We all understand how worrying it can be if your child is poorly.
We would encourage parents to be cautious and contact us if you do have concerns regarding your child.
However, there are times when mild illness can be managed at home, and so we have put together this page to help build your confidence in these situations.
The CATCHapp
The CATCHapp is a locally developed resource, particularly aimed at new parents.
It is packed with high quality information on all sorts of topics, from tips on weaning your baby and encouraging language development, through to advice on common childhood rashes and emergency situations such as choking.
We would really recommend parents and carers download the app to your phone.
Healthier Together
While not quite local, the Healthier Together website developed with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, has a large number of resources and practical advice for parents.
Children, young people and mental health
We know that the impact of COVID-19 has been marked for our children and young people. If you would like to talk to us about your own mental health, or that of your child, please do contact us via AskmyGP. However, below are a few resources to supplement the support we can offer.
If you have immediate concerns about the mental health of yourself or your child, please contact the Cheshire Mental Health Crisis Line on:
0800 145 6485
Just Drop In
Just Drop In is based in Macclesfield and offers free counselling to people aged 12-24yrs. They also offer wellbeing groups and family therapy.
They can be contacted by text message, phone or email. You can contact them directly; you do not need a referral from your GP.
Visyon
Visyon is based in Congleton and offers a variety of services to support the emotional health of children, young people and their families across East Cheshire. It is available for young people aged 11+, and their family.
If you are a child or young person, Visyon can help you improve your mental health so that you feel better about yourself and the things that happen in your day-to-day life.
If you are a parent, grandparent or carer, you can come to us to gain the skills to give your child the support they need.
stem4
stem4 is a charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them including their families and carers, education professionals, as well as school nurses and GPs. It provides mental health education, resilience strategies and early intervention.
They have a really useful website full of helpful information, phone Apps and training materials.
Combined Minds app – for families and friends
Combined Minds is an app developed for teenage mental health charity stem4 to help families and friends support young people with their mental health.
Combined Minds helps families and friends to find ways to provide the right environment to help the individuals they support affect their own change. As important influencers in the lives of young people, this provides positive impact on their mental health.
You can also visit the young people’s mental health support pages on this website.
Should I keep my child off school, nursery or playgroup?
It can be tricky deciding whether or not to keep your child off school, nursery or playgroup when they’re unwell.
There are government guidelines for schools and nurseries about managing specific infectious diseases at GOV.UK. These say when children should be kept off school and when they shouldn’t.
If you do keep your child at home, it’s important to phone the school or nursery on the first day. Let them know that your child won’t be in and give them the reason.
If your child is well enough to go to school but has an infection that could be passed on, such as a cold sore or head lice, let their teacher know.
You can read advice on sending children to school or nursery with the following common childhood conditions:
- Coughs and colds
- High temperature
- Chickenpox
- Cold sores
- Conjunctivitis
- Ear infection
- Hand, foot and mouth disease
- Head lice and nits
- Impetigo
- Ringworm
- Scarlet fever
- Slapped cheek syndrome (fifth disease)
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
Keeping your children safe
A common source of worry for parents is how to keep their children safe, especially with growing access to the internet via smartphones.
The NSPCC website has some really good practical advice about how to talk to your child about consent, health relationships and sex.
Help with some common minor ailments
The links below will take you to the relevant page of www.NHS.UK where you will find some really clear information, including photos, to help you with some common minor ailments.
