Gov WhatsApp for updates on Coronavirus and family support during the Coronavirus
Thursday 26th march 2020
Government launches Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp
The new free to use service aims to provide official, trustworthy and timely information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), and will further reduce the burden on NHS services.
This will help combat the spread of coronavirus misinformation in the UK, as well as helping ensure people stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.
The GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service is an automated ’chatbot’ service which will allow the British public to get answers to the most common questions about coronavirus direct from government.
The service will provide information on topics such as coronavirus prevention and symptoms, the latest number of cases in the UK, advice on staying at home, travel advice and myth busting.
The service will also allow the government to send messages to all opted-in users if required.
To use the free GOV.UK Coronavirus Information Service on WhatsApp, simply add 07860 064422 in your phone contacts and then message the word ’hi’ in a WhatsApp message to get started.
A set of menu options is then presented which the user can choose from and then be sent relevant guidance from GOV.UK pages as well as links to GOV.UK for further information.
Cofion / Regards
Lee
Lee Pitt
Swyddog Gwasanaethau Democrataidd
Democratic Services Officer
Cymdeithas Llywodraeth Leol Cymru, Ty Llywodraeth Leol, Rhodfa Drake, Caerdydd CF10 4LG
Welsh Local Government Association, Local Government House, Drake Walk, Cardiff CF10 4LG
Wellbeing tips for families:
– Talk to your children, and answer their questions. Ask about what they have heard about the virus and the situation so that you can correct possible misconceptions and reassure them.
– Avoid being too immersed in media coverage. Be mindful of the amount of things you are reading and watching, including social media – as this may add to worry and anxiety. Consider a few updates every day from trusted sources.
– Remember that people react differently to significant events. Some people – adults and children – may feel worried, some excited, some nothing much at all. Be reassured that different reactions are normal and ok.
– If your child seems worried, it may be good to distract them with something that takes their mind off their worries. You might also want to set aside 10-15 minutes each day for them to talk about any worries, and to reassure them.
– Remember to keep things positive and give children hope. For example, tell children that now many people are working to make this better and that even though it is serious, everyone is doing their best to help people.
– Try to keep familiar routines. Well-known routines in everyday life provide security and stability.
– Do nice things together, and keep active. Make a plan and suggest some regular family times where you can play games, do some exercise together, or do other things that you know most of you like. Try to find a good balance between time together, and screen time.
– Keep in good contact with family and friends (via Facetime, Skype WhatsApp etc.; following NHS guidance on ’social contact’). This will help children connect with others and know that others are thinking about them. It will also reassure them that others are well.
– As a parent you may be concerned yourself. Take care of yourself and make sure you have breaks, time to relax, and ask for help from others if you need.
Prepared by Bridgend Educational Psychology Service with acknowledgement to
Harrow Educational Psychology Service
Some useful links:
1. Talking to children about Coronavirus
There is currently a lot of uncertainty and worry around the coronavirus outbreak and children and young people will be affected by the huge changes that are going on around them – regardless of their age or any additional needs. It is really important that adults explain what is happening to children and young people in an age appropriate way so they understand what is happening. Some useful links are:
Talking to children about Coronavirus (British Psychological Society): https://www.bps.org.uk/news-and-policy/talking-children-about-coronavirus
Talking to Children (Childmind):
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
How to talk to your child about coronavirus (Unicef): https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/how-talk-your-child-about-coronavirus-covid-19
Tips and guidance on supporting preschool children (Zero to Three); https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3210-tips-for-families-coronavirus
Talking to children (National Association of School Psychologists)
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
2. Stories about Coronavirus for children
Visual stories are a useful way of helping children to understand the Coronavirus. Here are some links to some good examples:
ELSA: Coronavirus Story for Children:
Hello! Story about Coronavirus for young children:
https://660919d3-b85b-43c3-a3ad-3de6a9d37099.filesusr.com/ugd/64c685_319c5acf38d34604b537ac9fae37fc80.pdf
A social story about pandemics (Carol Gray):
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Pandemics-and-the- coronavirus.pdf?fbclid=IwAR23zxNlbEumpw4oKlM7Xy3VlKnA25b8 Gi53N6YiFIeKB9Vx0LQypSPYzzg
A Social Story about the coronavirus: https://www.ppmd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/The-Corona-Virus-Free-Printable-Updated-2-The-Autism-Educator-.pdf
A comic exploring coronavirus to help young people understand: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/02/28/809580453/just-for-kids-a-comic-exploring-the-new-coronavirus?t=1584464333506
3. Information Videos for children about the Coronavirus
Information video on Coronavirus for Primary age children (KS2) (Brainpop):
https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
Information video on Coronavirus for older children/adults (WHO):
4. Promoting Children’s Wellbeing
Advice for young people who are feeling anxious about Coronavirus (Young Minds):
https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/what-to-do-if-you-re-anxious-about-coronavirus
Helping children cope with stress (WHO):
https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/helping-children-cope-with-stress-print.pdf?sfvrsn=f3a063ff_2
Advice for older pupils and adults about looking after their emotional well-being. https://afsp.org/taking-care-of-your-mental-health-in-the-face-of-uncertainty/?fbclid=IwAR3ScDBfuhV5INKyutAG9IPNm4JnjjLOmHxv5w8SR9pBbDDU-8Hhy1QH-L8
5. Special Needs and the Coronavirus
Parent-focused ideas from Special Needs Jungle about how to support children with anxiety around coronavirus, including an easy-read explanation for children and adults with learning difficulties:
See social story in the appendix.
6. Looking after your own wellbeing
How to protect your mental health (BBC):
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799
Coronavirus and your wellbeing (Mind UK):
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
5 Ways to wellbeing (Mindkit):
7. Health Advice
NHS advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Note: as the situation and sources of information are developing, the above tips and links may be updated.
