Advice for families: coping with COVID-19

Blackfriars acknowledges that many students and families are feeling anxious, confused or even overwhelmed about the current COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation. While Blackfriars endeavours to provide up-to-date and well-informed information for our community, we also want to share a brief list of external resources that may help you navigate the constand flow of information and misinformation with your children. The list below will continue to be updated as new resources are developed.

Urgent assistance

• Lifeline provides a free, 24-hour phone line for crisis support: call 13 11 14 or use their web chat function.
• Kids Helpline offers free, confidential phone and online counselling for children and young people aged 5-25.
• Beyond Blue also offers phone and online options for those suffering from anxiety or depression.

Supporting mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19

• Blackfriars offers free onsite counselling and psychology services to all students. Referrals to the Counselling Team may be made by the student (self-referral), a parent or caregiver, or a teacher. Referral forms are available via SEQTA.
• If you or your children are having trouble articulating how they are feeling, you might like to try using this feelings wheel to label and understand different emotions.
• This Beyond Blue fact sheet has great tips for children and adults alike, as well as links to other reputable resources about COVID-19.
• This headspace page is specifically for young people feeling stressed about COVID-19, and provides clear advice about what to do if you’re feeling overwhelmed or need extra support.
• Youth Beyond Blue has general resources for supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing (not specifically about COVID-19).
• This article from TALi Health also has some extra tips for working through difficult feelings with your children.

How to talk about COVID-19 with your children

• This guide from ABC provides some simple suggestions.
• UNICEF also has some broader tips for how to cope as a family, and some good FAQs about the virus.

General information resources

• ABC’s Coronacast offers short daily episodes summarising the latest advice and developments regarding COVID-19, in a simple and straightforward manner.
• This article shares key information about COVID-19 in graphic form, which may be easier to understand and process for many.
• Federal and state government websites have the latest official guidelines and information about what steps should be taken by the public.
• A National Coronavirus Health Information Line has been established, and can be contacted on 1800 020 080

A reminder that if you have any questions, or are directly affected by COVID-19, please contact:

• David Ruggiero, Deputy Principal (Secondary)
• Frank Ali, Head of Primary
• Karen McEntee, ELC Director
• Rita Quaini, OSHC Director (specific Blackfriars OSHC-related COVID-19 information is available here)

As always, Blackfriars staff are here to support our community.

Please stay informed with updates via SEQTA, the school website and our social media channels.