Support for Young People During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Ignite Trust are offering over the phone mentoring and are here to help, whether or not it is related to covid-19. Please send us an email at office@ignitetrust.org.uk or use the social media pages for contact details of your youth worker. 

This list is of helpful resources to help you cope with some of the stresses that the corona virus epidemic causes. 

Mental Health

It’s easy to have lots of questions at this time, and this can be overwhelming, this page has some answers to the some common questions that may be causing anxiety, relating to health, loved ones and support. This anxiety advice has steps you can take to minimise those feelings. Here is a list of mental health helplines. This page has tips on managing mental health during self isolation, financial hardship throughout this period and working from home. 

Body & Soul is providing a weekly MindSET Livestream session that will be accessible to any young person struggling with their mental health. MindSET delivers effective, concrete skills to help young people manage emotional distress. Register online, for more information contact enquiries@bodyandsoulcharity.org.

Physical Health

Health Spot by Spotlight is a remote GP service for 11-19 year olds, offering friendly, confidential medical appointments with a GP who is experienced in supporting young people with their health needs.

Getting outside and getting moving is not only a great way to use to this time to get fitter or achieve fitness goals, its also crucial for good mental health. 

Sport England’s #StayInWorkOut campaign has lots of free resources and also has resources on its social media pages (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) as well as information on the government guidelines for exercise. 

The #StayInWorkOut movement is one you can get involved with by joining in with live workouts on the Ignite instagram page, or even uploading your own workouts. PE with Joe Wicks is another way to stay active. 

Social Distancing 

Social distancing is crucial, as explained here. Take a look at this article if you want to understand the science behind social distancing.

However, it’s difficult to social distance, especially for young people who are used to spending lots of time socialising. It’s even more difficult when being at home might not be a healthy environment. 

Luckily, we have social media to stay in contact with friends and family, but it important to recognise that self isolating can be bad for your mental health and to use tips to minimise this.

The feeling of disappointment and anger at having to pause your life is a valid feeling, and understanding and dealing with this feeling is important. These are tips on building coping mechanisms and making sure your feelings don't overwhelm you. Bored? Spotlight has tips on how to keep occupied. To keep your mind engaged with an activity that doesn't relate to coronavirus, check out this mini programme by First Give, which will help you to help others.

Isolating with your family is a massive challenge. These are some tips on how to set boundaries when living with a partner or your family.

If you live in an abusive environment, there are still many ways that you can seek help, as demonstrated in this list. There’s also some advice on staying home in an abusive situation here. 

If you are struggling with addiction during self isolation there are helplines here and advice on coping here. 

If you are a carer, there are places you can ask for help, and there is online guidance if you are unsure on how to tackle challenges that coronavirus has posed for you. 

School

Some tips for doing school work from home. And here are some teacher-recommended sites that could be useful. Its important you use the resources your school gives you, and also to keep up good mental health habits surrounding anxiety that have already be mentioned, so that you don't get overwhelmed. The Maths Factor is matched with the national curriculum and is supporting young people who are learning maths at home while schools are closed. 

Free English and Maths courses by Big Creative Education are being offered to young people ages 19+ from London, starting 11th May and lasting a minimum of 8 weeks. It will include 2 online sessions a week plus independent study. Participants will receive an Edexcel Certificate upon completion of the course and passing the exam. For more information contact sabrei.ackah@bigcreative.education.

Employment and Training 

Make yourself more employable by learning new skills. Maybe learn a language on Duo Lingo? Or utilise the free courses online from Movement to Work and also open university free courses. Spotlight has a large range of online, accredited short courses. Facebook have got an IT apprenticeship open in London. 

Pursue creativity, hone your craft in music, makeup or art! Get involved in creative challenges like the Instagram isolation art club. If you're a musician, a live set on Facebook or releasing music on social media. Create theatre performances at home with Mousetrap Theatre Projects. You can join Mousetrap’s Monologue Slam competition for young people 14+ too. Film yourself performing a monologue of their choice (from any media) and share it with them on social media (@MousetrapTP) using the hashtag #MousetrapMonologueSlam. They have a first-place prize from the acting training company Fourth Monkey.

This programme from Capital City College is for young people aged 16-24, and not already in employment, education or training. The project is designed to give expert advice, guidance, and support. This will be helpful for those looking for work, getting back into education, an apprenticeship or traineeship. They award a nationally recognised qualification, plus activities to boost confidence and employability skills.

Building Futures is a two-week accredited pre-employment programme for those who are unemployed and over 19 years old. Practical training and qualifications come with the completion of this course, as well as job prospects. Get in contact here: employmentandtraining@wates.co.uk.

Brixton Finishing School offers a free summer course to help young people 18-25 break into jobs in creative, digital and tech industries, no matter their background or qualifications. They're launching a virtual school in response to coronavirus too. Amazon has a new free Future Engineer programme, which is a virtual coding learning course. 

LTSB have partnered with the Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest to offer a range of digital and technology apprenticeship programmes. They are looking for young people aged 18 – 24 who are passionate about building a career in technology, innovation and customer experience. They will undergo an intensive 4-week bootcamp that combines the power of Sport and Business.

Advice on how to claim government help if you're self employed.

Women and Girls

You Make It is looking for women aged 18-30, to join their online empowerment programme starting on Monday 18 May. They'll be able to access a combination of online workshops, guest talks, weekly mentoring, coaching and fortnightly therapy to empower them to see beyond the limits of lockdown and build confidence, networks and vision.