Galway News and Events
Parent Hub Galway Parents can keep up to date with notices from services here.
COVID-19 Helplines
Click here for details for Galway City COVID-19 Community Response Helpline (Leagan gaeilge anseo).
View details for Galway County COVID-19 Community Response Helpline here.
Traveller COVID-19 Helpline: 083 1006300 (available 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week)
Roma COVID-19 Helpline: 0871264606
Parentline Guiding Parents, Supporting Families: 1890 927277
Teenline Ireland Free 24/7 service for teenagers: 1800 833634
Childline Free counselling for children and young people up to 19 years old: 1800 666666
Jigsaw Support Line Free, relevant and accessible mental health support, education, advice and guidance to young people aged 12 to 25 years old, and/or their parents/concerned others: 1800 JIGSAW (544 729)
Children’s Rights Alliance Helpline support in areas like education, early years, immigration and family law: 01 9020494
Resources for Parents and Families
Let’s Play Ireland is a whole of Government campaign led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to promote the importance of play and to provide play resources for families during this time. For further information, tips and ideas relating to play during the lockdown period visit here.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs’ Parents Centre contains information for parents and provides links to a wide range of trusted and high quality online resources including learning, parenting and information on supports for parents. It is easy to navigate and will help parents access the information and support they need quickly.
Galway City Council has a made a bank of ‘Stay at Home Resources’ aimed at all ages available here.
Unlimited Internet for Students Families and individuals who need internet for school or college work can move to unlimited internet without having to pay. Download step by step guide here.
Alcohol Resources In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the HSE Alcohol Programme in Health and Wellbeing has developed a number of resources that it would like to share. See resources here.
Youth Work Ireland Galway's Youth Information Service has set up a chat/support service for students. If you or someone you know is interested in taking part, email youth.info@youthworkgalway.ie.
The Genesis Programme, The Changing Lives Initiative and the Area Based Childhood Programme have compiled a range of resources for parents here: Supporting Families through the Days and Weeks Ahead
HSE Heads of Psychology Service advise on What to do if you are Concerned / Supporting Children and Teenagers
World Health Organisation Parenting Tips The World Health Organisation has released a series of 9 single page, easy to read, infographic sheets on healthy parenting in times of confinement. Each focuses on a different theme:
The Department of Education and Skills’ NEPS psychologists have developed advice and some resources for young people to manage and stay well when schools are closed. See them here.
Irish Sign Language videos covering a different section of the COVID-19 information booklet are available here.
Internet safety Webwise provides practical advice for parents. The Parents Hub features expert advice from professionals, information on privacy and parental control, cyberbullying, popular apps, and so on. Visit here.
Fun Things for Children and Young People
Let’s Play Ireland is a whole of Government campaign led by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to promote the importance of play and to provide play resources for families during this time. For further information, tips and ideas relating to play during the lockdown period visit here.
Create a Time Capsule. See more here.
Download The Great Isolation Activity Book by teacherteacher here.
Family Activity Pack by ParentChild+ here. [Younger children]
A Wellbeing Journal for Kids by Fiona Forman
Ten things to do today 1 by Tusla, Child and Family Agency
Ten things to do today 2 by Tusla, Child and Family Agency
Ten things to do today 3 by Tusla, Child and Family Agency
Ten things to do today 4 by Tusla, Child and Family Agency
Ten things to do today 5 by Tusla, Child and Family Agency
Ten things to do today 6 by Tusla, Child and Family Agency
Download ideas for family games here.
Download these Traditional Playground Games here.
Talking with Children about COVID-19
Dr Ronan Glynn answers children's questions about COVID 19 here:
My Name is Coronavirus by Manuela Molina [for Younger Children]
Advice: Talking to Children about Illness by The British Psychological Society [categorised by age group of child]
Getting Ready to go to the Test Centre by the HSE [preparing young children for swab testing]
Barnardos Children’s Bereavement Service helpline offers information and advice in relation to how to support children through bereavement and to address COVID-19 concerns.
Corona Virus: A book for Children by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson and Nia Roberts. Illustrated by Axel Scheffler (of the Gruffalo fame). [Story for younger children.]
My Hero is You: How Kids can Fight COVID-19 by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. [Story for younger children.]
Helping Children Grieve by the Irish Hospice Foundation
Young People's Mental Health
Happy Head App was developed by 12 young people from secondary schools in North County Galway. The App acts as a supportive mechanism in the areas of school, mindfulness, diet and exercise. Download (from Google Play) here.
Jigsaw is providing a range of information and supports for young people, their parents, and those working with young people through a new e-mental health platform – www.jigsawonline.ie. Here, you can find articles, videos, daily live group chats, webinars and can post questions about your mental health and have them answered by a Jigsaw clinician. Jigsaw Support Line is now up and running on freefone 1800 JIGSAW (544 729).
Youth Work Ireland Galway’s Counselling Service is now operating online. Download details here.
Helplink is providing free counselling services during the COVID-19 crisis to people who have been laid off work, people with addictions (gambling, alcohol and/or drugs) and Irish citizens returning home, stuck or living abroad. Call 091 759887 / 0818 998880.
Mental Health Ireland has developed a of supports for families at this time, resources include a toolkit and a weekly planner.
Getting through COVID-19 Together (here) for advice, ideas and support for physical and mental wellbeing. #Together
Planning Care for Children in the Case of Parent / Carer Illness
Tusla's Family Emergency Booklet is a resource to help families prepare for a COVID-19 infection.
One Family guide to planning for serious illness can be viewed here.