Mentally Healthy Schools’ Coronavirus Toolkits
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic means we need to prioritise the mental health needs of children more than ever. We are all finding ourselves in an ever-changing situation and we’re aware that each week of lockdown brings new needs and challenges.
To support school staff, parents and carers during this period of uncertainty and disruption, Mentally Healthy Schools is a reliable source of quality assured, practical resources and information to support the mental health and wellbeing of children during this time.
Each fortnight Mentally Healthy Schools is producing a toolkit of quality-assured, free resources from across the sector. These resources span a range of topics, such as supporting vulnerable children and children with SEND, managing anxiety, transitions, adult wellbeing and self-care. In each toolkit, you will find videos, practical activities, top tips and expert advice to guide you through this challenging time. Sign up to receive the Coronavirus toolkits. 
So far, Mentally Healthy Schools have released four toolkits. In the first toolkit you will find: a booklet to support schools, videos to provide practical guidance and tips to schools, parents and carers about coronavirus and mental health, activities to ease anxiety that can be done at school or at home and other helpful advice, helplines and resources for adults and children.
In the second toolkit you will find: resources for staff wellbeing, including carers and headteachers, resources to help communicate the coronavirus outbreak to children with SEND and responding to the unique challenges that may arise for vulnerable children. There are also further resources to help manage anxiety and improve wellbeing.
In the third toolkit you will find: resources for school staff, as well as parents, to use with vulnerable children or children with SEND, a resource from Stonewall for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a resource pack for staff wellbeing and practical activities for adults and children to help stay mentally well during this time.
In the fourth toolkit: you will find resources for school staff, parents and carers and children to help manage anxiety and improve wellbeing during the coronavirus crisis. You will find practical activities such as mindful crafts, breathing exercises and other self-care ideas, informative videos, emotional expression worksheets and helpful strategies to address anxiety.
Mentally Healthy Schools is a free website for primary schools, offering school staff information, advice and practical resources to better understand and promote pupils’ mental health and wellbeing.