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annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

And remember there is no single “right” way to respond to potentially traumatic events, so try not to worry if the child’s response looks different from what you expected. Trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to seek additional support if you are worried.

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

Draw on the people, places, and activities that usually bring them comfort—for example, taking a bath, spending time with a grandparent or pet, enjoying sensory play, or playing a favourite game. Familiar routines and experiences can be especially soothing.

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

Look out for changes in behaviour: The child’s response will be individual to them. It can help to look out for changes for example in their typical sleep, appetite, mood, or interactions, as these may be signs they’re struggling to cope.

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

Allow extra time and space: They may need longer to process what has happened and express how they feel, especially if communication is difficult. They may need you to revisit and repeat any explanations.

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

Support their communication needs: Even with challenges explaining difficult things, children with additional needs and disabilities still need information to help them feel safe. Think about the ways they best take in information. Do they like visuals, simple language, stories or printed resources?

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

You may know the individual child best – how they communicate, what helps them feel calm and safe, and what works for them day-to-day. This puts you in a strong position to support them through this difficult time.

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

Children with additional needs or disabilities may need extra support after a traumatic event. While their reactions to trauma may look different, like all children, they need to feel safe, supported and understood.

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 13h

It's World Mental Health Day and we wanted to share some ideas for how to support children with additional needs or disabilities after a traumatic event ⬇️

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 18h

This World Mental Health Day we’re remembering the importance of knowing what PTSD looks like so we can recognise when a young person is struggling.

Find out more about PTSD and how you can support someone with it in our project the UK Trauma Council’s new guide: uktraumacouncil.org/resources/tr...

Anna Freud to lead Autism Central peer support programme

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 9d

Read the full story: www.annafreud.org/news/anna-fr...

Visit Autism Central: autismcentral.org.uk

Anna Freud leads Autism Central, an NHS peer support programme co-produced with autistic people to support families, build knowledge and improve wellbeing.

www.annafreud.org

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 9d

For over seventy years, at Anna Freud we’ve sought to understand the challenges facing children, young people and families, including those in vulnerable situations, to improve mental health support and outcomes.

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 9d

Dr Georgia Pavlopoulou, Anna Freud and UCL, said:

“Our vision is to build a nation where all autistic people and those who support them are empowered, connected and thriving. With lived experience and rigorous research at its core, Autism Central has a key role to play...”

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annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 9d

It offers support, such as resources, one-to one sessions and events, that aims to:

➡️improve the wellbeing of the whole family, including parents, partners and other family members

➡️prevent crisis

➡️reduce unnecessary hospital admissions

A Hopeful Vision for Inclusive Education and SEND Reform

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 9d

Commissioned by @england.nhs.uk, the programme is designed to deliver accessible, psychologically informed education, including to families and carers of autistic people.

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annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 9d

We have some exciting news...

From today, Anna Freud is leading the delivery of Autism Central for the NHS, a co-produced and co-delivered peer support programme for families of autistic people of all ages and those working with them.

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Reposted

Evidence Based Practice Unit @ebpu.bsky.social · 14d

Our So What? seminars build the bridge between #evidence and practice in children and young people’s mental health.

Registration is free! Join us at 5.30pm on 27 November and hear about #research from the last year

www.annafreud.org/training/cou...

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annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 18d

Read our statement in full: www.annafreud.org/news/a-hopef... (4/4)

Anna Freud welcomes the Education Committee’s SEND report, calling for inclusive reform to ensure every child’s needs are met in schools.

www.annafreud.org

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annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 18d

In response, Jaime Smith, our Director of Schools, said:

“We strongly support the Committee’s vision that support for SEND must become central to mainstream education, not an afterthought.” (3/4)

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 18d

These findings reflect much of what we see every day in our work with schools, young people and parents at Anna Freud: that inclusion is not an optional extra, but a foundation for learning, wellbeing and equality. (2/4)

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 18d

The Education Committee has published a pivotal report calling for a root and branch transformation in how mainstream education supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) (1/4)

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 21d

Thank you so much for your support! ❤️

Garfield Weston Foundation @westonfdn.bsky.social · 21d

🌟 It’s #YouthMentalHealthDay and we want to celebrate wonderful partners like @annafreudcharity.bsky.social. Thank you for working tirelessly to improve young people's mental health across the UK.
Together, we can make a difference. 💙 #mentalhealthmatters

Circular landscape with green hills, blue sky and a white cloud, surrounded by heart shapes in a rainbow gradient from red to purple to blue and green.

Guidance for Parents on Transition to Secondary School

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · 28d

Making the move from primary to secondary school can feel tough for many young people. 🏫🎒

Read our guide for parents on how to support children who’ve just started secondary school: www.annafreud.org/resources/sc...

Evidence-based tips for parents and carers to support children through the transition to secondary school with advice and resources.

www.annafreud.org

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annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · Sep 10

Our friends at @edsupportuk.bsky.social have created a helpful guide on looking out for the signs that someone might be having thoughts of suicide in your school, and supporting another staff member with these feelings 🩵

mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk/resources/su...

Suicide, suicidal feelings and working in schools : Mentally Healthy Schools

A guide for school and college staff to support themselves and others affected by suicide.

mentallyhealthyschools.org.uk

annafreudcharity.bsky.social @annafreudcharity.bsky.social · Sep 10

If someone’s life is at immediate risk:

Contact emergency services by calling 999, going to A&E, or accessing a walk-in emergency mental health service such as a local crisis centre (check the NHS website to see if this is available in your area).

(7/7)

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay