While many adults are working from home and have adopted this as the “new normal”, many of our younger members of the community have had their lives greatly affected too. From home schooling, not seeing friends, to local clubs and sporting activities currently being on hold – all this provides an impact.
Below we provide a snapshot of youth groups and services, across all ages, that can provide support or activity currently. Frome Town Council will be launching “Family Connect” this spring, a support and information service for children, young people and their families which will be shared through our website. Please reach out to Melody Hunter Evans, FTC’s Children and Young People’s Project Officer on mhunterevans@frometowncouncil.gov.uk if you have a group, service or information that could be included.
Frome Toy Library
The Toy library’s Stay and Play are suspended during lockdown but they can bring toys and games to your door!
There are choices for most age groups and all items are carefully cleaned and quarantined between loans. The team also have time for a safe doorstep chat if you’re feeling isolated or need some parenting support.
Head over the the Toy Library website to sign up.
Mojo Moves
Mojo Moves is all about getting your mojo back and is a perfect antidote to lockdown life!
Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund and government support, Cheryl Sprinkler (Mojo Moves founder and all round goddess), hosts an online disco on Wednesdays at 5pm. It’s for children and young people with SEN but now that we are in lockdown 3, all children and young people and their families welcome.
Head over to the Mojo Moves website for further details.
Full of Beans: Live
Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership ask you to join Stu & Dan for Full of Beans: Live – physical activity sessions for 2-5 year olds and their families at 10am every Tuesday.
These are perfect for early years and foundation settings and being active at home with your family. All sessions are aimed at walking children and the sessions last approx 20 mins and include a variety of fun physical activities for you to take part in either at home.
Join the session by going to their YouTube channel and watching live.
You can also download a lockdown activity timetable from the SASP website too.
Young Somerset
Young Somerset is the largest youth work charity in Somerset with a mission to put young people first.
Their virtual hub is a safe online space designed for young people and parents/guardians to find out what support is available in our area. They also have informative and interactive workshops on Instagram and Facebook every week.
Head over to the Young Somerset website to find out more.
Routes
Routes sessions, by Edventure: Frome, are free and open to everyone aged 18-35 to come for all kinds of support.
During lockdown these sessions are taking place online but you can pop in for a cuppa and a chat and you can work together to find solutions to any issues you’re experiencing.
The sessions take place on Thursdays, 2 -5pm so drop Cassie and the team a line if you want to chat, via Whatsapp/Phone: 07434 667 373.
Frome Medical Practice
Frome Medical Practice are offering a course of sessions, aimed at young people from Year 9 up to 25 years old. The sessions will focus on managing stress and worry, specifically in relation to the challenges that lockdown has brought about and the increased restrictions it has on our day to day life.
There are three online education sessions will cover how to manage stress, how to manage uncertainty and fear, staying connected and lots more. The first session is on 4th February and you can register on the Frome Medical Practice website.
Support for young people
Counsellors are available to support young people everyday, visit the Kooth site.
This is a free, confidential, 24/7 text support service. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and need mental health support as trained Shout Volunteers will be ready to help day and night, just text 85258.
Whatever your worry, Childline are here to support you and you can contact them about anything. There are lots of different ways to speak to a Childline counsellor or get support from other young people, either call 0800 1111 or use 1-2-1 chat between 7.30am and 3.30am every day.
2BU Somerset
Youth support service promoting the wellbeing and positive mental health of children and young people who identify as LGBTQ+. For more information, contact Lisa@2BU-Somerset.co.uk, 07799 136552 or check out the website www.2bu-somerset.co.uk.
