Safeguarding

https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/

The Parent Consultation Line continues to be a free service for parents and carers but is dependent on the capacity of our service to meet the demand alongside completing other service requirements. As such, we are unable to offer this service to all parents/carers, so we are asking settings to think about those who would most benefit from a short telephone consultation with an Educational Psychologist.

Topics parents/carers might which to discuss could include:

• Social and emotional issues
• Concerns about learning
• Family relationships.
• Concerns about behaviour
• Daily routines including sleep

Please note that this service is in place to support parents and carers using community psychology principles, and therefore educational psychologists will not be able to discuss EHCP applications.

Once you have identified parents/carers you feel may be interested, please feel free to email them the attached parent information letter ‘Letter to parents from Kent Educational Psychology Service’.

Kent Together Helpline:

www.kent.gov.uk/KentTogether  or by calling on 03000 41 92 92.

Tonbridge and Malling Community Hub: 

A national scheme has been launched to provide food and other essentials to those most at risk from coronavirus. If you are in this category of 'shielded' households, you may have received a letter from the NHS telling you that you’re clinically extremely vulnerable or been contacted by your GP or hospital clinician. If this has not happened, contact your GP or clinician after you register with this service (tel: 0800 0288327). 

Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council is also offering support to this group and others who are vulnerable and cannot get help from friends, family or neighbours. Our scheme includes:

• A dedicated Community Support telephone line 01732 876152 – open 08:30-17:00 Monday to Friday and 10:00-16:00 at weekends.
• Delivery of food and basic supplies to shielded medically vulnerable people and those in self-isolation who are not receiving assistance from elsewhere or who need additional help.
• A befriending telephone service to provide reassurance and support to vulnerable individuals who are feeling isolated.

 Anyone in need of help or willing to sign up as a volunteer can register online or call us on 01732 876152. Please note we are only able to recruit volunteers who are DBS checked.

 We are working with a range of organisations across Tonbridge and Malling who can help those who may be struggling. Local groups are being promoted on Facebook and Twitter so you may find it helpful to search for those operating in your area. Many parish councils are also offering help - please contact your local Parish Clerk for further details.  The community hub can be accessed via:

https://www.tmbc.gov.uk/services/community-and-living/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-community

 Kent Support and Assistance Scheme for those in crisis: 

Our Kent Support and Assistance Service (KSAS) may be able to help you if you are having serious difficulties managing your income due to a crisis or if you are facing exceptional pressures because of an emergency.

 https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/benefits/home-essentials-in-a-crisis

 COVID-19 NHS guide for parents:

This provides guidance for parents on what to do if a child shows any of the symptoms or signs.

Foodbanks:

Following website can be used to identify local foodbanks

https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/benefits/home-essentials-in-a-crisis/find-a-foodbank

Kent:

KCC Social Care funding (Understanding is that it is £9 per person per household to spend on shopping – not restricted to food.)

https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/care-and-support/benefits/home-essentials-in-a-crisis

Kent Resilience Hub: 

MoodSpark has been developed for young people in Kent, with young people in Kent by HeadStart Kent, which sits within Kent County Council’s Children, Young People and Education Service.

The Kent Resilience Hub is aimed at parents and carers but can be accessed by young people as well. Find out more about MoodSpark and the Kent Resilience Hub

Domestic Violence UK:

Domestic Violence UK have compiled a list of 73 organisations providing either helplines, call-backs or email and web chat support services. This list can be accessed via the attached link; Mobile and Online Directory 

DAVVS: 

As a result of the coronavirus we have suspended all face-to-face services as per government advice.

To ensure that vulnerable victims of abuse get the support they need at this difficult time, we have expanded volunteer support services via our helpline - doubling opening hours and providing a named volunteer Advisor working from home to support people by telephone for as long as needed.

Our helpline is open Monday – Friday between 10am – 4pm.  Helpline number 01892 570538

We continue to accept referrals from partner organisations and self-referrals via our website: https://www.davss.org.uk/referral/

DAVSS trained Volunteers are rostered to answer the telephone Helpline, receive telephone calls from clients, and support them with risk assessments, safety and action planning, including legal options. Clients are assigned a named volunteer to provide on-going support and support to court.

Volunteers discuss by telephone legal options with victims and support them to make decisions and take action to make them and their children safe, including carrying out risk assessments, safety planning, assistance to prepare documentation for court, and support by telephone during and after court.

We also provide telephone support explaining the court process to victims’ children if needed and supporting children as their parent seeks legal protection (victims are often too traumatised to do this and say they and their children greatly appreciate this support)

Most courts have closed, making it more difficult to obtain protection orders.  As a result of advocacy by DAVSS Support-to-court (STC) Manager and a volunteer, protection orders are considered by the judge via telephone. This has enabled victims to obtain the protection they need.

Emergency Hardship Fund for Families:

Kent Community Foundation’s (KCF) hardship grants for families with children with complex needs.

https://kentcf.org.uk/

KCF are able to provide cash hardship grants to families direct up to £1,000 to help with either buying essential things for the home or just to help pay the bills over the next few months.

It’s a simple process. Just an email to Jo@kentcf.org.uk from a professional. We aim to get money to families within two weeks (quicker if we can get the bank details).

Heinz and Anna Kroch Foundation:

Small grants for individuals who are suffering severe poverty and financial hardship and who also have ongoing medical problems or have fled domestic situations. E.g.

• Older people
• Those with a chronic illness
• Fleeing domestic situations
• Homeless
• Financial hardship

 Grants can be made towards:

• Hospital travel costs
• Household bills
• Furniture
• Other hospital expenses
• Clothing
• Food
• Medical and disability equipment
• Living costs
• Home adaptations
• Help in the home

Applications must be submitted by a recognised body (someone who is working with the client and understands their circumstances). 'We need to know the background of the client, age, family makeup, income and expenditure, what a grant will be used for, an indication of other charities approached and how much money has been raised to date. In the case of an application for equipment, adaptations etc., we need copies of estimates. Where appropriate, it would be useful to have a supporting reference from a GP / Consultant.'

They do not use application forms. All applications should be contained in a letter, or email, giving full background to the client, including name.  Heinz and Anna Kroch Foundation, PO Box 327, Hampton, TW12 9DD

 Children learning at home:

New government information, guidance and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home: 

• Guidance on supporting children age 2 to 4
• Guidance on supporting Primary school children
• Guidance on supporting children with SEND.

Helpline number for Universal Credit:

Citizen Advice Bureau has set up a dedicated helpline 0800 1448 444.

Think U Know:

Useful links for parents and carers of children and young people can be accessed via their website at https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/