Support for Ukraine

The horrific news around the current situation in Ukraine is both sad and almost unbelievable. There are large numbers of Ukrainian and Russian nationals in the UK approximately 100,000 and the ongoing war will have reminded many of friends, family and connections in those countries. As a College we will obviously do our utmost to support anyone affected. There is likely to be many conversations about this taking place across our classrooms, therefore please see below some useful resources for both students and parents:

• Supporting your child if they see upsetting content online about what is happening in Ukraine (Childnet)
• How to talk to children about what’s happening in Ukraine and World War Three anxiety (Metro)
• Help for teachers and families to talk to pupils about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and how to help them avoid misinformation (Department for Education)
• How and when to talk to children about war, according to a parenting expert (Independent)
• How to cope with traumatic news - an illustrated guide (ABC News, Australia)
• Talking with Children About War and Violence in the World (Family Education, US)

To help the people of Ukraine

We are pleased to say that we as a college will be supporting the Ukraine Crisis Appeal (Red Cross – charity number 220949) and if you would like to make a personal donation, please do so.

The service sector faculty are also collecting the following items, please take any donations to any Campus reception:

• Wet wipes
• Body and shower wash
• Sanitary pads
• Baby food
• Nappies
• Toothpaste and brushes
• Bandages and plasters
• Batteries and torches
• Pet food

Our Fashion, textile, Art and photography learners have been busy making accessories in preparation to launch their shop 'Spread love, not war'.

Learners have created goodies to purchase including badges, brooches, head bands and tote bags. 

A6 postcard prints and badges will be on sale from outside Sixth Form room S105 and a basket of items available to buy at Knightstone Campus Reception.

To help you

Not only is war a terrifying thing to read about let alone be caught up in, it’s also throwing many people back into an intense state of anxiety. Below you will find information on certain elements of our student support package, including our ‘Let’s Chat’ project along with some other really useful and supportive information and networks to keep you and your family safe and well. This and much more, can be found on Wellbeing @ Weston SharePoint site (for students and staff) that is the home to lots of wellbeing related information and resources together with other useful links and contacts.

If your life is at risk, act immediately please:

• call 999 for an ambulance
• go straight to A&E, if you can
• call your local crisis team, if you have their number.

If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you. Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.

	A hub of resources to help with resilience, anxiety, uncertainty, stress, fake news, social media and much more. letschatwellbeing.co.uk
	A safe community to support your mental health 24/7. togetherall.com
	Your online mental wellbeing community. Free, safe and anonymous support. kooth.com
	Call 116 123. Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you 24/7.
	For 24/7 support in a crisis, text YM to 85258.
	Call 01934 411464.