Healthy Schools: change and loss
Change can be challenging for many, and especially for children and young people who might not have developed effective coping mechanisms yet. The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in increased change and loss that needs to be processed by families. Here are some things that could help.
Find all Healthy Schools resources here
Understanding change and loss
- Watch this 15-minute presentation on Coping with Loss by a local expert from the Haringey Mental Health Support Team (MHST).
Note for iPhone users and Youtube. There is a known bug with iOS and Youtube, Two buttons are read before the player but provide no functionality. We advise that you skip these to access the content.
- You can also download the 17 slides that were used in the video below:
- If you would like more in-depth information, please refer to this 90-minute recording of a session led by the Anna Freud Centre, 5 Steps to Mental Health and Wellbeing.
Note for iPhone users and Youtube. There is a known bug with iOS and Youtube, Two buttons are read before the player but provide no functionality. We advise that you skip these to access the content.
Lesson plan
This lesson plan by Public Health England (external link) will help you teach a class about dealing with change. It includes a PowerPoint presentation to show, and activities for in and out of the classroom.
Supporting children and young people
- We recommend a 3-page fact sheet (external link - PDF, 176KB) created by the Anna Freud Centre. It includes tips about how to support students in schools and colleges.
- This 4-page guide (external link - PDF, 3.7MB) provides valuable guidance on managing unexpected endings and transitions.
- Spot the signs and get some tips on supporting a student affected by loss on the mentally healthy schools page (external link) and this 3-page information sheet:
Recommended books for children
- Something Else by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell
- Best of Friends by Shen Roddie and Sally Anne Lambert