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Wyre Poster- HAF Affiliated.docx -carl approved

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Magazine Editions | Fylde | Connectiverse

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We are thrilled to offer our print and online platforms to local businesses and charities across Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde

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Every Action Has Consequences - for schools, APs and youth groups

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Every Action Has Consequences - for schools, APs and youth groups

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11_02 Let's Talk Ketamine Families Promotion Posters.pptx (1) (1)

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Smokefree Lancashire Parent Sessions Info (2)

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After-School Clubs and Activities | Kids Activity Directory | Club Hub UK

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After-School Clubs kids clubs in your local area. Club Hub have the best children's After-School Clubs activities. Including after school classes.

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New summer holiday clubs for young people in Wyre

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Wyre Council is launching a programme of free activities this summer for children on benefits-related free school meals. The local summer holiday clubs are part of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF). Backed by a nationwide investment of up to £220 million, the programme will enable children and young people to enjoy fun activities with friends and learn and develop new skills.A range of clubs across Wyre will run from Monday 26 July until Friday 20 August and will be f

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Youth Support Volunteers - Wyre • Lancashire Volunteer Partnership

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Do you want to make a difference to your local community? If you have a few hours to spare each week and are able to volunteer, this would be a great opportunity to consider. We are seeking volunteers to assist under supervision of a member of staff, to help those who access our services. Overview... Read more »

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20 Best Things To Do In Wyre Near Me | Attractions in Lancashire | Day Out With The Kids

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Discover the top 20 things to do in Wyre, Lancashire right now and enjoy unforgettable family days out near you in 2024.

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Going through different emotions is part of life. While it can feel worrying as a parent, it is normal for young people to feel low sometimes, and this can be a natural response to what's happening around them. Often, the passing of time and support from people they're close to can help things feel better again.

When a young person is feeling depressed, however, sadness and low feelings become more overwhelming, persisting over a longer period of time and making day-to-day life difficult.

Knowing that your child is feeling depressed can be incredibly worrying as a parent. But remember that lots of young people go through depression and come out the other side and feel okay again, and that there are things you can do to help them - including providing emotional support, working on practical strategies together and finding the right professional support if they need it.

Symptoms of low mood and depression

As a parent, it can be useful to understand the difference between having a generally low mood and feeling depressed. This can help you to think through what your child is experiencing and the type of support they need.

If your child is experiencing a low mood, they may feel more sad, tearful, worried, tired or angry than usual, or feel low and less confident about themselves - but then feel better after a few days or weeks. They may also start to feel better quite quickly after making small changes in their life or routine - for example after resolving a disagreement with a friend, getting to the end of a stressful time at school or starting a more regular sleeping pattern.

When a young person is depressed, sadness and low feelings do not change or go away with time. These feelings can become overwhelming and stop them from doing or enjoying things they normally would. When a young person is experiencing this, it's very difficult to shift the situation without extra help and support.

While every young person is different, and these feelings are often expressed differently at different ages, some signs that your child may be feeling depressed include:

withdrawing, or avoiding friends or social situations

finding it hard to concentrate, and/or losing interest in schoolwork

not wanting to do things they previously enjoyed

feeling irritable, angry or frustrated

feeling tearful, miserable, lonely or hopeless

feeling empty or numb

being very self-critical, or feeling less confident

sleeping more or less than normal

eating more or less than normal

feeling tired or not having any energy

showing less or no interest in self-care activities like washing

wanting to self-harm

experiencing suicidal thoughts

If your child is experiencing one or two of these things, it does not necessarily mean that they are experiencing depression. But it's important to speak to your GP as a first step so that you can explore what's going on together.

How to help your child with depression and low mood

If you are concerned that your child may be experiencing depression, there are lots of things you can do to help.

We have a list of services and helplines they can use on our reaching out for help page, which you can point them towards.

Top tips for supporting your child with depression.

When to seek professional help

If the situation isn't getting better with time and you're feeling worried about your child's mental health, seek professional support and advice.

Many children and young people will need professional and specialist help to feel better if they are experiencing depression. They may benefit from a specific diagnosis or a treatment such as talking therapy.

You can find more information about how to access professional help below.

Where to find professional help

If your child is experiencing depression and needs ongoing support, it can be helpful to create a support plan together with the professionals around your child - so that you know exactly what help is available and how your child can access it. This could include things like:

agreements with their GP, or their key worker if they are being treated by CAMHS, about when they will next check-in

whether any referrals can be made to other services, and a list of the services available locally that might be able to support them

what your child's school can offer - including a staff member who they can speak to when they're struggling.

people your child trusts and can talk to when they need to, including family and friends.

You can find out more about speaking to GPs, finding a counsellor or therapist, accessing Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), getting help from your child's school and finding local services on our guide to getting help.

Young people's advice for others experiencing depression

Speak to your doctor or a trusted adult about how you're feeling.

Don't be afraid to cry, especially if you're male - it helps to release emotions and you'll feel better afterwards.

I've found that identifying behaviours that are not beneficial to you - like endlessly scrolling through Instagram before bed and sleeping late - can be really helpful. It's hard to force good habits, but it can do wonders for your overall mood.

Try to keep going outside, even if it's just a short walk, it can really help your mood to lift.

Find a distraction technique - we all have different ones; it could be jogging, music, art, reading etc.

Realise that how you're feeling won't last forever and there's always something to look forward to.

If your child is having suicidal thoughts

Young people who are struggling with depression can experience feelings of not being able to go on, or no longer wanting to be alive. This can lead them to think about, speak of, or attempt suicide.

A young person can struggle with thoughts of suicide without acting on them. But these thoughts can also develop into stronger feelings, and a plan or intention to attempt suicide. All suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously, and young people going through this need help and support.

If your child is experiencing suicidal thoughts, or you're worried they might be, we have information and advice that can help. Have a look at our page on suicidal thoughts for advice on how to support them and where you can find help - including how to access urgent help.

For advice on supporting and responding to your child when they're experiencing suicidal thoughts, have a look at the Prevention of Young Suicide (PAPYRUS) website. You can also contact their HOPELINE to speak to an advisor via phone or email.

Looking after yourself as a parent

Supporting a young person who is struggling with depression can be incredibly worrying and exhausting - and it's entirely understandable if you're struggling with anxiety or other difficult feelings yourself at the moment.

It's so important to recognise the impact the situation is having on you, and to think about ways you can take care of yourself - including getting support from other people so that you can take some time off. Remember that it's okay to ask for help when you need it, and to share your worries with someone you trust.

Many parents find it helpful to reach out to other parents so they can talk through how they have handled difficult situations with their children and get support. You may also be able to find a local parent support group using the Charlie Waller Trust directory.

If you need more help, you can find services such as counselling or therapy through your GP and other local organisations, or privately if this is an affordable option for you. Sometimes it helps just having someone there who can listen to what you're going through - and if you need someone to talk to, you can call the Samaritans anytime on 116 123.

You might also find helpful...

Where to get further support

Useful helplines and websites

While we take care to ensure that the organisations we signpost to provide high quality information and advice, we cannot take responsibility for any specific pieces of advice they may offer. We encourage parents and carers to always explore the website of a linked service or organisation to understand who they are and what support they offer before engaging with them.

This page was reviewed in March 2023. It was created with parents and carers with lived experience of supporting their child or young person with depression or low-mood. We will next review the page in 2024. YoungMinds is a proud member of PIF TICK - the UK's quality mark for trusted health information.

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Depression & Low Mood | Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

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Depression is a mood disorder where low mood persists for a long time. Read about the symptoms, what support is available and how you can help your child.

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When your child has additional needs, life can be incredibly demanding. While first and foremost you may see yourself as a parent, you are also a carer and that means there is support available and we are here to help you

Finding the right support and services for your child may feel overwhelming, especially at the time you first get a diagnosis or when significant changes are happening, like starting or changing schools, or when your child is approaching 18. We can help you:

Navigate the health, social care and education systems for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including the benefits and grants you might be eligible for.

Find out what services and support for you and your family are available locally.

Support brothers and sisters of your SEND child through our Young Carer service.

Look after yourself, with emotional and practical support that we offer to all carers.

Find peer support and relaxation through our groups, events and social media.

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Support and Advice for Parent Carers - Carers' Resource

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Finding the right support and services for your child may feel overwhelming, especially at the time you first get a diagnosis or when significant changes are happening, like starting or changing schools, or when your child is approaching 18.

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The Healthy Schools Stop Smoking and Vaping Service provides CATCH YOUR BREATH - the FREE school based smoking and vaping programme for young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Whilst there is a focus on prevention and universal delivery to Upper Key Stage 2 students via a 90 minute interactive workshop, both targeted cessation interventions as well as prevention assemblies can be delivered to Key Stage 3 and 4 students. The ultimate goal is for there to be a co-ordinated whole school approach taken by both the secondary schools and their feeder primaries to discourage smoking and vaping behaviour.

Further support can be accessed via ASH (Action On Smoking and Health) to review and develop school policies on vaping as well as smoking: ASH resources for local authorities, schools and parents on youth vaping - ASH

Prevalence of vaping and smoking
Vaping among young people has increased in 2022 compared to 2021. However, use among never smokers remains low and mostly experimental. Likelihood of trying or currently using vapes increases with age and smoking status.

The latest data from the ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) Smokefree GB survey of 11- to 18-year-olds show that in 2022:

a large majority of 11-17 year olds have never tried or are unaware of vapes (83.8%)

8% of 11-17 year olds have tried vaping, compared to 11.2% in 2021 and 13.9% in 2020

0% of 11-17 year olds are current users (including occasional and regular vaping*), compared to 3.3% in 2021 and 4.1% in 2020

4% of 11-15 year olds have tried vaping, compared to 29.1% of 16-17 year olds and 40.8% 18 year-olds

among 11-17 year olds who have never smoked, while 7.5% have tried vaping, only 1.7% report at least monthly use

use of disposable vaping products has increased substantially, with 52.8% of current vapers using them in 2022, compared with 7.8% in 2021 and 5.3% in 2020

current smoking prevalence (including occasional and regular smoking*) is 6.0% in 2022, compared with 4.1% in 2021 and 6.7% in 2020.

* Occasional vaping or smoking is defined as more than once a month but less than once a week; regular vaping or smoking is defined as more than once a week.

ASH factsheet, July 2022: Use of e-cigarettes among young people in Great Britain
Key points on vaping and young people

Vaping can help smokers quit smoking, but it isn't harmless and is not recommended for young people under 18.

In the UK there is a minimum age of sale for vaping products. It is illegal to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18 or for adults to buy them on behalf of under-18s.

Retailers found to be selling either nicotine vapes or tobacco products to under-18s can be reported to local authority Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Online Portal.

It is important for young people to know the facts about vaping so they can make an informed choice. This includes the absolute risks of vaping and risks relative to smoking, as well as the law on sales and proxy purchase.

The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) will continue to monitor the evidence on vaping among young people, alongside that on smoking.

Key vaping messages for young people

Vaping is a way for adults to stop smoking - not something for non-smokers, especially children and young people to try

Vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking but that does not mean it is harmless

In the UK it is against the law to sell nicotine vaping products to under-18s or for adults to buy them on their behalf

Vaping exposes users to some toxins and we don't yet know what the risks might be in the longer term

Some vapes contain nicotine, an addictive substance which can be hard to stop using once you've started

Nicotine may be more risky for young people than for adults, as evidence suggests that in adolescence the brain is more sensitive to its effects.

Some disposable vapes on sale are illegal and do not meet UK quality and safety regulations.

Advice for parents, carers and professionals working with children
Parents, carers and anyone working with children can make sure young people understand the health facts about vaping and know about vaping and the law. Young people can find out more on the FRANK website.

NICE guideline NG209 recommends a coordinated whole school approach to smoking and vaping. It also recommends that as part of the curriculum on tobacco, alcohol and drug misuse, children, young people and young adults who do not smoke should be discouraged from experimenting with or regularly using vapes.

Most young vapers also smoke or have smoked. According to the 2022 ASH Smokefree GB youth survey, only 42.1% of 11-17 year-olds believe that vapes are less harmful than cigarettes. It is important for educators to recognise, and communicate to young people, that the level of risk from smoking is far greater than vaping, so that the two are not confused.

ASH has developed guidance for schools and colleges, to help Designated Safeguarding Leads and others develop consistent, evidence-based policies on vaping.

OHID is working with the PSHE Association and others to develop resources to support teaching on vaping and smoking. Details will be circulated when these become available.

The Primary School Smoking and Vaping Prevention offer includes a FREE 90-minute workshop designed for Y5/6 pupils to raise awareness of the risks associated with smoking and vaping.

Through participation in the workshop, the pupils will be encouraged to make a response to the following questions:

What do you know about cigarettes/ E-cigarettes and vapes?

What is nicotine?

What is peer pressure/peer influence?

Why do young people choose to smoke or vape?

What are the risks of vaping?

What are the harms of smoking on the body?

What could you say to help someone give up smoking or vaping?

All resources, including a pupil workbook, will be provided free of charge including leaflets for the parents outlining the funded healthy lifestyle services that are locally available to them. There is also the option of a parent workshop hosted on the school site by the Healthy Schools team so that parents can have the opportunity to ask questions and find out how they can access smoking cessation support if necessary.

Click here to ask any questions or to arrange a meeting to discuss delivery options.

To access the following resources, request the password here

Primary - 90 Minute Workshop - PowerPoint

Primary - 90 Minute Workshop - Delivery Guide

Primary - 90 Minute Workshop - Pupil Workbook

Primary Resources
Whole School Approach
The secondary offer has been developed in response to feedback from schools on how to positively support young people aged 11 - 18 who are known to be smokers/vapers. It is being delivered FREE of charge into secondary schools in conjunction with the Healthy Schools Service. The aim is to provide a referral pathway for any young person who either wishes to quit smoking or vaping or would benefit from some dedicated advice and information on the potential risks of these behaviours as well as the associated regulations. For Healthy Schools Officers to visit your secondary school for delivery, there is a requirement for the school to adopt a whole school approach which aims to discourage students from starting smoking and vaping as well to provide proactive support for those who have.

The cessation programme consists of:

Behaviour therapy sessions (approximately 30 - 40 mins in duration, delivered in a small group with a minimum of 4 pupils.)

1:1 consultation as needed and on request if the Healthy Schools Officers are already on the school site.

Guided referrals (for students age 12+) into the Healthy You Stop Smoking Service for anyone needing nicotine replacement therapy.

The focus of the cessation programme is on providing non-judgemental support to empower young people to make informed decisions as well as changes to their behaviour.
The prevention programme
In view of the increasing number of students who are starting to vape or expressing an interest in doing so, there is an urgent need for schools to take some preventative action. The Healthy Schools, Stop Smoking and Vaping Service can support in the supply of:

A Vaping Presentation and Teacher's Guide which can be delivered as an assembly by a member of the Healthy Schools team or in Tutor Group time by a member of school staff. The presentation is designed to raise awareness of the potential harms of vaping and therefore enable the students to make informed decisions in the future.

A Vaping Training Package for Teachers and School Staff which can be delivered in approximately 20 - 30 minutes by a member of the Healthy Schools team or completed individually using the presentation and accompanying questionnaire. The training covers the various packaging of vapes, trends in vaping behaviour and current legislation.

For more information or to arrange an informal meeting about delivery click here.
Mentor Programme
The Mentor Programme is a student-led smoking and vaping prevention programme. It is based on a framework of peer mentorship, and it is delivered in line with current NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) best practice guidance. The 1-day Mentor training (targeted at Y8 and Y9) encourages young people to explore the different reasons and motivations their peers may have for smoking/ vaping and to subsequently champion the importance of being smoke/vape free. The mentor programme also includes workshop sessions for delivery by the mentors to Y7 students as well as to Y6 pupils as part of the transition process.

Whilst the Healthy Schools team is available to support the delivery, the materials can, of course, be implemented independently if preferred and as part of the school's overall PSHE programme.

To register your school's interest for the Mentor Programme please click here

To access the following resources which support the delivery of whole school approach to smoking and vaping please request the password:

Secondary Resources

Resources for young people, parents and carers
FRANK - information on vapes Key vaping information The effects vaping has on the brain Is it ok to vape underage? Healthy You Fact Sheets Smoking - Time's Up Vaping - Do you know?
Resources for parents and carers section
Times Radio report - How Social Media is getting your kids addicted to vaping Citizens Advice Portal - Yellow Card Scheme Important Facts on the Risks of Vapes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults Dangers of vapes - How to talk to your kids about them Smoking - Time's Up

Local Support

Read More About Healthy You

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Catch Your Breath - the smoking and vaping programme for schools - Healthy Schools

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Schools Stop Smoking and Vaping Service provides FREE school based smoking and vaping programme in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

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We Are With You
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/lancashire-for-young-people-preston/

Provide free and confidential support to young people, under 25, experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.  We help young people achieve their goals, whether that’s staying safe and healthy, making changes or reducing harm.

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We provide drug and alcohol, and mental health services in Lancashire for young people.

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Alcohol Education Trust - parent & carer info

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Alcohol Education Trust - parent & carer info

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11 - 13 year-olds

The average age of a first whole drink in the UK is between the ages of 13 and 14, so it's important to talk at an early age and for your child to have an understanding of units, how alcohol affects the body and liver, why young bodies can't cope with alcohol and the risks they run by experimenting. This is why the UK Chief Medical Officers recommend that children under 15 should not drink alcohol, as their brains and livers are not fully developed and are more liable to damage than adults.

At age 11, children see it as unacceptable to get drunk and more than 99% don't drink regularly, but age 13 is what we call 'the tipping point'. Growing up is an awkward time, reaching puberty, their social lives changing, relationships and peer pressure growing - and probably being less open with you. Try not to force the subject, wait until the subject comes up via the TV, the media or similar. Put a conversation about drinking in context with other 'life skills', such as staying safe, talking about drugs and what sex is all about.

You might think your 'baby' is too young for all this, but unfortunately in this savvy world they'll be more informed than you think! Often, a good approach is to talk about a risky situation involving alcohol featured in a soap, movie or in the news. Car journeys work well as your kids can't walk off, they don't have to make eye contact and it is a neutral zone. Try to use open ended questions such as 'Tell me about' or 'What did you think about..?'

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The right message for the right age - Alcohol Education Trust

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The average age of a first whole drink in the UK is between the ages of 13 and 14, so it's important to talk at an early age and for your child to have an understanding of units, how alcohol affects the body and liver, why young bodies can't cope with alcohol and the risks they run by experimenting.

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Short videos of young people talking about their experience of consuming alcohol.

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Drinkaware - advice on underage drinking

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Drinkaware - advice on underage drinking

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Drinking alcohol underage drinking has risks to physical and mental wellbeing. Find all the facts and advice about underage drinking from the law to avoiding peer pressure.

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Talk About Alcohol (AET resource for young people)

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Talk About Alcohol (AET resource for young people)

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Alcohol Education Resources for young people.

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https://nestlancashire.org
Support service for young people affected by crime or subjected to bullying, threats or harassment in Lancashire.

The Nest team works with children and young people aged 8 to 18 to provide practical help and advocacy following any type of crime. Support is available even when the crime hasn't been reported to the police.

All services are free of charge.

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Nest Lancashire - Supporting young victims

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Nest Lancashire has been set up to support young people aged 8 to 18 who have been affected by crime or subjected to threats or harassment.

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Fleetwood Youth Hub is a place where young people aged 16-24 can find support and make positive changes to their lives.

The facility is at the Fleetwood Hospital building on North Albert Street, and open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to 5pm for advice on training and employment, opportunities for volunteering, wellbeing support and information about local groups and activities.

On Thursday 23rd June, the Hub is hosting a FREE 'Confidence and Resilience' session delivered by Lancashire Adult Learning which will look at understanding feelings surrounding confidence and self-esteem. Coming up there's also sessions on Debt Management & Budgeting, Dealing with Stress and Conflict Resolution.

For further information please visit the Fleetwood Youth Hub page on Facebook or find them on Twitter and Instagram. You can also email mark@blackpoolvolunteers.org.uk

The Youth Hub is a partnership between the Department for Work and Pensions - DWP Fleetwood and the Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde, supported by the owners of Fleetwood Hospital, the Fleetwood Trust.

We're looking forward to sharing more about the Youth Hub and their work with young people which perfectly complements our support for all ages.