New Psychological First Aid training available

Public Health England has announced that new online training is now available for those supporting children and young people affected by coronavirus.

From 22 February, people who care for or work with children and young people aged up to 25 who have been affected by coronavirus will be able to access a new online Psychological First Aid (PFA) training course.

The pandemic has had a huge impact on children, with many reporting that it has made them feel more stressed, lonely and worried. The online course offers training on how to provide practical and emotional support to children and young people affected by emergencies or crisis situations. Getting the right support early on can help prevent problems occurring or worsening.

Those completing the training will be equipped to better identify those children that are in distress and provide support to help them feel safe, connected and able to take steps to help themselves during the pandemic or other crisis situations.

The training is available for all frontline workers such as teachers, health and social workers, charity and community volunteers and anyone who cares for or is regularly in contact with children and young people aged up to 25, including parents and caregivers.

Clare Perkins, Director of the Mental Health Programme at PHE, said: “The pandemic has caused significant disruption to all of our daily lives. Children are among the worse impacted, being stuck at home and not able to have the essential social interactions with their friends. Many young people are anxious and worried about their future in these uncertain times.

“Children and young people will react to the Covid-19 pandemic in different ways. The PFA training course will help professionals, volunteers, parents and carers better identify the signs of those who are struggling and give them timely effective support that is right for them – helping them feel safe and able to help themselves.”