Signposting to advice and support

During this difficult time we all may need support and advice. ABA itself does not provide advice and support however many of our members do and we've compiled a list of places you could go for support at this time. We will continue to update this page as the weeks go by. 

Information about Coronavirus can be found on the NHS website. 

Support for parents and carers: 

• Citizens Advice – 03444 111 444. For finding help within your community, employment advice and support for victims of crime.
• Age UK – 0800 678 1602. Specific support and information tailored to older adults, including latest advice about staying safe from COVID-19.
• StepChange – 0800 138 1111 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). For independent debt advice.
• Samaritans - 116 123. Somebody to speak to whatever you’re going through, at any time of the day.
• Mind – 0300 123 3393. Support if you feel your mental health is being impacted by Covid-19.
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247. If you need someone to listen or support you or provide information on your options and rights, open 24 hours.

• Public Health England have published "Guidance for parents and carers for supporting children and young people's mental health and well-being during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak". The guidance contains information about how to support children and young people of all ages, as well as specific advice for supporting children and young people who access mental health services, with bullying, children and young people with learning disabilities, autistic children and young people, and children and young people with physical health needs. 

• The Council for Disabled Children is providing information to both professionals and families across its networks. CDC has published a news page on the new arrangements including advice on how this applies to special schools an alternative provision.

• YoungMinds Parents Helpine offer free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25. The helpline is open from 9:30am-4:00pm, Monday-Friday. You can also call them on 0808 802 5544.

• The Kidscape Parent Advice Line is about bullying and open 9.30am-2.30pm Mondays-Wednesdays. Phone 020 7823 5430. 

• Family Lives (previously Parentline Plus) 0808 800 2222 - gives support and advice for parents on any aspect of parenting and family life, including bullying.

• Contact has a helpline for families with disabled children - they can give advice on bullying issues. You can contact them on 0808 808 3555 and visit their website for more information

• Place2Be – Guide to helping parents answer questions from their children and to support family wellbeing
• National Autistic Society – guidance and helpline for parents’, young people and staff
• Carers UK - Guidance for carers
• Amaze - information pack for parents
• Public Health England have produced an easy read version of their Advice on the coronavirus for places of education. 
• Andy and the Odd Socks (who help us deliver Odd Socks Day each year) have developed this activity pack for children.  

• Girlguiding UK has launched an online resource hub #AdventuresAtHome packed with activities to entertain children and young people across the UK. These resources are a brilliant way to explore and help build wellbeing and resilience indoors.

• The Children's Commissioner have written a guide for children about the coronavirus 

• The Children's Commissioner have produced a list of resources for parents and carers 

• We Are Stronger Charity resources: 

  • ​https://wearestrongercharity.org/en/what-every-child-needs-for-good-mental-health/

  • https://wearestrongercharity.org/en/what-parents-can-do-to-support-their-children-at-home-and-during-confinement/

Support for schools and children's workforce: 

• Government guidance: Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people

• Government guidance: Cronavirus (COVID-19): implementing social distancing in education and childcare settings

• Education Support: 7 tips for headteachers coping with the coronavirus pandemic

• Online educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home.

• National Autistic Society – guidance and helpline for parents’, young people and staff

• Andy and the Odd Socks (who help us deliver Odd Socks Day each year) have developed this activity pack for children. 

Support for children and young people: 

• Childline Comforts, advises and protects children 24 hours a day and offers free confidential counselling. Phone 0800 1111 (24 hours). Chat 1-2-1 with a counsellor online. 

• YoungMinds information for children and young people

• YoungMinds Crisis Messenger Provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. If you need urgent help text YM to 85258. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

• The Mix Information, support and listening for people under 25. Phone 0808 808 4994 (24 hours). Get support online. 

• Samaritans: 24 hour confidential listening and support for anyone who needs it. Phone 116 123 (24 hours). 

• National Autistic Society – guidance and helpline for parents’, young people and staff

• Mencap - Easy Read guide to Coronavirus
• Covibook – an interactive resource designed to support and reassure children aged 7 and under, designed to help children explain and draw the emotions that they might be experiencing during the pandemic