Youngsters and families across Bath and North East Somerset who are struggling with the ongoing pressures of lockdown are being urged to seek support available to them.
With many being cut off from usual support systems such as friends and family, B&NES Council is encouraging those who are finding things tough to ask for help.
The local authority is also reminding residents that it is everyone’s responsibility to keep children safe, spot the signs of abuse and report concerns.
Councillor Kevin Guy, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “Parents are under an extreme pressure at the moment with many trying to juggle working alongside home schooling.
“Children are also missing their friends and feeling overwhelmed by the changes to their lives. Combine all this with potential money worries and feelings of isolation and it’s understandable some families are struggling to cope.
“I want to offer reassurance help is available, our social care team are here to support you and your children through this difficult time.
“Please don’t battle on alone, reach out for help and support rather than reach a crisis point.”
You can contact Children’s Social Care on 01225 396111 or 01225 477929 or via email at [email protected].
A member of the council’s Children’s Social Care team will discuss your concerns and the range of help that may be available.
The service is available between 08:30 and 17:00 (Monday – Thursday) and 08:30 and 16:30 (Friday).
If you have concerns outside of working hours, you can contact the Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615165, on evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.
If you are feeling vulnerable, isolated, or concerned about your physical or mental wellbeing, the Community Wellbeing Hub can help.
You can call the Community Wellbeing Hub on 0300 247 0050 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday email at [email protected], visit their website or text 07870 868368.
If you are struggling with your mental health talking to someone is vital.
Bath Mind’s Breathing Space, is a phone support service, open every evening of the week from 5.30pm to 11.30pm.
You can call in confidence on 01225 983130 if you are feeling worried or anxious and want to talk.
The Bath and North East Somerset Talking Therapies Service, run by Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) NHS Trust also offers online courses and telephone and video based Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to support adults who maybe struggling with their mental health
You can access the service by self-referring and don’t need to speak to your GP to do this. To find out more, visit: https://iapt-banes.awp.nhs.uk.
If you are worried about child’s mental health, you can find helpful information about how to spot the signs that someone is struggling and how to access help here.
