COVID-19 Mental Health & Family Resources
Posted on May 12, 2020Welcome to MHCBE's Mental Health and Family Resources page!
With the large amount of information being shared during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very easy to feel overwhelmed and uneasy. MHCBE's Learning Services department has gathered articles and resources for families to use during this time. This page will be updated on a regular basis to ensure the most accurate and helpful resources are available to support our families.
Alberta Education Helpline for Families
Alberta Education has instituted a helpline and email for parents of students, particularly those with disabilities, during COVID-19 and at-home learning.
The line is 780-422-6548 (toll-free by first dialing 310-0000, followed by the 10-digit phone number) or via email at: studentsupport@gov.ab.ca.
Even with the excellent work being done by teachers and school divisions supporting the learning and inclusion of students with disabilities, we know that the changes in how education is being delivered is affecting students differently. For families of students with disabilities, there may be questions about their child’s program now that the traditional delivery process has changed.
Alberta Education has established the helpline and email to assist families with their questions and connect them to their boards where appropriate. This could include key members of the school district (teacher, principal, school district leadership, school board) to find collaborative solutions to meeting their child’s learning needs at home.
The Parent Help Line will be answered Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Alberta Education Learning From Home
Community & Provincial Resources
- COVID-19 Community Resources - City of Medicine Hat
- COVID-19 info for Albertans - Government of Alberta
- Summary of Government Financial Supports
- Canadian Mental Health- When You Need Help Poster
- COVID-19 Social Distancing Fact Sheet
- Mental Health Resources for Albertans
- Mental Health Resources And Information Available For Albertans
- Need Help? Here’s How To Apply For EI & COVID-19 Related Benefits
- Telus Internet Program for Families
- Text4Hope - Supporting Mental Health & Wellness in a Time of Stress & Isolation
- How to Connect: Text COVID19HOPE to 393939 to subscribe
- The program provides one-way communication and does not replace other mental health therapies and supports. It is a helpful option for people in self-isolation who can’t access face-to-face services, as well as those in remote locations.
- AHS Healthy Together
- AHS’ guide to family and home life during COVID-19. There will be These tips can help with day-to-day life in these challenging times.
Resources for Children
A new virus such as the COVID-19 can create anxiety and be difficult for students/children to understand, especially if someone they know is sick, or they see or hear troubling messages on the radio, internet or television. It is normal for children to feel worried and nervous and have questions.
You can support your children by reassuring them about their personal safety and health:
- Limit their access to news and online stories about the issue.
- Maintain a normal routine unless otherwise advised by an authority.
- Encourage them to talk to you about their concerns.
- Let them know it is normal to feel scared.
- Reassure them they are safe.
- Pray with them!
- List the things that are in their circle of control:
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (say a prayer), especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Cough and sneeze into arm or tissue.
- Stay home if they are not feeling well.
- Keep hands away from face and mouth.
- Do not share food, utensils, dishes, water bottles or drink containers.
- Stay healthy by eating healthy foods, keeping physically active, and getting enough sleep.
We encourage families to talk about the situation and educate themselves on what the virus is and how to help prevent it from spreading.
- Coping At Home For Families Wellness Meaningful Activity Guide
- AHS Building Resilient Families Resource
- Explaining COVID-19 to little ones (social story)
- Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
- Coronavirus Resources for Kids, Parents and Educators
- Supporting Your Child Through Routine And Play (OT Resource)
- I'm Ready for Screens - Using Technology in Early Childhood
- The Corona Virus Printable For Kids
- Roots of Empathy Resource Page
Faith Resources
- Livestream Mass with Bishop McGrattan - Sundays at 10:00am
- Prayers & Spiritual Resources from the Diocese of Calgary
- 3 Minute Retreat
- Faith and Fitness Workout
Additional Mental Health Resources
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Mental Health Considerations during COVID-19 Outbreak
- Resource: Help in Tough Times, We’re here in tough times
- Anxiety is Also Contagious. Here’s How to Calm Down
- How Mindfulness Can Help You Navigate the Coronavirus Panic
Updated Friday, March 27