Parent Support Information
Birmingham Longbridge Project.
Longbridge Methodist Church have joined up with Food Cycle to offer families in the area free meals every Monday at 7:30 pm.
They are inviting families to come and enjoy good company and conversation with others from the local area over a delicious meal that has been prepared with care by FoodCycle volunteers. Please visit their website for more information or to find your local project.
https://www.foodcycle.org.uk/location/birmingham-longbridge/
Welcome to Bring it on Brum! 2022
Bring it on Brum! is back for the spring school holidays. Book your child's place now to avoid missing out.
‘Bring it on Brum!’ is Birmingham's, Department for Education funded, Holiday Activity and Food Program, that's helping children, young people and their families have active, fun-filled and healthy school holidays.
‘Bring it on Brum!’ is the biggest scheme of its kind in the country, and after a hugely successful 2021, we are excited to bring the 2022 spring program to you.
Bring it on Brum! is for children who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Visit our website for more information: www.bringitonbrum.co.uk
Spring holiday program will be delivered in over 220 venues across the City. Holiday activity providers are ready to take bookings now.
Most programs will run for either the first week of the school holidays; Monday 11th April to Thursday 14th April or the second week; Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd April 2022. Some programs will be running for the full 8 days but bookings will be limited to 4 days/sessions for each young person.
If your child is not able to attend to a face-to-face holiday club during the spring school holidays, we can bring a bit of Bring it on Brum! to you with a free activity pack and food box.
The deadline for requesting activity packs and food parcels is midnight, Sunday 3rd April 2022.
We have sent out the codes to all eligible children. You will be asked to provide this code when you book or when you register with your chosen holiday activity provider. If you do not have a code, please contact your child's school.
Please note only those families entitled to Free School Meals are eligible for the codes.
Helpful numbers and services for parents and carers
Bereavement support for children, young people and families
The NHS in Birmingham is offering confidential bereavement support to help children, young people and families who may be grieving the death of a friend or loved one. At the moment, many people are cut off from their usual support networks; so if you know of a child or someone who needs support, please encourage them to get the help they need. Local bereavement experts are available to offer support due to all types of loss and to people of all ages
Simply call 0121 687 8010 for instant support. The telephone opening hours are
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
- Tuesday, Thursday: 9.00am - 8.00pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 12.00pm - 5.00pm
Assistance can also be accessed via email at: support@crusebirmingham.co.uk
Anxiety
How can I help my child manage their worries and anxiety?
As we enter our fifth week of the lockdown period and home learning we want to acknowledge the amazing efforts of parents and carers in supporting their children through what has been, and continues to be a difficult period. We recognise the additional stresses that lockdown has presented for children and their families, and understand that in times where we feel everything is so different and may feel out of our control, this can contribute to feeling anxious.
Anxiety can be a feeling of unease or continuing worry. It can present in our bodies as: a racing heart-beat; shortness of breath; feeling hot and sweaty; sometimes feeling light headed or dizzy. Children may describe having a ‘funny feeling in their tummy’ or other physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches, loss of appetite and change in sleeping habits.
To help explain anxiety and offer suggestions on how parents/carers can support their children in managing their worries and anxiety, we have provided a link to a short video featuring Mrs Fowke, one of our Learning Mentors, that may be useful in helping you recognise the signs of anxiety and what you can do to help reduce anxiety for your children.
Maintaining good well-being whilst in lockdown
A Guide for students
Support for Parents on - Self-Care, Anxiety and Sleep from Birmingham Education Partnership
Self Care for Parents
Managing Anxiety
Sleep and the Links to Wellbeing
- Urgent mental health help line: ring 0121 262 3555 for advice and support. This line is available 24 hours, 7 days a week and can be used whether you are known to the service or not.
- Foodbanks: https://www.findfoodbanksbrum.org.uk/project_category/food-banks/
- Domestic Violence: Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid www.bswaid.org
Helpline: 0808 800 0028. Open 7 days a week 9.15am – 5.15pm (closed bank holidays)
- Finally, a reminder that there is a lot of other early help in the city for all young people and families. Click here for see a whole range of offers: Birmingham Children’s Partnership - Resources | Birmingham Children’s Partnership - Resources | Birmingham City Council