This course has been developed for everyone in response to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

There is information about how to avoid catching/spreading the virus, what immediate feelings you may have and common reactions, managing your mental health at this time, managing isolation and social distancing, self-care, supporting children and young people and some accessible information.

The course is free to access for everyone. Click on the above image to begin.

Click the image above to access our free online course which has been written for children aged 7-12 as a way of learning about the global COVID-19 pandemic.

They will learn helpful information about what the new virus is, how to stay healthy and do their best not to pass it on, how they might feel about it, things to do at home and how they can help yourselves.

Tips on managing worries about the coronavirus

The arrival and spread of a new virus (COVID-19), also known as Coronavirus, affecting the health of our population is a cause for concern for many of us.

This worry may impact on our mental health and our behaviour. Understanding our reactions and what we can do to live well through this time can help.

Immediate feelings

Our body’s automatic survival reactions will kick in and we may react in unexpected ways, e.g. feel helpless, feel angry, feel selfish, hide away, denial and disbelief, have intrusive scary thoughts of the future, feel protective of others, or make jokes about it.

Common reactions

• Watching news at every opportunity
• Hiding away from others
• Panic buying
• Talking and thinking about it a lot
• Handwashing
• Seek alternative cures

What can help in a crisis situation

Try to focus on the small necessary activities of daily living. Sleep and rest. Establish a routine. Eat well. Take a walk.

Stay connected to people in ways that are possible. Use social media and phone calls instead of face to face if you are in isolation. Share your worries if you want. If not, talk to people about everyday things.

Do things that you enjoy each day.

Organise things for your family and community so people know they can rely on others.

Follow government and world health organisation advice on avoiding spreading the virus, especially to vulnerable people, and in caring for yourself when ill.

How to support someone you know

Connect: The person may need time to be alone but keep trying to connect with them on social media and organise for them to have what they need.

Listen: to their worries but don’t fuel them.

Ask: don’t assume what they need. It might be different from what we think.

Click here for our Easy Read information.

NHS advice

Click here for the NHS 111 coronavirus service

Read more on the NHS website. 

The latest government guidance for if you need to stay at home can be found here:

Repeat prescriptions

If you are on long term medication and concerned about how self isolation will affect this, speak to your local pharmacy for advice.

Lloyds Pharmacy has a free nationwide prescription service. Find out more on their website.

Helpful links

NHS 111 Online - Find more information on Coronavirus, read answers to common questions about it and check your symptoms.

GOV UK - The latest information and guidance from the government.

British Red Cross  - A collection of videos on mental health in emergencies.

'Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health' - A helpful guide from BBC News.

Looking after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak.  - Mental Health Foundation

Useful documents

The Coronavirus Story - an Easy Read flip book for people with learning disabilities or accessible information needs.

Hand Washing Tips for People With Sensory Difficulties

Hygiene Makaton Signs

For suggestions of how to use your time if you need to be at home, download this Stay at home checklist.