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We recognize that the volume of information being shared during the COVID-19 pandemic has been overwhelming and it can be difficult to know which information is valuable. MHPSD's Student Services team has been gathering articles and resources for families to use during this time. This page will be updated to ensure the most accurate and helpful resources are available to support our families.
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS - Hope & Resilience
- Part 1 - October 7, 2020 with Claire Petersen, Greg Godard and Kevin Cameron
- Part 2 - November 4, 2020 with Claire Petersen, Greg Godard
Community Connection Mental Health Video Series - Brought to you by the Niwa Family (The Beej Project)
ALBERTA DAILY HEALTH CHECK
Families and staff are required to do a daily COVID-19 symptom assessment based age category prior to getting on the school bus or entering an MHPSD building. The health check does not need to be signed and handed in each day.
COMMUNITY
& PROVINCIAL RESOURCES
ALBERTA
HEALTH SERVICES RESOURCES
RESOURCES
FOR CHILDREN
A new virus
such as the one that causes COVID-19 can create anxiety and be difficult for
children to understand, especially if someone in their school or family is
sick, or they see or hear troubling messages on the radio, internet or
television. It is normal for children to feel worried or nervous and have
questions. It is important to pay attention to their feelings and reactions.
How the situation is handled by the adults in their life will impact how
children will respond. The following section contains 10 Tips for Supporting
Your Child as well as numerous resources to support you as a parent during this
time.
10 TIPS FOR SUPPORTING YOUR
CHILD
1. Reassure them that the adults in their life are working hard to
keep them safe.
2. 2. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or nervous.
3. 3. Let them know they can ask questions and answer honestly, making
sure the information is appropriate for their developmental level. It’s okay
not to have all the answers.
4. 4. Remember that children are often listening when you talk to others
about COVID-19. It is important to correct misinformation when you become aware
of it.
5. 5. Maintain familiar routines where possible to bring a sense of
comfort.
6. 6. Establish new routines and a schedule to break up the day at home.
7. 7. Encourage them to talk about their worries or concerns.
8. 8. Explain the events as well as you can and help students/children
put information into perspective. Keep students/children informed about what is
happening and what may happen at a level that is suitable for their age.
9. 9. Limit media exposure or ensure information being accessed on-line
is reputable. Exposure to too much or misinformed resources/media coverage can
give students/children an exaggerated view of the risks association with
COVID-19.
10. 10. Give children a sense of control by sharing things they can do to
help prevent the spread of COVID-19 such as:
- Wash
with soap and water regularly for 20 seconds (long enough to sing the
ABC’s) especially after sneezing or coughing; hand sanitizer is a good
alternative when you can’t wash your hands right away
- Keep
their hands away from their face and mouth
- Cough
or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue
- Stay
home if they aren’t feeling well
- Do
not share food, eating utensils, dishes, water bottles or cups
- Stay
healthy by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active, and getting enough
sleep
RESOURCES
TALKING WITH CHILDREN ABOUT COVID-19
Below are some
stories and activities that you may wish to share with your child. We would
suggest previewing the options below to see which ones are developmentally
appropriate for your child.
PHONE
NUMBERS
Please note:
If you or your child is in crisis, please go to the Emergency Department at the
hospital or call 911. You can also access the following resources:
Kids Help Phone Text CONNECT to 686868 or 1.800.668.6868
Health link at 811 Note: This
line is handling higher than normal call volumes so please be patient or select
another option if it is urgent
Distress Centre 403.266.HELP
(4357)
Alberta Mental Health Helpline 1.877.303.2642
Medicine
Hat Food Bank - Please leave a message. If the mailbox is full, keep calling back
and make sure to leave a clear message with your name and phone number. They
are providing hampers and delivery to families during this time of need. 403.528.4313
ext. 1
Mental Health Literacy
MHPSD COUNSELING SERVICES
