  This link from Young Minds has lots of advice available, I think it’s reassuring to know we are not alone in our feelings and how we can look after ourselves.

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Support for Care Experienced young people

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Support for Care Experienced young people

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Lots of care-experienced young people might be feeling anxious about coronavirus (COVID-19). Things can feel quite overwhelming, especially if you don’t have family around to talk to. It’s important to remember that this is completely normal – many of us are feeling the same way and you’re not alone.

Become Charity helps children in care and young care leavers to believe in themselves and to heal, grow and unleash their potential. They work alongside them to make the care system the best it can be.  They provide help and support for young people and have created this web page that you may find has lots of help and support for you before, during and after corona virus.

If you are thinking about studying at University UCAS.com has information on support for undergraduate care leavers and if you are looking to study at University of South Wales we have information on the support available at the University for care leavers and Independent students.

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Stonewall Cymru comments that life has changed for all of us recently but some lesbian, bi, gay and trans (LGBT) people are hit harder than others while social distancing. If you feel that you can relate to this then Stonewall is a great place to start in seeking support.

Maybe you’re exploring your identity online and to ensure you do this safely. ThinkuKnow has advice on keeping yourself safe online whilst you explore.

If you are thinking of going to University and are interested in University of South Wales, the University is proud that it is ranked 24th in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index for 2020 and a Top Trans Employer, 1 of only 20 Universities to receive the honour.

Further support for you can be found here at Young Minds and if you feel that you are at risk of homelessness please contact Shelter Cymru who can help you.

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All of us are spending more time on social media at the moment and it’s a good way of staying in touch with family and friends, school/college, groups you belong to and much more. It’s fun to have Zoom or Houseparty’s to socialise, or making the next hit TikTok!

It can also be a place which can cause us anxiety and make us more vulnerable, especially during lockdown. ThinkUKnow is a website that has lots of information for 14-18 year olds for keeping yourself and your friends safe online. Whether that is on videochat, using Snapchat, insta, TikTok or digital dating.

There are also some great activities you could do with younger siblings to help keep them safe online too!

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We’ve all been dealing with huge changes to our lives because of quarantine. As with everything else, Ramadan under lockdown will probably feel totally different this year in both positive and negative ways.

On the one hand we may have more time to rest and spend on spiritual growth; on the other hand we might feel isolated, exhausted and overwhelmed. Here is a great blog on getting through Ramadan that gives tips on how to look after your mental health during this time.

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The prospect of attending Higher Education or universities, can be just as daunting as it is exciting. There is so much information available and sometimes it can be hard to know where to find the right help. Our Higher Education Resource page is a one-stop shop for support, whether that's how to choose a course or how to write a personal statement.

If you're thinking of Higher Education and are care experienced or a young carer, then First Campus will be able to offer you help too. You can find out more about them on their website.

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This really useful website shares tips to help you during lockdown if you are stressed or worried about the World.

There are lots of way to feel calmer. It's about finding what works for you. I find Yoga, running, walking and playing games on my phone helps me. This brilliant website from ChildLine has some great ideas, try some of their breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.

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If you want to relax or be distracted from your current situation, watching a film is a really good way to keep your mind busy and focused on something else.

You can't go wrong with a film night with some food and a cosy blanket! You could watch the films with your parents/ carers, family or housemates, or, if you are self-isolating alone, why not have a video call with a friend watching the film at the same time?

The films listed below are sure to lift your mood and keep you entertained:
-School of Rock
-The Pursuit of Happyness
-Spider-Man: Homecoming
-La La Land
-Doctor Who
-The Greatest Showman
-Forest Gump
-Frozen 1 and 2
-Legally Blonde
-Matilda
-Beauty and the Beast

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Podcasts and audio books are a great way of finding out more about a new topic, hearing about somebody's life or hearing a new story without having to set time aside to read or watch a video. A great time to listen is during a daily walk, or when you're doing boring chores like cleaning or tidying.

You can find podcasts and audio books about pretty much anything these days, using apps like Spotify, BBC Sounds or Podcast Player. Listed below are some fantastic feel-good listens that you could check out:
-Harry Potter At Home Readings
-The Happy Place from Fearne Cotton
-George Ezra & Friends
-The Deliciously Ella Podcast
-Off Menu Podcast from James Acaster and Ed Gamble
-Checking In from TED Talks Daily
-Stuff You Should Know from iHeart Radio
-Music to Calm the Mind from The Relaxation Channel

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It can be hard to keep motivated and be productive whilst we're at home all day, especially if we're not used to being at home for such long periods of time.

Making a routine or calendar for yourself will keep you focused and motivated. Fill your routine with necessary tasks such as work and chores so that your time is used wisely, but remember to leave plenty of room for things that make you happy, relaxed and calm.

Watch our well-being workshop if you're looking for some more tips to help you stay motivated and positive whilst studying during lockdown.