The restrictions issued to curb the spread of Covid-19 have led to a lot of larger and smaller events being cancelled. It also means schools and college will now not open again until the autumn. Cancellations and confirmations of such, have been delivered in stages, meaning each few weeks we have received new information.
Young people in their final year of primary or secondary school or college have lost out on the opportunity to see their classmates again within those structures. Holidays, festivals, summer jobs, weddings, exams (!) have been taken off the cards, bringing disappointment in different ways. Dealing with these unmet expectations can be a challenge, that we all could do with a bit of guidance around.

​Parents Centre contains information for parents and provides links to a wide range of trusted and high quality online resources including learning, parenting and information on supports for parents. It is easy to navigate and will help parents access the information and support they need quickly. It will be updated as new resources and information for parents are developed.
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Follow this link:
https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/parents-centre/

Yesterday's Irish Times had this article:

Written by Marie O'Halloran
"The effects of the Covid-19 restrictions on children, domestic finances and difficulties living in a confined space are among the main concerns of callers to Accord counselling support phone lines.
A “pressure cooker” environment is also leading to family tensions and callers also highlight mental health problems, inability to grieve properly when a loved one dies, and the pressure of work and study at home as major issues.
Callers highlighted pressure on students from changes in exam timetables, and the challenges of having a home turned into an office and school as well as the stress around lack of security of employment and clashes with family members because of poor communications.

The Accord phone line services (01) 531 3331, (01) 905 9555 and in Northern Ireland (028) 9568 0151 are open from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday.
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Counsellors noted regret at being unable to grieve properly for a loved one who has died because of the severe restrictions on funerals, and callers spoke of the constant negative news reporting and the frustration of not being able to socialise outside."

Click here: http://www.beaumont.ie/marc
 
Relaxation and mindfulness training are helpful for managing stress as well as helping people cope with physical illness and ongoing medical treatment.

All of the exercises are recorded by people working in Beaumont Hospital with the goal of helping you feel better. 


You can listen in to the exercises on the website, or download them for your personal use.

Why Relax
Why Mindfulness
Getting Started
Exercises
Further Reading, Research, and References
Contributors

The spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a new and challenging event.

Everyone's lives and daily routines are affected by the measures that have been introduced to disrupt the spread of the virus, and keep us all safe.

It's normal to be worried or to feel stressed during this difficult time, but there are many things we can do to help us mind our mental health and wellbeing.

Here you will find lots of advice and tips on how you can look after your mental wellbeing and cope with your new daily routine.

Some people might find this time more worrying than others and may need some extra support on the phone or online.

Whatever you are going through in isolation, let's stay connected and make it through, together.

Follow this link to find out more about:

• Looking After our Mental Health
• Coping at home
• Staying Active
• Healthy Eating
• Helping in the Community
• Cocooning

​https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/together/?referrer=/together/