COVID-19 Support - Useful Resources

Below is a list of helpful resources and links for information to support families living with Dravet Syndrome during the COVID-19 (coronovirus) pandemic. 

With thanks to Neil Williamson, Epilepsy Nurse Specialist and DSUK Medical Advisory Board member, for compiling and sharing this information.

Resources to support family wellness during the pandemic:

• Easy-read advice on staying at home from Public Health England
• Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity's Power Of Play website is a treasure trove of games, tips and resources from the Play team GOSH to help families through this time
  
• Resources for parents during coronavirus including handy, free online activities and materials to help keep children busy, active and learning
• Resources from Common Sense Media to help navigate social distancing and school closures with quality media and at-home learning opportunities for children
  
• Tips for parenting during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak compiled by Unicef. You can also download helpful, infographic-style advice sheets here
• A podcast for parents about coronavirus and helping children with autism from the Association for Child and Adult Mental Health 
• A toolkit to help parent manage stress during the pandemic, compiled by Psychology Today
• Advice from the Mental Health Foundation on looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

Resources to help young people manage anxiety:

• Mental wellness courses for young people from Living Life to the Full - For Young People, with free registration and access to all course resources until June 30th  
• Anxiety support for young people aged 10-18 from Think Ninja, with new content created specifically for COVID-19 by specialist child psychologists

Resources for supporting children and adults with autism or challenging behaviours:

• A series of useful resources from the National Autistic Society that autistic people and their families can use during this time of change
• A podcast parents for about coronavirus and helping children with autism from the Association for Child and Adult Mental Health 
• Further resources for children with autism from the Child Mind Institute, including tips for developing routines, schedules and an emergency plan
• Information and advice for managing difficult behaviours during lockdown from the Challenging Behaviour Foundation, including the helpful factsheet, 'Supporting Your Loved One at Home'.

Disability grants: 

• The Disability Grants Organisation website lists of multiple grants which can be accessed by parents/carers of children or adults living with disabilities
• The React Charity provides grants of up to £500 for items/activities aimed at improving the quality of life for children with life-limiting illnesses 
•  The Money Advice Service also provides information about charitable grants available for ill or disabled people
•  - Grants for disability
• The Family Fund provides grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and need support for essential items