Hi,
For those who don't know me my name is Lyndie Marsh and I am the Attendance Manager and Family Support at Kitwell. I have worked at this great school for over 25 years. Both my girls attended Kitwell from Nursery and are grown up now. I live local so I know the Kitwell community very well.
If you have any worries about your child or are struggling in some way then please get in touch with me at school either on 012 476 0694 or email me at l.marsh@kitwell.bham.sch.uk. I work Monday to Thursday from 8.30am-3.30pm.
I have access to many agencies and can help to signpost parents and carers to the relevant support.
Family Support
Top Parenting Tips For Parents and Carers During Covid-19
Please follow this link for the latest government guidance for parents and carers:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/supporting-your-childrens-education-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Mental Health and Wellbeing
The change of routine and staying at home may make this a difficult time for some children. Public Health England has published advice on how to support your children’s wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.
Guidance is also available to help you look after your own mental health.
You can download or view a flyer below that gives details on mental health support for young people.
Mental Health for Birmingham and .pdfDownload
Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Helping primary school aged children learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Educational programmes to help children learn at home are available from the BBC.
Help and support for Parents and Carers
There are many organisations that can offer help and support to parents, carers and children.
If you need further information please get in touch with me by contacting school on 0121 476 0694 or email me at l.marsh@kitwell.bham.sch.uk.
Foodbank
If you feel that you could do with a little help providing a meal for your family there are several organisations that provide everyday essentials, such as tinned food, packets and boxes of food. Personal hygiene and laundry items. Unfortunately no fresh food is provided.
if you would like some support with food please get in touch with me and I can make a referall for you and you can collect it yourself. If you have no transport to collect the food then let me know and arrangements can be made to collect the items for you.
Parent Zone
Parent Zone have published an article with links to websites and organisations that offer help during lockdown, including help and advice with online safety, mental health and online bullying. Click the link below to go to the Parent Zone website.
Where to report and get support during lockdown
Here you can access support for the following:-
- Online safety and digital wellbeing - Childline - 0800 1111 - 7.30am - 3.30am.
- Mind - 0300 123 3393 or info@mind.org.uk or birminghammind.org 0121 262 3555 wellbeing@birminghammind.org
- Young minds - 0808 802 5544 for children and young people.
- The Mix - 0808 808 4994 for young people aged 13-25
- Beat - Eating Disorders - 0808 801 0677 or live chat 365 days a year. 9.00am - 8.00pm weekdays. 4.00pm-8.00pm weekends and Bank Holidays.
- The Sanctuary - online safe space for sharing concerns and advice on how you are coping during the current pandemic.
- Parent Zone Crisis Messenger - You or a member of your family are experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate help. Text PARENTZONE TO 85258.
- Urgent issues
- Suicidal thoughts
- Abuse or assault
- Self Harm
- Bullying
- Relationship issues
Pause
Please see the flyer below for information on Pause.
The summaries of support document below lists different support services available to families. This includes support for food and supplies, sensory needs, autism, and parent and carer support. You will also find help and advice for parents and carers of children with a physical difficulty below as well as details about the different support networks available.