Introduction to MASC Cares
It has been a very difficult time of late with lockdown and many changes to the normal way of life. Here at Musselburgh we care about our everyone’s wellbeing (physically, mentally and emotionally) including our swimmers, coaches, parents and volunteers. We understand that your wellbeing may have changed throughout this time and that you may be feeling more anxious, stressed or have experienced a loss of a loved one.
We have trained coaches who can help support you with Mental Health, they are Danny and Jonathan. If you feel like you need to speak to our coaches please don’t hesitate to approach them – alternatively you can contact our Wellbeing Protection Officers (Gill & Karen) on mascwelfareprotectionofficer@gmail.com.
"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light" - JK Rowling
What is Mental Health?
Mental Health includes many aspects of our wellbeing such as emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. It explores who we think, feel and act – which helps determine how we handle situations like stress and make choices. WE ALL HAVE MENTAL HEALTH.
Here are some quick facts about Mental Health:
1. Around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and young people have mental health
2. Around half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14
3. Almost 800,000 people die by suicide every year and it’s the second leading cause of death in aged 15-29 years
Top Tips for help if your struggling over Lockdown
- Know how to spot the signs – if you notice your child becoming withdrawn, that there’s been a change in sleeping or eating habits, if they seem to lack confidence or get upset, it might be a sign they’re struggling.
- Talk to your child – if you spot signs your child might be struggling it’s important to talk to them. Keep talking and trying to communicate in any way you can – hugging, listening to them, texting them.
- Create structure and routine – Try introducing a rota or loose timetable that includes fun things you’re doing during the week. This can help to create a feeling of stability, which can alleviate anxiety.
- Give children a sense of control through information – Look online with your children to find useful information and resources that help children feel they have control.
- Keep children learning – Using fun and creative ways at home to learn alongside continued access to educational opportunities will support your children’s development
- Limit screen time and mix up activities – As most socialising moves online, it’s important to have conversations on how an increase in screen time can have an impact on everyone’s mental health and self-esteem
- Help your child manage stress – If you spot signs your child might be struggling, it’s important to talk to them. Keep talking and trying to communicate in any way you can – hugging, listening to them, texting them.
- Expressing feelings doesn’t have to be face-to-face – Children might find it easier writing their thoughts down, so the whole family could do this and put them in a ‘feelings box’ and then talk about their good, sad or difficult feelings at the end of the day.
Who can help?
SUPPORT SERVICES FOR EVERYONE
SAMARITANS
Samaritans provides confidential, emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
T: 116 123 (Open 24/7, free to call)
BEAT
Phone: 0808 801 0677 (adults) or 0808 801 0711 (for under-18s)
SUPPORT SERVICES FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
CHILDLINE
T: 0800 1111 (Open 24/7, everyday)
http://www.childline.org.uk/
YOUNG MINDS
Advice for young people about what to do when they have problems that are worrying them.
THE MIX
For those aged 25 and under, this website provides information guides on a range of issues. It also provides a one-to-one live message chat service and freephone helpline.
T: 0808 808 4994 (Open from 4pm to 11pm, every day)
www.themix.org.uk/mental-health
BREATHING SPACE
http://www.breathingspace.scot/
T: 0800 83 85 87 (Open 6pm Friday – 6am Monday then 6pm-2am Mon-Thurs – free to call)
CAMPAIGN AGAINST LIVING MISERABLY (CALM)
A leading movement against suicide | Helpline
and webchat – 7 hours a day, 7 days a week
Tel: 0800 58 58 58
Other Resources and Help
Videos about Mental Health
Lucy’s Blue Day explains how children can express their emotions in a way they knew they could.
It’s describes that it is OK, sometimes to have a blue day
What causes anxiety and depression? This video describes how “Inside Out” explains anxiety and depression
How deal with stress – this video explains how we can manage stress for kids and teens
Childline Advert (Nobody is Normal) – helps to show that you are not alone and there is always people there to support you.
Childline: 0800 1111
Time to Talk – here are tips for talking about Mental Health. You should not feel ashamed and have a conversation about mental health to end the silence
Extra Sites for signposting and resources
East Lothian Mental Health and Wellbeing Site
https://sites.google.com/edubuzz.org/mhwb-information-point/home
YoungScot
DISCLAIMER:
We want you to feel safe when you talk to us. We need to make sure that you know that we can’t always keep things confidential – however we will only share what you tell us with someone if:
- you ask us to get you help because you can’t do this yourself
- we believe someone else is at risk of serious harm
- you are under 18 and we think you are at risk of serious harm
- you are over 18 and have told us your name and where you are, and we think you are at risk of serious harm.
