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Podcast · Cardiff University · University can present unique challenges for autistic students. Outreach staff at Cardiff University, Scott and Freya, offer insight and advice on the key parts of researching, applying and attending university.

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Childline offers a “report remove” facility now to deal with online inappropriate photos. 

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Childline offers a “report remove” facility now to deal with online inappropriate photos. 

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However you feel, we’re here for you. Contact us on the phone or online. Or try getting support from other young people on our message boards or by writing to Sam.

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Apps chosen by Hywel Dda to support your mental health

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Apps chosen by Hywel Dda to support your mental health

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Skip to main content

Apps chosen by Hywel Dda to support your Mental Health

Hywel Dda University Health Board has teamed up with ORCHA (The Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps) to select a variety of FREE digital health apps to support your Mental Health. These apps cover a range of suitable topics around Mental Health, including meditation, sleep, anxiety, depression and having support when you most need it.

The Hywel Dda App Library supports all aspects of your Health and Wellbeing, making it easier to start taking care of your own health and wellbeing. Anyone can use the app library, it's completely free to browse and you don't need to create an account. Give them a try and start feeling better today!

Apps to help manage your type 2 diabetes and reduce your risk

If you are living with type 2 diabetes every day or have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, making healthy lifestyle changes can help with managing this long-term condition. Hywel Dda Health Board have selected a range of apps to help you start making healthy changes.

Unlock the power of digital health

Digital health is revolutionising health and care services, forming a crucial step on the road to care that is more efficient and patient-centred than today. But, with hundreds of thousands of apps available, and 85% falling below quality thresholds, health and care professionals require tools to find the right digital solutions for their patients' and service users' needs. Developed by clinicians, ORCHA's AppFinder gives you unlimited access to thousands of independent app reviews across all health conditions, each of which includes a breakdown of key assessment criteria relating to Clinical Assurance, Data Privacy and User Experience. Sign up to discover the strengths and weaknesses of an app before downloading or recommending it to a patient. Feel confident in accessing quality assured digital health. Is your digital doctor qualified?

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Skip to main content Hywel Dda University Health Board has teamed up with ORCHA (The Organisation for the Review of Care and Health Apps) to select a variety of FREE digital health apps to support your Mental Health. These apps cover a range of suitable topics around Mental Health, including meditation, sleep, anxiety, depression and having support when you most need it.

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Five Ways to Wellbeing Bookmark for Children | Charlie Waller

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Download and print these bookmarks for children to promote the five ways to wellbeing during mental health awareness week.

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Melo contains information, advice and self-help resources to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing/

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Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. Trying these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life.
1. Connect with other people

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can:

help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

give you an opportunity to share positive experiences

provide emotional support and allow you to support others

There are lots of things you could try to help build stronger and closer relationships:

2. Be physically active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. Evidence also shows it can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

raising your self-esteem

helping you to set goals or challenges and achieve them

causing chemical changes in your brain which can help to positively change your mood

Read about exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

3. Learn new skills

Research shows that learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing by:

boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem

helping you to build a sense of purpose

helping you to connect with others

Even if you feel like you do not have enough time, or you may not need to learn new things, there are lots of different ways to bring learning into your life.

Some of the things you could try include:

4. Give to others

Research suggests that acts of giving and kindness can help improve your mental wellbeing by:

creating positive feelings and a sense of reward

giving you a feeling of purpose and self-worth

helping you connect with other people

It could be small acts of kindness towards other people, or larger ones like volunteering in your local community.

Some examples of the things you could try include:

saying thank you to someone for something they have done for you

asking friends, family or colleagues how they are and really listening to their answer

spending time with friends or relatives who need support or company

offering to help someone you know with DIY or a work project

volunteering in your community, such as helping at a school, hospital or care home

5. Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you.

Some people call this awareness "mindfulness". Mindfulness can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

Read more about mindfulness, including steps you can take to be more mindful in your everyday life.

Further information

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Read about 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing.

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Children In Wales -Understanding and Supporting Children Looked After 

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Children In Wales -Understanding and Supporting Children Looked After 

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Padlet provides links to a wide range of resources to support students who are care experienced

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What's Up With Everyone? - Competitiveness

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Competitiveness is becoming more common in many parts of life. The pressure's on to be the best at everything, when just doing your best should be the aim.

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Competitiveness: What's Up With Everyone?

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Isolation and Loneliness: What’s Up With Everyone?

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Link to Dr Dominique Thomson's website. (Link shared at parent talk on 08/01/24) 

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Link to Dr Dominique Thomson's website. (Link shared at parent talk on 08/01/24) 

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For those of us who have been there, the word 'homework' can conjure up visions of shouting, crying, and tantrums (and that may just be mum or dad). Here are some thoughts about how to change this.

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Yes. Vaping contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive drug. This means that your body and brain will start to feel uncomfortable without the drug, and it can make it harder to stop.

People can become addicted to nicotine even when they don't use it every day.

5 facts about vaping:

Vaping can be as addictive as cigarettes

Some people use vaping to help them quit smoking

It's against the law to sell nicotine products to anyone under 18

If you want to quit, it can help to get support

If you're worried about vaping, you can talk to us

Getting rid of anything you use to vape can make it easier to avoid temptation and is a good way to commit to quitting.

It can help to plan for situations or places when you'll struggle with cravings. These could be particular times of day or places that you go to. You can try to avoid them, or if you can't it can help to think about ways to distract yourself or keep your hands busy when it's getting tough.

Having people around you to support you when you're quitting can make a big difference.

Tell people you trust that you're quitting so they know to support you and help with cravings.

You can also speak to a Childline counsellor for support, or post on the message boards to join our community and get help there.

Feeling stressed can make it harder to cope with cravings, especially when you're used to vaping when you're feeling that way. There are always other ways to cope.

There's no single way to cope with stress, it can take time to find what works for you. Try these ideas to get you started:

Keep active and exercise
Keeping active can help boost your mood and can be a good way to take a break when you need to.

Try calming activities
Focusing on your breathing or doing something relaxing can help you to cope with stress and during the cravings. Even taking a few minutes can help. You can get ideas for things to do from the Calm Zone.

Do something to distract yourself
Taking a break for a few minutes can help to take your mind off things and give you something else to focus on. You could do something you enjoy, something that takes a lot of concentration, or get ideas using our coping kit.

Talk about what's happening
Tell someone you trust when you're feeling stressed, talking about things can help them seem less overwhelming. Not sure who to talk to? You can always speak to us.

Write things down
Get things out by writing down what's happening and how it's making you feel. You could write things just for yourself using Childline's mood journal, or you could write a message to a Childline counsellor to get a reply

Get more advice on coping with stress.

Celebrating going a day, week or longer without vaping can be a great way to remind yourself to keep going and give you something to look forward to.

You could plan small things to do that you'll enjoy, or set rewards for yourself each day.

It can take time to quit and lots of people don't make it the first time they try. Remember, that you can keep trying, even if you haven't been able to stop completely before.

Try to write down and remember the reasons you want to stop vaping, use that to help you keep trying if you do vape again or you're struggling with the cravings.

If you're struggling with peer pressure, there are a few things you can do:

Practice being assertive: Being assertive isn't the same as being aggressive or rude, it means saying what you want clearly and with confidence. Saying what you want can help people to understand it's your choice, and we've got tips to help.

Build your confidence: Feeling confident about yourself can make it easier to know what you want without feeling pressured by other people. It can take time to build your confidence, and we've got lots of ideas to help you do it.

Talk to someone outside the situation: It can feel hard to talk about what you want when everyone around you is vaping. You can always talk to us about what you want and how vaping makes you feel.

Take time away from people: If someone is making you feel bad about yourself or like you need to do things that you don't want to, then it's okay to take time away from them to focus on yourself and what you want without that pressure.

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There are lots of reasons you might be thinking about vaping, get the advice and information you need to decide what's best for you.

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Need to talk? Advice and support from Childline

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Need to talk? Advice and support from Childline

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On Thursday 30 November from 2:30am - 7:30am, you won't be able to contact Childline whilst we do some important maintenance to our systems. This means that 1-2-1 chats, calling and messages to Childline will be unavailable. You'll still be able to use the Childline website for advice and information.

If you're in danger or it's an emergency, you should always call 999

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Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, call us on 0800 1111, talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.

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CHAT Health - confidential support from school nurses and Iechyd Da nurses

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CHAT Health - confidential support from school nurses and Iechyd Da nurses

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Signposting support - contact information for the Carers Information Services

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Signposting support - contact information for the Carers Information Services

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Signposting support- contact information for the Carers Information Services

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Signposting support- contact information for the Carers Information Services

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Helping your child prepare for secondary school 

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Helping your child prepare for secondary school 

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- Help your child make that huge leap from primary to secondary or high school. Here are some things to that'll build your child's confidence, resilience and self-esteem.

Things you can try

1. Start by understanding why it's hard, it can really help

2. Consider other things they may be worried about before they start their new school

3. Prepare yourself (as a parent). It's okay to be worried too

4. Your child is unique and we hope there are some takeaways here that work for you. If you're looking for help parenting children with additional needs, you can get specific advice from specialist organisations. Check out our list of support that we can recommend.

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Place2Be: Parenting Smart: Helping your child prepare for Secondary or High School

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Help your child make that huge leap from primary to secondary or high school. Here are some things to that'll build your child's confidence, resilience and self-esteem. Start by understanding why it's hard, it can really help Consider other things they may be worried about before they start their new school Prepare yourself (as a parent).

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Taking part in a focus group on setting up the Young Carers Academy in Wales 

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Taking part in a focus group on setting up the Young Carers Academy in Wales 

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Young Carers and the Royal Society of Arts RSA- Wellbeing for All

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Supporting the Mental Health of Carers - Say I'm fine and mean it!

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Supporting the Mental Health of Carers - Say I'm fine and mean it!

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Form to register with your GP as a carer (see information leaflet above for more information)

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Supporting the Emotional Wellbeing of our Young Carers 

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Supporting the Emotional Wellbeing of our Young Carers 

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A factsheet for school staff in Wales on how to support the emotional well-being of Young Carers

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The Young Carer ID Card is a photo ID card for Carers aged 18 and under who want a Card. A Young Carer, Parent/Guardian or Trusted Referrer can apply for a card (on behalf of the Young Carer) The Young Carer ID Card proves that the person shown on the card is a Young Carer with caring responsibilities

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Young Carers Mental Health booklet - from Hertfordshire partnership 

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Young Carers Mental Health booklet - from Hertfordshire partnership 

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Ready Steady Cook Celebration for Carers Week 2022

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Ready Steady Cook Celebration for Carers Week 2022

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Young Carer ID Card guidelines - includes frequently asked questions 

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Young Carer ID Card guidelines - includes frequently asked questions 

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The Art Room team are specialists in using art to support and enhance children and young people’s wellbeing. These projects offer space to explore a wellbeing theme through creative art activities, stories and conversation. Each project can help children, young people, and adults nurture their relationships together whilst having fun.

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At Place2Be, we believe that art is a creative tool to develop resilience and connect with others.

Our Art Room team are specialists in using art to support and enhance children and young people's wellbeing.

These projects offer space to explore a wellbeing theme through creative art activities, stories and conversation. Each project can help children, young people, and adults nurture their relationships together whilst having fun.

You can use the art and crafts activities provided at home or in school with children of different abilities and ages.

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Art activities from The Art Room - Place2Be

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At Place2Be, we believe that art is a creative tool to develop resilience and connect with others. Our Art Room team are specialists in using art to support and enhance children and young people's wellbeing. These projects offer space to explore a wellbeing theme through creative art activities, stories and conversation.

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Stamma - UK charity for people who stammer and their supporters 

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Stamma - UK charity for people who stammer and their supporters 

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© 2018 - 2022 STAMMA, British Stammering Association trading as STAMMA, reg. charity no. 1089967/SC038866, reg. company no. 04297778 (England & Wales)

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My Future includes easy to read careers information for young people who are working up to Level 1.

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The Proud Trust is an LGBT+ organisation that supports LGBT+ young people through youth groups, peer support, mentoring programs and the Proud Connections chat service.

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The BeYou team are here to support you. We offer a safe, welcoming and inclusive space where LGBTQ+ young people can meet, socialise and find the support they need.

Everyone is welcome whether you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer or questioning your sexual or gender identity, or you know someone who may need support or advice.

We look forward to meeting you!

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The BeYou Team are here to support you, offering a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space where young LGBTQ+ people can meet to socialise, have fun and help each other.

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Exam advice including how to support your well-being 

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Exam advice including how to support your well-being 

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Where you can get hints, tips and information to get you through the 2022/23 exam and assessment season and onto the next level in your life.

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Q: How do I reset my password?
A: To reset your password, please click here you can then either use the Search by username box or the Search by email address box (recommended).

Once you have entered either your username in the top box, or your email address in the bottom box, click the Search button. You should then shorly receive an email with a link to reset your password.
Q: What are the technical requirements for accessing the platform?
A: The site is mobile friendly so you will have the best experience on any device (Computer, Laptop, Tablet or Smartphone). A minimum internet connection of at least 5MBPS is recommended.
Q: Can I have a look at some of the areas of the site before I create an account?
A: Yes, we have a limited selection of content which you can preview before without creating an account. You can access this by clicking here and then clicking the Log in as a guest button towards the bottom of the page
Q: How can I create an account?
A: Click the Create an account button above these FAQs, then answer the relevant questions and fill in your details. Once you create your account, you will be sent a confirmation email. You will need to click the link in the email before you can access the site.
Q: I would like to see more information
A: You can access the full FAQs by clicking here. Please note, when you click this link you will see the login page, click the Login as a guest button towards the bottom of the page to access the FAQs.

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Q: How do I reset my password? A: To reset your password, please click here you can then either use the Search by username box or the Search by email address box (recommended). Once you have entered either your username in the top box, or your email address in the bottom box, click the Search button.

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Mental Health Foundation - the truth about self harm 

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Mental Health Foundation - the truth about self harm 

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Young Carer Ambassador Role  - Role Description 

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Young Carer Ambassador Role  - Role Description 

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Useful Smart phone links and APPs that can support you while waiting for and during a referral 

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Useful Smart phone links and APPs that can support you while waiting for and during a referral 

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Adoption UK - Connected is the name of a bespoke service for adopted children age 7- 10, young people age 11 – 25 years old, and an 18-25 year old group.

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Adoption UK - Connected is the name of a bespoke service for adopted children age 7- 10, young people age 11 – 25 years old, and an 18-25 year old group.

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The monthly groups aim to improve children and young peoples’ self-confidence, build self-esteem and reduce the sense of isolation which some adopted children experience and also develop life skills. This is achieved by offering a range of activities such as art, drama, circus skills, healthy eating/cooking and music sessions to name but a few. These monthly sessions are offered in Cardiff, Swansea, South East, Mid & West and North Wales.

Want to know more? If you are interested in the existing groups or would like to express interest in a group starting in your area, please complete the Enquiry Form and send to wales@adoptionuk.org.uk or call the number in the link and request a form by post.

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Connected is the name of a bespoke service for adopted children age 7- 10, young people age 11 - 25 years old, and an 18-25 year old group.
The monthly groups aim to improve children and young peoples' self-confidence, build self-esteem and reduce the sense of isolation which some adopted children experience and also develop life skills. This is achieved by offering a range of activities such as art, drama, circus skills, healthy eating/cooking and music sessions to name but a few.

As well as fun and creative activities, the young people age 11- 25 years old are also offered the opportunity to help produce material for their peers; to speak to professionals and prospective adopters about their experiences as adopted people and to have their voices and opinions heard by wider society. The service is provided through a unique collaboration between Adoption UK and the five regional adoption services of Wales and is funded by grants from Welsh Government.

As we know, some adopted children can struggle to attend group activities where the numbers are high, staff and venues continually change, and where there are excessive noise levels and/or pressure on them to perform. This can cause anxiety, stress and a reluctance to join in. Connected seeks to address these difficulties by ensuring our staff and venues remain as constant as we can; staff are trained to understand and support the needs of adopted children in the group environment, so they feel safe and supported to build relationships with staff and their peers.
These monthly sessions are offered in Cardiff, Swansea, South East, Mid & West and North Wales.
Want to know more? If you are interested in our existing groups or would like to express interest in a group starting in your area, please complete our Enquiry Form and send to [email protected] or call the number below and request a form by post.

Alternatively if you have any questions or queries about the service, please contact our Cardiff office 02920 230319.

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Connected is the name of a bespoke service for adopted children age 7- 10, young people age 11 - 25 years old, and an 18-25 year old group. The monthly groups aim to improve children and young peoples' self-confidence, build self-esteem and reduce the sense of isolation which some adopted children experience and also develop life skills.

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Looking for work with Dyslexia (16 + years) 

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Looking for work with Dyslexia (16 + years) 

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For some people, dyslexia can present a serious obstacle to finding a job. A bad experience in education may have left you lacking in confidence and self-esteem, or you may find that problems with reading and writing can make it difficult to apply for jobs that would otherwise be a good fit for your skills.

Disclosing dyslexia

You may be unsure when, or whether at all, to disclose that you are dyslexic during a job search. You are not legally obliged to do so, especially if you feel it won't affect your ability to do the job.

However, if dyslexia is relevant you could disclose it on the equal opportunities section of the application form, or during an interview. It is possible that the employer already has experience of dyslexia in the workplace. In an interview, you can explain how dyslexia affects you, and what support could help to minimise its impact.

By being open with your prospective employer you will also be able to ask for adjustments during the application process, such as extra time during tests.

If you get the job, your employer has a legal obligation to make Reasonable Adjustments to the workplace. These will benefit you and the organisation.

The right job

When considering a new job, it is helpful to think about your strengths, weaknesses and skillsets. What are you good at? It is important to choose a type of work which you would enjoy and makes the most of your strengths.

Dyslexic people can be particularly prone to stress which will be exacerbated by an unsuitable work environment. Adjustments to the workplace, such as the use of assistive technology can support some areas of difficulty. However, there will be jobs where these might not be enough support to enable you to perform the job role effectively.

Dyslexic strengths

All dyslexic people will have strengths. Skills such as big-picture thinking, lateral thinking and problem-solving, visual strengths and an intuitive understanding of how things work are often the hallmarks of successful dyslexic people.

Analyse your profile of strengths and weaknesses. You may find it helpful to draw up a table of your strengths, your weaknesses and skillsets. Then look at the job description and see how closely you match.

Access to Work

To apply for Access to Work you need to have a paid job or be about to start or return to one. Your employer has a duty to make Reasonable Adjustments to the workplace. If you have spoken to them and the help you need at work isn't covered by these adjustments, you may be able to get help from Access to Work.

An Access to Work grant can, for example, pay for:

Assistive software programmes and training on using them;

Strategy training;

Proofreading;

Dyslexia awareness training for colleagues and line managers.

GOV.UK: Access to Work Access to Work Factsheet
Helpful organisations

EmployAbility

A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to assisting students and graduates with all learning differences, including dyslexia, into employment.
Website: www.employ-ability.org.uk

National Careers Service

Gov.uk site offering information, advice and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work. You can speak to an adviser on 0800 100 900. The phone lines are open 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week.
Website: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk

Remploy: Putting ability first

Remploy exists to improve the lives of those with complex needs through the power of work. They work to find the jobseekers strengths and match them to the rights job role.
Website: www.remploy.co.uk

Shaw Trust

Shaw Trust helps people to find appropriate job roles; they also offer skills development training.
Website: www.shaw-trust.org.uk

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Looking for work - British Dyslexia Association

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For some people, dyslexia can present a serious obstacle to finding a job. A bad experience in education may have left you lacking in confidence and self-esteem, or you may find that problems with reading and writing can make it difficult to apply for jobs that would otherwise be a good fit for your skills.

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Coleg Ceredigion - Learn more about the options available to you at Coleg Ceredigion 

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Coleg Ceredigion - Learn more about the options available to you at Coleg Ceredigion 

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Ceredigion Training - Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training - a vocational training provider based in Aberystwyth

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Ceredigion Training - Hyfforddiant Ceredigion Training - a vocational training provider based in Aberystwyth

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offers a range of vocational courses to prepare people of all ages for the workplace by providing skills training in the following:

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Looking for part time work or looking for work as a school leaver? Indeed is a great place to start! 

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Looking for part time work or looking for work as a school leaver? Indeed is a great place to start! 

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Sign up to Careers Wales to access the online platform 

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Sign up to Careers Wales to access the online platform 

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Your Profile | Your Career | Careers Wales

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It’s quick and easy to set up an account. Click on the sign up tab above.

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I gotta feeling - top tips for feeling good 

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I gotta feeling - top tips for feeling good 

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Looking after myself - aimed at Young carers but can be used will all young people 

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Looking after myself - aimed at Young carers but can be used will all young people 

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Controlling Anger - An NHS self help guide 

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Controlling Anger - An NHS self help guide 

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Advice for parents and carers on coping with managing anger, stress and anxiety 

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Advice for parents and carers on coping with managing anger, stress and anxiety 

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Keeping your cool_ advice for parents on managing stress and anger

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Little book of Mindfulness and concentration 

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Little book of Mindfulness and concentration 

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Advice for children and young people

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Online bullying is common, and unlike face-to-face bullying, you can't go home and shut the door on it. It can happen anywhere you go online, like social media, group chat or gaming sites.

Online bullying can happen to anyone, and bullies can target you for lots of reasons, like:

the way you look

your sexuality

disability

health condition

culture

religion

how rich or poor you appear

If you are being discriminated against (treated differently) because of your race, gender, sexuality or disability, you may be a victim of online hate, which is a crime.

There could be lots of reasons that someone becomes a bully. Maybe they are acting out and bullying others because they are being bullied themselves, perhaps they are suffering from mental health issues, or perhaps they have other things going on in their personal lives. Sometimes talking to them and telling them how their behaviour makes you feel can help. They might not realise what they are doing. But some may bully because they like the power it gives them and how it makes them look to others. Whatever the reason, it doesn't make it okay, and it's never your fault if you're being bullied.

Online bullying can happen in lots of ways. Here are some examples.

Sending offensive, insulting or rude messages

Abusive posts

Posting nasty comments

Spreading fake, damaging or untrue information about you

Sharing photos of you for others to make fun of

Editing photos of you

Using nasty language to start arguments or upset someone

Hacking emails or social media accounts and using your identity to send or post stuff

Creating fake accounts to cause hurt and embarrassment

Tricking someone into telling secrets or personal information and forwarding it to others (including private images and videos)

Sending messages threatening harm

Harassment

Deliberately leaving someone out of group messages, online apps, gaming sites and so on

Sending sexual messages or pressuring someone into sexual conversations, or sharing sexual images

Anyone can become a target of online bullying, but there are some steps you can take to stay safe online.

If using a public computer (such as in school, a library or an internet café), always sign out of your accounts.

Use unique passwords with a combination of upper case, lower case, symbols and numbers - don't include information that is easy to guess (such as birthdays).

Make sure nobody sees you signing in and out of your accounts - if someone does, change your password as soon as possible.

Turn off location settings and set your account to private.

Don't retaliate by posting or sending something as payback - you can't take it back after.

If you are the victim of online bullying, it's important to remember that you have a right not to be bullied, no matter where it happens. It's normal to be upset by bullying, and it can impact your mental health, self-esteem, how well you do at school or college and your relationships, as well as other things.

If you are upset, it's important not to retaliate (doing something back to them) - the bullies are the ones with the problem, not you. Here are some steps you can take if you are being bullied online.

Talk to a trusted adult (for example a parent/carer or teacher) and let them know what's going on.

Distance yourself from the bully in real life and online - block them on social media.

Save any evidence, including dates, times and places - keep screenshots or a copy of the messages.

Don't retaliate - even though it may seem tempting to get revenge, this could get you into trouble.

Report any bullying or abusive posts to the social media platform - see some links to report below.

Change your privacy settings and keep your details private.

Look after your mental health - don't blame yourself and try some self-care.

There are times when bullying becomes a crime, and this is when you should report to the police. This includes:

violence or physical assault

sexual assault

stealing

bullying because of race, gender or sexual identity, disability (this is a hate crime)

sharing, or threatening to share, a naked picture of you

Sometimes it can be difficult to know if someone is being bullied, but if you're worried about a friend or classmate, then there are ways you can help.

Listen and be there for them if they want to chat.

Talk to them regularly and tell them you are there for them.

Help them report the bullying - help them think of what they want to say.

Don't like, share or comment on a bullying post - it can make it more popular and visible.

Help take their mind off things by playing a game, watching a film or playing some sport.

Be positive and kind - it can help others feel better.

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advice for children and young people online issues and worries

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online issues and worries online bullying

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Online issues and worries: online bullying - Hwb

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Online bullying is common, and unlike face-to-face bullying, you can't go home and shut the door on it. It can happen anywhere you go online, like social media, group chat or gaming sites.

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Long Covid Kids | Registered Charity | Post Covid Syndrome

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Support and advocacy for families, children & young people living with Long Covid. Long Covid Kids is a registered charity advocating for families, children & young people living with Long Covid. Join our peer to peer support group, find resources and read our frequently asked questions.

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This network is a space for autistic young people between the ages of 16-25 meet other young autistic people, take on new paid opportunities, and join a group panel. The network is a friendly space for young autistic people to be themselves.

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Autism Awareness Month - Autism Simulator | Operation Ouch | Science for Kids

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Post diagnostic support for parents and carers 

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Post diagnostic support for parents and carers 

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An autism diagnosis can be difficult to come to terms with. You may be coping with a condition you know very little about, and trying to find new ways for everyone to live together and feel supported.
Moving on from a diagnosis can seem daunting, but we're here to help. This guide explores support available after your child's diagnosis.

Support for your child

Your child is the same person they have always been. Now that you know they are autistic, you can begin to better understand their needs, arrange the right support and help them to maximise their potential.

This is important for autistic children, who can benefit from appropriate, sometimes intensive, support from an early age. It's also important for families, who may benefit from services such as short breaks.

A diagnosis can help your child to get autism-specific support, but this doesn't happen automatically.

At school

Help at school is based on need, in addition to the diagnosis. You can speak to the school about how your child might be able to get extra help before or after a diagnosis.

Social care

Local authorities have a duty to provide services for children in need. Your child does not have to be diagnosed to be considered in need.

You should contact your local social services (in England and Wales), social work department (in Scotland) or Health and Social Care Trust (in Northern Ireland) to ask for an assessment of your child's needs.

You can also ask for an assessment of your needs as a carer. You might be able to access a variety of support such as short breaks.

The person who diagnosed your child might have told you that they would contact these services for you. But it can take some time for them to do this. You may wish to contact your education and social services department yourself anyway. They will contact the diagnostician for information if they feel it is needed.

Financial help

Your family may be eligible for benefits such as Disability Living Allowance and Carers Allowance.

At home

The diagnosis itself, and the profile of needs if the diagnostician gave this, may help you to better understand your child and their needs.

EarlyBird post-diagnostic support programmes for parents and carers can help you to understand autism, build your confidence to encourage interaction and communication, and understand behaviour.

We also run one-day family support seminars on topics such as understanding behaviour and sensory differences.

Support for siblings

Siblings might feel that your autistic child takes a lot of your time and attention. When possible:

help siblings to better understand their brother or sister and their needs

make time for siblings

do some activities separately

allow siblings to have time to themselves, eg a sleepover at a friend's home

allow siblings to bring their own friends home sometimes and enjoy themselves without interruption

listen to their worries and concerns and the things that are important to them

listen to their ideas - older children may have good ideas about how best to manage certain situations. If they have a good relationship with their autistic brother or sister, they may be able to ask them to do things that you can't.

Find more information for siblings, and how to tell them about the diagnosis.

What if my child wants to meet other autistic children?

Some children find it helpful to meet other autistic children and to learn that they are not alone. Our  Autism Services Directory  lists social groups, after-school clubs and support groups around the UK.

Looking after yourself

It will take time to learn how to help your child and family cope with day-to-day life. You have the right to feel annoyed or frustrated. It's hard to remain positive when things don't go as planned and it is natural to feel upset.

Try to get some time on your own to relax, even if it is just to walk the dog or do the washing up, and try not to feel guilty about doing this. Everyone deserves some time out to recharge the batteries.

You can also ask for an assessment of your needs as a carer, so that you can access support such as short breaks.

It may help to talk about your experiences with people who have been in a similar situation, such as through our Parent to Parent Service, our online  community, or one of our branches.

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An autism diagnosis can be difficult to come to terms with. You may be coping with a condition you know very little about, and trying to find new ways for everyone to live together and feel supported. Moving on from a diagnosis can seem daunting, but we're here to help.

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Advice and guidance on preparing to leave care 

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Advice and guidance on preparing to leave care 

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Information and advice from Become, the charity for children in care and care leavers about preparing to leave the care system.

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Adoption UK is the leading charity providing support, community and advocacy for all those whose lives involve adoption, including those parenting children who cannot live with their birth families, and adopted people. We connect people, provide support and training and campaign for improvements to adoption policy and practice. We provide a strong, supportive community and are the largest voice of adopters in the UK

Adoption UK - 2021 - 2024 Strategy

Our strategy puts the emphasis firmly on enabling people whose lives involve adoption to access the connections, support and influence they need and deserve.

Read our full strategy by clicking on the image below and read our blog from CEO Sue Armstrong Brown

Adoption UK Impact Report - Our Work 2019-2020

Our short video (below) provides a snapshot of some of the things we've done over the past year.

We've had the privilege of supporting thousands of people, and we want to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped - you have helped change the lives of a lot of vulnerable children.

We're certainly not standing still and there's lots more we want to do - we'll be giving you more regular updates on the difference we're making, and the challenges we're working to address.

Why join us?

However adoption affects your life, we are here to support you, connect you with others and campaign for what matters most to you and your family. We are independent, non-judgemental and all our services are confidential. Your membership also makes Adoption UK a more powerful advocate - the more members we have, the bigger and louder our 'voice' will be when it comes to raising awareness and securing support for all those whose lives involve adoption.

Find out more about our membership options and how to join us .

Registered Adoption Support Agency (Service no. SC066957).
Registered Charity No. 1160647 (England and Wales). Registered Charity No. SC037892 (Scotland).
Registered Adoption Support Agency (Service No. SC066957). Adoption UK Charity is a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Company Number 09454981. Registered Office Units 11 and 12, Vantage Business Park, Bloxham Road, Banbury, Oxfordshire OX16 9UX

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Adoption UK is the leading charity providing support, community and advocacy for all those whose lives involve adoption, including those parenting children who cannot live with their birth families, and adopted people. We connect people, provide support and training and campaign for improvements to adoption policy and practice.

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Parent talk - down to earth parenting that you can trust 

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Parent talk - down to earth parenting that you can trust 

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Support for Parents from Action For Children

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Cyngor magu plant y gallwch ymddiried ynddo

Rydyn ni ar gael i gefnogi rhieni pan fo angen. Porwch ein herthyglau ar y cwestiynau rhianta mwyaf cyffredin gan ein harbenigwyr . Neu fe gewch chi sgwrs unigol â hyfforddwr rhianta cymwys am beth bynnag sy'n eich pryderu. Mae popeth am ddim, a does dim cwestiwn rhy fach, rhy fawr neu'n rhy wirion i'w ofyn.

Down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust

We're on hand to support parents, when you need us. Browse our articles on the most common parenting questions from our experts. Or talk one-to-one with a qualified parenting coach about anything that's worrying you. It's all free, and no topic is too big, small, or embarrassing.

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Parent Talk - down-to-earth parenting advice you can trust

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We're on hand to support parents, when they need us. As coronavirus puts extra pressure on families, we're offering even more online parenting support. You can find advice and resources on coronavirus, explore our online advice sites below, or speak to one of our parenting coaches in a 1-to-1 live chat.

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Active Monitoring for Young  People from Mind 

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Active Monitoring for Young  People from Mind 

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Delivered remotely by Mind Aberystwyth through telephone or video call. Active monitoring for young people is an evidence based mental health and well-being service for students aged 16-17 year olds in Ceredigion.

Active monitoring gives young people the skills to understand, protect and improve their mental health.

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Young Persons Active Monitoring PDF (005)

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Prosiect Ymwybodol o Ofalwyr - Hawliau Gofalwyr 

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Prosiect Ymwybodol o Ofalwyr - Hawliau Gofalwyr 

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Prosiect Ymwybodol o Ofalwyr - Hawliau Gofalwyr

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Carers Rights - Carer Aware Project (English) 

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Carers Rights - Carer Aware Project (English) 

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Prosiect Ymwybodol o Ofalwyr - Hawliau Gofalwyr

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It is easy to understand that someone is hurting if they are physically ill or have been badly injured. Emotional pain is not visible, but it can be just as unbearable. If you don't feel you can keep yourself safe right now, or if you're worried about a loved one, seek immediate help.

In this section, there is information for how to reach out and get the right support for you, no matter what that might be.

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Young person’s mental health toolkit - Crisis

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Casper Lee, You Tuber, talks to other students with Tourette's - Growing up with Tourette's Syndrome 

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Casper Lee, You Tuber, talks to other students with Tourette's - Growing up with Tourette's Syndrome 

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Growing Up With Tourette's Syndrome | Caspar Lee

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Let's Talk About It- Working Together To Prevent Terrorism 

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Let's Talk About It- Working Together To Prevent Terrorism 

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Lets Talk About It - Working Together To Prevent Terrorism

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Let's Talk About It is an initiative designed to provide practical help and guidance to the public in order to prevent terrorism.

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PDA Helpful approaches for parents and carers

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PDA Helpful approaches for parents and carers

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Are you worried your child has diabetes? Find out the symptoms of diabetes.

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Are you worried your child has diabetes? Find out the symptoms of diabetes.

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Having good advice early on can make a big difference. That's why we created our Type 1 bag. Filled with resources, guidance and stories, it will help you make your child's first year with diabetes as simple as possible.

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Are you worried your child has diabetes? Find out the symptoms of diabetes. Having a child who has diabetes can be tough sometimes. Your child will probably have to take insulin to treat it. They'll either use a pen or a pump and will eventually be able to do this by themselves with your help.

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Information for people affected by their parent’s drinking

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Nacoa publications

Booklets and leaflets for everyone affected by a parent's drinking.

Nacoa publications

Booklets and leaflets for everyone affected by a parent's drinking.

Leaflets, posters & cards

Information for people affected by their parent's drinking Some mums and dads drink too much

'You are not alone' poster

Information for CAMHS Professionals Information for parents
Booklets and information sheets
Information for professionals

Information for teachers

Information for young people

Information about counselling and psychotherapy

Introduction to codependency

Jasper's Wish, children's book written by Dr Jessica Munafo for Nacoa

Annual report 2018/19 Making a difference - how you can help (including membership form)
More information sheets

15 year helpline review - Dr Anne-Marie Barron
About Nacoa

Remember the Six "C"s

I didn't cause it
I can't control it
I can't cure it
I can take care of myself
I can communicate my feelings
I can make healthy choices

Keep in touch

To find out more about our events and activities, subscribe to our mailing list

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices.

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Booklets and leaflets for everyone affected by a parent's drinking. Booklets and leaflets for everyone affected by a parent's drinking.

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Support your child to increase their self esteem - Talking about appearances 

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Support your child to increase their self esteem - Talking about appearances 

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Skip to content

Do you want to boost your child's self-esteem? Use our practical articles and activities to help your daughter or son develop a positive body image, and worry less about how their looks compare with others.

Read more

Young people change enormously during adolescence, and sometimes their self-esteem suffers. As a parent, you want to help your child feel good about themselves, and having positive conversations about appearance is an important part of that.

You need to be tuned in to your child's changing needs, and help them develop an empowered attitude to their looks. You can also raise their confidence by discouraging them from comparing themselves with others, whether friends, classmates or people in the media.

Focusing on who they are as a person, and their relationships with family and friends, will reduce negative body talk. We've compiled these articles and activities to help your child make that shift - and to give you some ideas on how to support them.

So start reading and sharing today - and help boost your child's confidence.

Show less

What would you like to learn more about?

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Skip to content Do you want to boost your child's self-esteem? Use our practical articles and activities to help your daughter or son develop a positive body image, and worry less about how their looks compare with others. Read more Young people change enormously during adolescence, and sometimes their self-esteem suffers.

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Brook operates a number of sexual health and wellbeing services across the UK

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Brook operates a number of sexual health and wellbeing services across the UK.

Brook is committed to supporting young people and the majority of services are for people under 25. However, in December 2019 we began running all-age sexual health services in parts of the country.

We also provide outreach and education services for young people and training for professionals across the UK.

You can also explore our clinical services, along with those provided by other organisations, on our Find A Service tool.

Explore our services

North England | Midlands | London | South East England | South West England | Jersey

North England

Midlands

London

South East England

South West England

Jersey

What do our services provide?

Our sexual health and wellbeing services provide a combination of the below. Please see the individual service pages to find out exactly what is available at your nearest service.

What are my rights?

When it comes to sexual health services, you have the same rights whether you are over 16 or under 16 and regardless of your sexuality or gender.

You are entitled to:

Confidentiality

A choice of doctor

Free contraception

Access to your medical records

Make a complaint about a service

Read about your rights when accessing sexual health services.
Latest feedback

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Brook operates a number of sexual health and wellbeing services across the UK. Brook is committed to supporting young people and the majority of services are for people under 25. However, in December 2019 we began running all-age sexual health services in parts of the country.

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Resources and information for families and friends for LGBT young people

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A national voluntary organisation and charity dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans sons and daughters

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Do you know your rights?

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Diabetes (otherwise known by the scientific name diabetes mellitus) is a complicated condition and there are many different types of diabetes. Here we'll take you through everything you need to know.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose level is too high. It can happen when your body doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin it produces isn't effective. Or, when your body can't produce any insulin at all.

Types of diabetes

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

When you've got type 1 diabetes, you can't make any insulin at all. If you've got type 2 diabetes, which is the most common, it's a bit different. The insulin you make either can't work effectively, or you can't produce enough of it. They're different conditions, but they're both serious.

There are lots of other types of diabetes. They include gestational diabetes, which some women may go on to develop during pregnancy, type 3c, MODY and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).

In all types of diabetes, glucose can't get into your cells properly, so it begins to build up in your blood. And too much glucose in your blood causes a lot of different problems. To begin with, it may lead to diabetes symptoms.

What causes diabetes?

The causes of diabetes depend on the type of diabetes you have.

What all types of diabetes have in common is that they cause people to have too much glucose (sugar) in their blood. But we all need some glucose. It's what gives us energy. We get glucose when our bodies break down the carbohydrates that we eat or drink. And that glucose is released into our blood.

We also need a hormone called insulin. It's made by our pancreas, and it's insulin that allows the glucose in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies.

If you don't have diabetes, your pancreas senses when glucose has entered your bloodstream and releases the right amount of insulin, so the glucose can get into your cells. But if you have diabetes, this system doesn't work.

Symptoms of diabetes

The symptoms can depend on the type of diabetes you have. But the common symptoms of diabetes include:

Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night

Being really thirsty

Feeling more tired than usual

Losing weight without trying to

Genital itching or thrush

Cuts and wounds take longer to heal

Blurred vision

We've got more information about the signs and symptoms of diabetes, as well as advice about what to do if you have some.

4.3 million people are living with a diagnosis of diabetes in the UK

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed from a blood test. If there are no obvious symptoms it can go undiagnosed.

Early diagnosis helps prevent diabetes complications.

Treatment for diabetes

Treatment is about trying to keep blood sugars within a target range. Being as active as possible, eating healthily and going for regular health checks will help you do this. Some people will also need to take insulin or other medication and check their blood sugars regularly.

Lots of things can affect blood sugars, so it can be tricky to balance. But it's possible to lead a full life. It's about being in tune with your body and learning what works for you.

Managing your diabetes

Getting used to life with diabetes can be difficult, but we've got lots of information to help you learn how to manage your condition effectively.

From advice about what to eat, to emotional support and guidance about driving, we're here to help you live well with diabetes. Find out more about managing your diabetes today.

Diabetes complications

Over a long period of time, high glucose levels in your blood can cause problems in almost every part of your body from your brain to your feet and can seriously damage your heart, your eyes, your feet and your kidneys. These are known as the complications of diabetes.

But with the right treatment and care, people can live a healthy life. And there's much less risk that someone will experience these complications.

Find out more about the different types of complications, and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing them.

Diabetes-related conditions

Having some conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can mean you are more at risk of developing diabetes. And there are other conditions linked to diabetes that you should be aware of.

We've got more information about these related conditions.

Prediabetes

Some people may have a blood sugar level that is higher than usual, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This is called prediabetes, and means you're at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Find out more about prediabetes, and the things you can do to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes remission

Some people with type 2 diabetes are able to put their diabetes into remission. This means your blood sugar levels are healthy without taking any medication.

For many people, this can be life-changing. That's why we've put together guidance and advice for those of you who want to know more about diabetes remission.

Diabetes research

We've funded world-class research into diabetes for over 80 years, so that our scientists can continue to find pioneering ways to improve the lives of millions living with the condition.

We've got more information about our diabetes research, including more about our approach and the latest projects we are currently funding.

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Diabetes (otherwise known by the scientific name diabetes mellitus) is a complicated condition and there are many different types of diabetes. Here we'll take you through everything you need to know. What is diabetes? Diabetes is a serious condition where your blood glucose level is too high.

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) and diabetes updates

We've created this information for people living with diabetes and their families. We hope you find it useful and it answers some of your questions. We'll keep updating this page and you can find all our other coronavirus news stories in our News Hub.

All the information below applies to the whole of the UK, unless specified. We've noted where are some differences in guidance and diabetes services across the UK.

Shielding - advice for clinically extremely vulnerable people

Shielding is a way of protecting 'clinically extremely vulnerable' people who are at a very high risk of severe illness and needing to go to hospital if they catch coronavirus. It means staying at home almost all of the time, with no face-to-face contact.

Diabetes is not in the clinically extremely vulnerable group (shielding group) - it is in the 'clinically vulnerable group' - so having diabetes doesn't automatically mean you need to shield. Although there may be some people with diabetes who need to shield based on other conditions or other risk factors, for example those with cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. This means that for most people with diabetes, any lockdown rules where you live are the same for you as they are for people who don't have diabetes.
We are calling on the government to urgently add some people with diabetes to the shielding list.
While we wait for the government to respond to our call, if you think you are in this high risk group and that you should be on the shielding list, you can call our helpline for more advice. Email us at helpline@diabetes.org.uk or call 0345 123 2399.

Shielding is only being advised in some areas of the UK. Here's where to find more information depending on where you live:

England

There is a national lockdown in England, which means everyone must stay at home as much as possible. Find out more detail about these rules on the government website.

If you're already getting priority supermarket delivery slots, you'll still be able to get these. And there are lots of volunteer groups to support you with food and supplies if you need it, as well as help from local councils.

Scotland

There is a national lockdown in Scotland, called enhanced Level 4 restrictions. This means everyone must stay at home as much as possible. You can find the detailed rules on the government website.

If you're Get all the latest updates about shielding from the Scottish government website.

Wales

All of Wales is currently under Alert Level 4 restrictions. Find out more about these rules on the government website.

Those who are clinically extremely vulnerable will get new letters with advice on how to stay safe, including things like . Here's the latest Welsh government advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable, including where you can get more support with things like food supplies.

Northern Ireland

Government advice for everyone is to stay at home as much as possible.

The advice for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable in Northern Ireland and working, is to stay at home even if you can't work from there. Find more advice on the Northern Ireland government website.

How coronavirus can affect people with diabetes

If you have diabetes - regardless of what type you have - you are no more likely to catch coronavirus than anyone else. And the majority of people who do get coronavirus - whether they have diabetes or not - will have mild symptoms and don't need to go into hospital.

However everyone with diabetes, including those with type 1, type 2, gestational and other types, is more vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they do get coronavirus, but the way it affects you can vary from person to person. In children, the risk of becoming seriously ill with coronavirus is very low.

For most adults, coronavirus is a mild illness. But some people develop a more serious illness and sadly could die. Research shows us that there are certain risk factors that make people with diabetes at higher risk, like being older, having a high HbA1c, or having a history of diabetes-related complications. There are other factors too, like your BMI and ethnicity, that research shows can have an impact on your risk.

There are some risk factors that you can't change, but others where you can reduce your risk.

Being ill can make your blood sugar go all over the place. Your body tries to fight the illness by releasing stored glucose (sugar) into your blood stream to give you energy. But your body can't produce enough or any insulin to cope with this, so your blood sugars rise.

Your body is working overtime to fight the illness, making it harder to manage your diabetes. This means you're more at risk of having serious blood sugar highs and lows, potentially leading to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) or HHS (hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state).

How to reduce your risk of getting seriously ill from coronavirus

The UK government is reviewing lockdown restrictions for the UK on a regular basis, and there are different rules for different areas. You can find out more about the rules in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but everybody should continue to:

wash hands regularly, for 20 seconds

wear a face covering

stay 2 meters away from people outside your household.

Getting the coronavirus vaccine

The most important way people living with diabetes can lower their risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus is to avoid catching the virus in the first place. A vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infection, and that's why we strongly encourage you to get the vaccine when you're offered it.

We've got more information about the coronavirus vaccines, including the latest results from the trials and guidance about when people with diabetes can expect to get vaccinated.

Face masks and coverings

Some of you have been asking us whether people with diabetes need to wear face masks and coverings. Some research shows that they can slow the spread of the virus, by protecting others from catching something you may be carrying. This is true for everyone, including people with diabetes.

Get one of our adjustable face coverings from our online shop.

There are certain reasons why some people don't need to wear a face covering - called exemptions. These include children (depending on their age), if you have asthma, and lots more. But these exemptions are different depending on where you live, so check your national government websites for the most up-to-date list - we've added some useful links below. If these exemptions apply to you, then you don't need to wear one. But if nothing on the list applies to you, then there's no reason why you shouldn't wear a face covering.

We know it's not that simple. Wearing a mask can take some getting used to, and can feel very strange at first. Some of you have told us that wearing a mask makes you feel anxious or you find it hard to breathe. There are lots of different masks out there so try to find one that suits you best. You also could try wearing it around the house for a bit, to get used to breathing in it and moving about while it's on.

If you spot someone not wearing a mask when they're out and about, try not to make a judgement - there could be lots of invisible reasons for this and it's not something that's in your control. Some people may prefer to have something to hand that says they don't need to wear a face covering. You can print these from the UK Government website or make the message your phone screensaver.

Managing your blood glucose (sugar) levels

Research has shown that having a high HbA1c can increase your risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus. So it's important to work with your diabetes team to try to bring your blood sugar levels to a healthy range.

We've explored some of the research behind reducing your risk, including vitamin D supplements.

If you get coronavirus

If you do get coronavirus, it's really important that you follow your sick day rules. This will help you to keep your blood sugars in range as much as possible, so you can stay well and fight the virus. We know it's not that always that simple. Take a look at our new courses in Learning Zone to help you remember your sick day rules and manage your blood sugar levels, and our guide on staying home and managing diabetes.

Some people are being treated for coronavirus with a steroid called dexamethasone, which can make your blood sugars go high. Find out more about the steroid dexamethasone and diabetes.

Remember, for urgent medical help, call 999.

"Thankfully this past week I've been feeling much better and I'm not as short of breath. My symptoms have definitely been in line with those of Covid-19 but I suppose I'll never know for definite if I've had the virus!"

- Khadija has diabetes and recovered from coronavirus symptoms - read her story

How coronavirus can affect children with diabetes

Although children can catch the virus, they normally have very mild symptoms and we are not aware of any children with diabetes who have died from coronavirus. However, as with all people with diabetes, an illness like coronavirus can make it harder to manage your child's diabetes and they still have a risk of DKA. So it's important that you make sure your child follows social distancing and handwashing recommendations to reduce their risk of catching it.

Get more information about children and school.

How coronavirus can affect pregnant women with diabetes

The same rules apply to you as for everyone with diabetes. If you're pregnant and have diabetes, then you are not more at risk of getting the virus. However, if you do get the virus, you could be more at risk of developing complications and it could become harder to manage your diabetes. For that reason, it's really important you're extra careful and follow social distancing rules.

You can find all the latest information for pregnant women from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

How coronavirus can affect people in type 2 diabetes remission

Diabetes remission works differently for different people, and we still don't know enough about it. So we don't know for sure how the virus could affect you if you're in remission. Everyone, including people in diabetes remission, should carefully follow social distancing rules. You can find more general information in our guide to type 2 diabetes remission.

How coronavirus can affect people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups

The risk of death from coronavirus for some ethnic groups is higher than for people of white ethnicity. But it is important to remember that there are lots of factors involved, like age, and overall risk of dying from coronavirus is very low.

In England and Wales, data from the Office of National Statistics shows how people from certain Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups are more at risk than people of white ethnicity. Research in Scotland hasn't shown this increased risk, but the BAME population there is very small. And we don't have data on this in Northern Ireland at the moment.

Data from Office of National Statistics. Covid-19 deaths by ethnicity in England and Wales between 2 March and 10 April 2020.

We don't know why this is happening. The data takes into account factors which we know can increase risk, such as age, socioeconomic status and health, including obesity. And we do know that some ethnic minority groups are more at risk of developing conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart problems, which are linked to increased risk of death from coronavirus.

It's clear that we need further research to understand what's causing this - whether the causes are physical, cultural or social. We are pushing for clearer guidance from the government on risks to people from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Coronavirus deaths in people with diabetes

Data from NHS England in May showed us that, for those who become so unwell with coronavirus that they need to go to hospital, the risk of dying is higher for people living with diabetes than people without the condition. But the risks aren't the same for everyone with diabetes. Most deaths have been in the elderly with very few under the age of 50 and none in children.

This study only looked at the number of people who have died in hospital as a result of coronavirus. It doesn't include information on the many thousands who have recovered at home or who have been successfully discharged from hospital. We are calling on the government and NHS to ensure this data is used to update guidance and policies to keep people who are at greatest risk protected and supported. Research has shown us that people with diabetes who have the highest risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from coronavirus are those over the age of 50, who have a high HbA1c (above 75mmol/mol or 9%) and have received treatment for diabetes complications.

Here our Head of Research Communications, Dr Lucy Chambers, explains more about the risk factors, including type of diabetes, age and ethnicity, and why for most people your risk of dying remains very low. Although this research is England based, we believe this level of risk will be true in all nations. And to find out more detail on these statistics, go to our coronavirus deaths in people with diabetes news story.

We're funding research projects looking at the specific ways coronavirus affects people living with diabetes. We know there's a lot more to learn about this new type of virus, and we know we need answers fast.

Going to work

The government advice is that people should work from home if possible. If you're not able to work from home and still need to go to your workplace, your employer needs to take the right steps to make the workplace safe, to minimise risk to employees.

In some areas of the UK, some people who are clinically extremely vulnerable are being advised to stay at home even if they can't work from home.
We are calling on the government to urgently add some people with diabetes to this shielding list.
If you can't work from home and have diabetes

Your employer must make sure your workplace is safe - this means doing a risk assessment at work. We know that some people with diabetes don't feel safe going back to work, so we're pushing the government on making it safer.

Some people with diabetes are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable and there are different rules on this depending where you live. This means some people may qualify for a furlough scheme or things like sick pay - take a look at our section on shielding for information based on where you live.

We've got more information about your rights in our diabetes and work guide.

If you can't work from home and have a child with diabetes

Similarly to a workplace assessment, your child's school must do a risk assessment at school when they reopen. Some schools may remain open for children of key workers. We've got more information on children and school during the pandemic.

If you're a parent with diabetes working at home

We know some of you are worried about your child bringing the virus home from school when they reopen, and that's understandable. Use our quick and easy Learning Zone coronavirus course to learn how to keep yourself well. And make sure you know what your child's school should be doing about maintaining social distancing.

"I've been unsure as to what I was supposed to be doing, but the school said they don't expect to see me for the foreseeable future. It was really nice to get that reassurance."

- Jon talked to us about managing diabetes and working as a teacher during lockdown, read his story

Children and school

Everyone, including children with diabetes, can get coronavirus. The rules about on social distancing and hand washing apply to children with diabetes too.

Schools should be practicing social distancing for your child when schools reopen. This is to prevent the virus from spreading between children and your home. We know this is easier said than done, and can depend on how old your child is and the size of the school.

You may be worried about whether it is safe for your child to go to school if they have diabetes. Speak to the school when it reopens and to your child's diabetes team about your concerns. And read our guide for parents on what you should expect from your child's school - including doing a risk assessment and having the right policies in place.

While the risk of children with diabetes becoming seriously ill with coronavirus is very low, we've been in touch with the Department for Education to raise your concerns and ask that when their school-specific guidance is published - it includes guidance on supporting children with health conditions too.

Going to appointments or into hospital

If you have coronavirus symptoms, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital even if you have an appointment.

If you're already having treatment for something like a foot or eye problem, and you don't have coronavirus symptoms, then your appointments should still carry on. If you're worried about going to your clinic or hospital at this time or want to check whether your appointment is still going ahead, call the number on your appointment letter or speak to your GP.

It's likely that most appointments with your diabetes healthcare team will be on the phone or online, using a video call. There are some groups of people who need to be seen face-to-face more than others at the moment. Your diabetes healthcare team will give you advice on the best type of appointment for you at this time. Having a phone or video appointment might feel strange if you're not used to it but we've got advice on preparing for a remote appointments.

Most routine appointments like your annual diabetes review have been delayed or postponed. But you should be able to reschedule once things go back to normal. In the meantime, follow your current routine including checking your feet daily, keep to a healthy diet and try to keep active. Eye screening is still going ahead in some circumstances and for some people who are at higher risk of problems, such as pregnant women with diabetes. All eye screening clinics should be using personal protective equipment (PPE).

And remember to get your free flu jab as early as possible. Speak to your GP or go to your local pharmacy. Find out more about the flu jab.

If you are invited to an in-person appointment it's very important to attend unless you develop coronavirus symptoms. This is to make sure you stay as healthy as possible during the pandemic. Health professionals will be wearing PPE and observing social distancing where possible.

"Flu increases the risk of needing to go into hospital for people with diabetes so we must do all we can to keep protected against flu this year. That's why the free NHS flu jab is so important."
Dan Howarth, our Head of Care and Diabetes Specialist Nurse

If you spot something new you're concerned about, like a cut or blister on your foot, call your GP and explain your situation. If you can't get through, call 111 for advice. If you have any change in your vision you should contact your local screening service or optometrist.

You may be in a situation where you need medical attention - this may be something related to your diabetes, or it may be something unrelated like an injury or illness. This means you might have to go to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital and you might have to wait a while before being seen.

During this time, your care in hospital may be a little different to normal, for example you may not see the diabetes team or not have family with you when you go into hospital. For any problem, regardless of the current situation, you should go to hospital as you would've done before - the NHS is still open. Read our guide to managing your diabetes while in hospital.

Travel

The new guidance from government has placed additional restrictions on travel. These restrictions differ depending the current level of alert where you live, and so we recommend you check the appropriate guidance before travelling.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Check the UK government site for all the latest updates on where and when you can travel. You could also check the TravelHealthPro website for the latest travel health guidance.

Take a look at our guide to travelling when you have diabetes for lots more information, including travel insurance to cover coronavirus.

Getting food, medicines and tech

We know some people have had challenges getting access to food deliveries and the food you need to stay healthy. We have written to the major supermarkets and are actively monitoring the situation.

You've also been asking about medicines and diabetes technology. There is no need for the public or NHS to stockpile insulin, diabetes medicines or tech. This could cause shortages and put other patients at risk. Pharmacies have been asked to not support patients trying to stockpile. Get more info about picking up prescriptions.

The government has been working with industry and partners to monitor the impact of coronavirus on the UK supply chain of medicines and technology and put in place measures to protect UK patients. This includes banning companies from buying medicines like insulin that are meant for UK patients and selling on for a higher price in another country. This will help to ensure an uninterrupted supply of crucial medicines like insulin for NHS hospitals treating coronavirus patients.

We want to reassure you that if you're using an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor or a flash glucose monitor (a FreeStyle Libre), you will still be able to get these - whether that's usually through prescriptions or you pay for these yourself. And if your insulin pump warranty is due to expire soon, the companies who make these will extend this or supply a replacement if that's needed at any point.

For those who need or choose to buy test strips, we have negotiated with several companies to make certain strips available through our catalogue and online shop.

We know some people have had challenges getting access to food deliveries and the food you need to stay healthy. If you live in an area which is in Tier 3 or Tier 4 restrictions, and you are shielding, you can register for support to get priority deliveries. Given the extra demand supermarkets face in the Christmas period, priority deliveries are not currently guaranteed, so you may find it easier to order your shopping delivery as you would normally.

If you have not been told to shield, or you live in an area that isn't in Tier 3 or Tier 4 restrictions, you should contact your local council. They may be able to offer support to help you get the food you need. You can also contact NHS Volunteer Responders, who can arrange for a volunteer to deliver your shopping to you.

Tips for picking up your prescriptions

Pharmacies are working hard to make sure that everyone with diabetes gets the medicines they need. Help them to help you by following these tips:

Follow government advice and don't go to a pharmacy if you or anyone in your household has a temperature or a new and continuous cough, even if mild. Some organisations like Boots pharmacy have an online service and are encouraging customers to choose for their medicines to be delivered to their homes - you don't have to sign for these now, the delivery driver will leave the package somewhere safe and let you know.

Plan ahead where possible. Our advice is to try and order your next prescription at least 14 days before it is due.

Put your contact details on prescriptions so pharmacies can let you know when your medicines are ready, so you won't need to be in the pharmacy for as long. Please don't ring the pharmacy unless it's urgent.

If you're self-isolating, see if family, friends or neighbours can pick up your medication for you. If you don't have anyone who can collect your medicine, speak to your community pharmacy for advice about how they can help. There might be community or voluntary groups ready to help in your area.

If you're well and can visit the pharmacy yourself, think about how you can help family, friends and neighbours who are self-isolating by collecting their medicines on their behalf (you may need to take ID with you and will need to know the name and address of the person you are collecting for).

Don't ask for extra medicine. Continue to get medicines as normal and don't stockpile.

Ask your prescriber about electronic repeat dispensing, so you can order your repeat prescriptions online.

Where can I get more support?

We know some people may not have friends and family able to help while they are isolated at home. You may be able to get help from voluntary groups in your area or your local councils or local authorities. Check your government websites for more information.

You could also find out if there's a diabetes local group in your area. Use our postcode search.

Need to talk?

You might be feeling worried and anxious about coronavirus and how it might affect you or your family and friends. We know this could be a stressful time, so you may need support with how you're feeling.

We have some helpful information to help you cope with stress and other emotions, or you might like to call our helpline to talk it through with someone. We also have a useful coronavirus thread on our online forum, where members are sharing information and experiences so you might find answers to any more questions.

Our Helpline will close at 3pm on Thursday 24 December 2020 and will re-open at 9am on Monday 4 January 2021. If you need help during this period please contact your GP or in an emergency call 999.

We recently arranged for Devanshi, who is living with type 1 diabetes and living in Leicester, to meet Anna who works on our helpline. Did you know that you don't need a question about diabetes to call us? Find out what Anna and Devanshi chatted out.

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Coronavirus (Covid-19) and diabetes updates We've created this information for people living with diabetes and their families. We hope you find it useful and it answers some of your questions. We'll keep updating this page and you can find all our other coronavirus news stories in our News Hub.

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When somebody dies, we can feel all sorts of emotions or none at all. There are lots of people who understand and want to help you, and this section is full of advice and support designed to do just that.

Everybody goes through loss differently, and in this section there are a range of different resources so take your time and find the right one for you. Don’t forget that there are always people around you who can help, whether they are a teacher, a family member/carer, a friend, or your GP.

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Everybody has times where they feel sad, confused, or worried. This is especially true during stressful times like exams, big changes to your life, or the coronavirus pandemic. Fortunately there are lots of things you can do to help you feel better and to help prepare your mental health for the future.

In this playlist you will find resources that provide advice, ideas, and encouragement to help you meet life’s challenges. No matter how you’re feeling there are always ways to protect and strengthen your mental health.

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Young person's mental health toolkit - Low mood