Websites
Online Teen Speak
A fantastic resource which explains terms young people use online; abbreviations like GNOC ‘Get Naked On Camera’ and other online slang. This can not only help adults keep young people safe but breaks down social barriers.
Disrespect Nobody
The Government have replaced the ‘this is abuse’ campaign with this new ‘disrespect nobody’ information site for young people; it has lost the forums and online chat of the previous site and purely focuses on explaining what teenage relationship abuse is and where to seek help.
The idea of the body parts is no matter how a person is hurt, there is a person there. The design is reminiscent of Spitting Image, and there is mixed feedback from young people – some like, some think it’s odd. The main message theme seems to focus on female voice as victims, and male as person causing harm, which young people do not like – especially as it seems to neglect the needs of the LGBT community. However, it is a useful site for getting information out there and includes similar features to ACTONIT such as a quiz, and help a friend sections.
The Hide Out
The Hide out is a domestic abuse information site for children, young people, and adults. It’s packed with information and has interactive games that help young people learn about domestic abuse; for example what it’s like in a refuge.
Teen Relationships
This is an American site that aims to promote healthy relationships in young people, it is only aimed at young people and has a quiz on what is healthy and what isn’t. different advice forums, and lots of information which is easy to read. This is not a UK site though so numbers of organisations and helplines will not be accessible.
Teen DV Month
Teen DV month is an awareness campaign each February in America; this is not mirrored in the UK however if you were planning on holding an awareness event you can find lots of ideas and advice on this site.
NHS live well
The NHS site is full of information, although it’s a single page with a lot of reading material. It’s quite useful to read but a little daunting if you’re looking for specific advice quickly. Young people have fed back that they wouldn’t use this site as there is too much information.
Teens Health
Teens Health is a site that covers all topics of teen health from substance misuse and sex, to illnesses and diseases. The information is all presented in articles so some young people may find it difficult to take in.
GO Sexual Health
This is the site to find out about all sexual health services in Cheshire East and West, GOSH is the new service which merges the RUSURE and GETTESTED websites. You can use this site to find out about clinics, request postal testing kits, and find more information about sexual health and keeping safe.
A young person’s committee was created as part of the commissioning service in Cheshire East, and their voice was an integral part of developing this new service.
Take This Lollipop
Take This Lollipop is an online tool which creates a video using details shared on facebook.
The video shows a man looking at the person’s account and using what ever they’ve shared to hunt them down – it is not for the faint hearted and can be quite scary. Suggested audience is aged 12 and above.
“it’s scary but really useful to show the dangers online” – young person
For the tool to work a person has to log in to their facebook account which will bypass any privacy or security settings put in place; this might shock the person but the aim of the tool is to highlight what a stranger who they’ve added as a friend is able to see. It can be even more daunting is their accounts are public and accessible to anyone.
Information on staying safe online can be found at www.parentinfo.org or www.ceop.police.org
CEOP
A website managed by the National Crime Agency Command which provides about online safety and has a reporting tool if you have concerns about a young person’s online activity.
LGBT Youth Scotland
LGBT Youth Scotland provides a fantastic website, which is wonderfully laid out and clear.
Young people particularly like the graphics on this site.
It’s packed with LGBT resources, especially around bullying and homophobia, but including domestic abuse.
Be aware though that this is a Scottish organisation so any advice lines and so on will be local to Scotland.
Respect Not Fear
Respect not fear was created in consultation with young people from Nottinghamshire. The site is targeted at young people and includes; information, quizzes, games, personal stories, and advice on staying safe. Young people in Cheshire East commented positively on the content although did not like the design. It’s a good site to access though with easy to use navigation.
Young Minds
Young Minds is a mental health and well being site. It contains personal stories on a range of topics including cyber bullying and abuse but does not provide information on these topics. This site is useful though for helping young people to recover their mental health after abuse and feedback from young people has been positive because of the clearness of the site and accessible navigation.
RAPE CRISIS UK
Rape Crisis England & Wales is a national charity, on their site you will find: how to get help if you’ve experienced rape, child sexual abuse and/or any other kind of sexual violence and details of your nearest Rape Crisis services; information for friends, partners, family and other people supporting a sexual violence survivor; information about sexual violence for survivors, students, journalists and others; more about our work, our members and how you can support us.
Cheshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre
This website has a really good ‘Useful Links’ page. This gives contact details for numerous support agencies, both locally and nationally. It has a step-by-step guide on what to do if you have been the victim of a sexual assault. It offers information for parents/carers, on recognising when there child may be at risk and what they can do to help them.
Rape Support
This website has really good links to various different support agencies. Although it focuses on Cheshire and Merseyside, the website has links to national sources of support. It offers a useful guide for parents/carers, on recognising when their child may be at risk and what they can do to help them. The Rape Support website has downloadable PDF leaflets that offer advice on the law relating to sexual violence, being a witness in court and The Victims code for under 18s.
BAVA website
Bristol Against Violence and Abuse is a local authority domestic abuse site, young people like it because of the clear navigation on the front page and it covers all the different types of abuse; CSE, forced marriage, and much more. Each topic page is full of information, a personal story, and downloadable leaflets. Be aware that some numbers provided on this site are for Bristol. At the top of the page is a small tab labelled professionals which has a wide range of resources listed included Spiralling which has been reviewed in the resources section.
Rise Above
Rise above is a site for teenagers that covers many areas of life they might be worried about. It’s clear precise information presented through videos and articles. Young people particularly like the games section that also promotes learning.
SHINE
Shine is an NHS sexual health service for young people. This site directs young people to local Shine clinics and workers. The site has basic information on many different areas of relationships from sexual orientation to safe sex and an information page on teenage relationship abuse. There is also a professionals and carers section which provides details of Shine’s service and their training packages. This site does not include resources to use with young people.
Love is Respect
This site is also American so the contacts on the pages are not useful. Although it is full of information and resources, use the navigations tabs at the top of the page. Be warned though that the font is quite small and people have feed back it can be difficult to source materials. It does have a wide range of resources ranging from healthy relationships to abusive that can be downloaded from the site and statistics. Although these statistics are America research.
AVA – Against Violence and Abuse
The AVA project based in London has created this Teenage Relationship Abuse site for those working with young people, it clearly explains the types of abuse, forced marriage, sexual assaults and more drawing on examples in the media such as Hollyoaks. The site also gives clear guidance on how to approach the topic with young people in different educational settings, with useful videos explaining confidentiality to groups. This is a fantastic resource for those in education settings.
Kooth
As a fully commissioned service from Cheshire East County Council, Kooth.com is a free, safe, confidential and non-stigmatised way for young people to receive counselling, advice and support on-line. This very popular service is used by large numbers of young people and delivers over 20,000 counselling sessions each year. Staffed by fully trained and qualified counsellors and available until 10pm each night, 365 days per year, it provides a much needed out of hours service for advice and support.
Age Range:11 to 19 (25 with a disability)
Age Band:Children
Young Adults
Adults
Cost:Free
Is a referral required?:No
NSPCC Website
On the ‘NSPCC’ Website you can find out what child abuse is, how to spot the signs, who is affected and what you should do if you’re worried about a child. Each type of abuse has its own page on the website detailing all of the above. Each page also includes ‘Facts and Statistics’, and what can potentially be done to help prevent that type of abuse.
Visyon Website
Visyon is a charity that supports the emotional health of children, young people and their families in the Cheshire and Staffordshire Moorlands areas.
They offer:
- One-to-One Therapy
- Therapeutic Group Work
- Family Support Work
- Therapeutic Play
- Creative Activities
- Mentoring
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Solution-focused Brief Therapy
- Parent Support Groups
Open the Door
What happens behind closed doors doesn’t have to stay there. This website has been designed to help you if you, or someone you know, is in relationship that doesn’t feel quite right.
Cheshire is opening the door on unhealthy relationships to bring domestic abuse out into the open.
YOUNG MINDS – INFORMATION ON BULLYING
The Young Minds Website provides information on Bullying. It offers information on what bullying is, how bullying can affect you and how to get help if you are being bullied. There is also a Parents Guide to Bullying, and a list of Helplines and Services that offer advice and support.
CHILDLINE – BULLYING
The Child Line Website has information on different types of Bullying. Each type of bullying has its own page, with information on what it is and how you can get help and support. There are also links to other Websites, that have information on Bullying.
Festive Season Safety
Christmas is a time to relax and have fun but it can also be very busy and stressful. You may be out and about more than usual for that essential Christmas shopping and to festive parties and other social events. To reduce the risk of experiencing crime during the festive season here are some helpful tips:
Staying Safe Online this Christmas
Christmas is fast approaching, schools are getting ready for nativities and discos, parents and carers across the country are getting ready for the two week break and of course, young people are getting ready for the new toys to play with.
With technology gifts being high on wish lists each year it is important to ensure that you and your children are safe when playing with new devices. To help you over the holidays, we’ve set out a few top tips to help keep your household safe online.
SELF-CARE TIPS
My CWA are a Cheshire based Charity supporting families affected by domestic abuse. During this New Year they have been posting ‘self-care tips’ on their social media pages, with links to information on coping with depression and beating the January Blues.
HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL WELL-BEING
Mind provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They also campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Their Website has information on how to improve and maintain your mental well-being, whether you have a diagnosis of a mental health condition or not.
THE MONEY ADVICE SERVICE
The Money Advice Service Website has:
- advice and guides to help improve your finances.
- tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead.
- support over the phone and online.
The Website also has tips and information on budget planning, how to save money and how to spot a scam.
ADVICE ON FINANCIAL ABUSE
The Money Saving Expert Website has information on:
- what Financial Abuse is.
- what the signs of Financial Abuse are.
- where to get help.
- what your financial rights within a relationship are.
Anna Freud National Centre
One in ten children and young people between the ages of five and 16 have a clinically diagnosed mental health disorder. For many problems persist into adulthood.Yet in the UK, children and young people receive less than 5% of mental health care funding.
Take a look at the website to learn more about what resources they have, and support options.
Staying Safe online
The link has a range of short video clips that offer advice on
Five ways to stay safe on line
Answers to internet safety questions
Would you make friends online with people you do not know
Internet safety Tips
How safe do you feel on social media sites
Bullying
PAPYRUS YOUNG SUICIDE PREVENTION
PAPYRUS is the national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide.
They provide confidential support and advice to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, and anyone worried about a young person through their helpline, HOPELINEUK.
They engage communities and volunteers in suicide prevention projects and deliver training programmes to individuals and groups.
There is also information on their website about where you can get help, if you are feeling suicidal. And what you can do, if you are worried about someone else.
Heading in the Right Direction
Cheshire East Health and Well-being Board has endorsed a strategy to boost mental well being for people of all ages in the sub-region.
The board’s partners will work with the Cheshire and Warrington Public Sector Transformation Board to deliver on recommendations contained in the strategy, entitled ‘Heading in the right direction – An all-age mental well-being strategy for Cheshire, Warrington and Halton 2019-21’.
Click on the ‘View Website’ button for more information, and links to information about mental health support.
Get Your Mind Plan
NHS Every Mind Matters has a 5 question interactive quiz. It is designed to give you top tips and advice around your mental health and well-being. It creates a 6 Step Plan that is personal to you, based on your answers to the Quiz.
Smart Bright Training & Consultancy
The Smart Bright Training and Consultancy Facebook Page, has lots of tips and advice on how to look after yourself during these challenging times.
There is a new NHS Mental Health Crisis Line, open to provide access to Mental Health 24 hour Support and run by NHS CWP Trust staff. This telephone line is for anyone who may need support in and across Wirral, Cheshire West and Cheshire East. Anyone can call and talk to dedicated Mental Health Professionals, including children, young people and all adult age groups 24/7.
The number is: 0300 303 3972
Check out their page, by clicking on the ‘View Website’ button, for more information!
Coronavirus and Your Mental Health
Mind have added a Coronavirus Section to their Website.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting all our lives. Things are changing fast, and many of us are worrying about what it all means for ourselves and for our loved ones. Those of us already living with mental health problems are facing extra challenges too.
The Website has information on Coronavirus and Your Wellbeing, Coping with Going into Work During Coronavirus and How to Stay Active at Home. There is also information specifically aimed and Young People.
Click on the ‘View Website’ button to find out more!
MyMind Website
As Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to affect all our lives, it is increasingly important that we all try to look after our Mental Health.
The Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP) Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) support children, young people and their families in many different ways with their mental health and well-being.
MyMind is a website for young people, parents, and professionals working with children and young people. Here you can find information on how to look after your mental health, how to access help and support, and details of support services in your local area.
Click the ‘View Website’ button to find out more.
Live Well- Health Matters
If you are struggling to stay healthy during these times the NHS healthy weight information service has lots of help and support for young people.
The NHS healthy weight support pages offer advice, support and also related facts.
Being the right weight can reduce the risk of early death and ill health from conditions such as heart disease, strokes, osteoarthritis, diabetes and cancer.
To achieve this, it is important to maintain a balance between the types of food you eat and the exercise that you do.
We have set up the One You Cheshire East service to help residents to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes advice, information and free services to lose weight, eat more healthily and to exercise more.
A specialist service is also offered for young people and their families. This is particularly important as being overweight can affect self-esteem in young people and lead to future health problems.
https://www.mycwa.org.uk/s/MyCWA-ColouringForAdults.pdf
Colouring can be creative, calming, relaxing and therapeutic. Scroll through the pages of our Mindful Missions adult colouring book here and download your favourite designs. Or click on the download button below to save the whole book and dip in and out whenever you feel like it.
Womens Aid #LoveRespect website for teenage girls at risk of relationship abuse
The website features a relationship health check, survivor stories, practical advice and an email support service, is designed to reach teenage girls who may not realise they are experiencing relationship abuse, and are less likely than older women to call a helpline.
Anxiety in already uncertain times
For many young people going back to school may be an added source of anxiety in already uncertain times. There are many reasons why returning to school may feel difficult right now and young people may experience a range of emotions including anxiety, worry, sadness, irritability and fear. It can be hard to just recognise one thing contributing to these feelings and there are likely a number of factors. Some of these may include:
- They may feel overwhelmed by all that is happening in the world, tentative or unsure about what to expect, or a more general feeling of anxiety or fear.
- They may feel settled at home or more comfortable, in control and safe with people at home rather than in the school environment.
- Being at home may have relieved some of the pressures of the school environment that they find difficult; e.g. difficulties with learning, relationships with peers.
- Having spent a significant period of time at home with parents/carers may mean young people are fearful of leaving their family.
- They may be fearful of catching Coronavirus or feel worried about their friends and families.
Being a teenager can be a challenging time for lots of different reasons. Sometimes we can feel really worried, stressed or sad. Everyone has these feelings sometimes, but when the feelings begin to get in the way of everyday life then our mental health may suffer.
You might have heard of a few different mental health problems. Here are some of the common ones that teenagers can experience:
https://www.camhsnorthderbyshire.nhs.uk/returning-to-school-after-lockdown have put together information to support mental health and returning to school
ADHD
Anger and Aggression
Anxiety
Bereavement
Depression
Eating Disorders
Low Self Esteem
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Phobias
Psychosis
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
School Refusal
Self Harm