Staying in touch in lockdown

Due to the current situation, our North team have tried to come up with alternative ways to hold our youth groups so the children still have the vital communication between each other at this time. Hence, the creation of a WhatsApp group. This includes seven children who attend our youth group regularly and is monitored by staff. We felt that it was really important to set some ground rules for the group from the beginning. This included no abusive language and only using the group during arranged and planned times. Our children's support workers hold evening sessions to offer advice and support. The first WhatsApp group focused on the current situation and offered advice and support, such as the importance of hand washing and general hygiene and ideas of how they can keep occupied at home by baking and keeping fit. Whilst some of our young people are completing work set by school at home. Others are still attending school as their foster carers are key workers. This has ensured that they continue to receive the support they need, without their education being affected too much. So far, the group has been welcomed and the young people are active on the group and shared ideas and photos between themselves. It's lovely to see they comforting each other. The group plan to meet every fortnight and play quizzes or bingo to keep spirits up during these challenging times!