Covid-19 / Coronavirus information pack for families
Families have told SPCN that the Covid-19 outbreak is a really worrying time for them and they have asked for resources to help them talk to their children and young people about it as well as needing strategies to support their mental health and emotional wellbeing. Working with SENsational families in Norfolk and education, health and care services, SPCN have produced an information and resource pack for families that is available to download or be posted out in a printed format.
Family support page and pack
SPCN have also created a page on their website dedicated to parent carer support and this includes a regularly updated SPCN support pack containing local and national support organisations and online resources for parents and carers is available to download or be posted out in a printed format.
Online resources
SPCN have put together a mix of free online resources to help keep children and young people occupied at home over the coming weeks.
Peer-to-peer support
SPCN are providing peer-to-peer support if parents and carers need someone to talk to, or if they or their child/young person are struggling or if they have specific questions about where/how to access other support. They are signposting any health-related issues regarding Coronavirus to official sources. Parent and carers can contact SPCN by emailing admin@spcn.org.uk, private messaging on their social media @suffolkpcn or calling them on 07341 126455.
Family Support boxes
The SPCN team are sending out family support boxes for children/young people with any additional need and/or disability, (diagnosed or not) and their siblings and also contain information for parents and carers about how to support children and young people and other support organisations that are available. These boxes are personised to each family and can contain a range of items. They are available free to any parent / carer / guardian / foster carers who are members of SPCN and they simply have to email admin@spcn.org.uk with the request. SPCN are accepting new members who will then be able to ask for the free family support box.
- Colouring/puzzle books for children and young people
- Colouring books for adults
- Stress balls
- Pots of bubbles
- Sensory bags
#HeartsForCareHomes
We are asking people across Suffolk to knit or crochet hearts for us. Two of these need to be identical so that one can be given to the patient or resident and the other sent to their family, in turn helping bring them together despite the circumstances.
We would like to reach every care home in Suffolk so need as many hearts as possible. Knitting and crocheting can have a positive effect on anxiety and mental health, so the project is a good opportunity to help you look after your own wellbeing. It could also give you the perfect chance to teach yourself or your loved ones how to knit.
You can find the templates here: https://spcn.org.uk/parent-carer-support/hearts-for-care-homes-3/
The hearts should measure approximately 7cm x 7cm and can be sent to: Suffolk Parent Carer Network, 69 Woodbridge Road East, Ipswich IP4 5QL
If you have any questions please email admin@spcn.org.uk or phone 07341 126455 www.spcn.org.uk
Suffolk Parent Carer Network (SPCN) is a group of parents and carers of children with additional needs and/or disabilities who work with education, health and care services to make sure the services they plan and deliver are fit for purpose and meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Suffolk.
We have a management board of parent and carer volunteers who lead this work and who actively seek out the experiences and views of parents and carers across Suffolk to make sure we know what is important to them. We aim to give parents and carers a collective voice and use our experience, knowledge and feedback from families to help commissioners and providers plan and develop the quality, range and accessibility of services families use.
Through participation and co-production, we are working to create a culture across all services which places the needs of families at the centre of decision making.
