children

A LEGAL service giving separating/divorcing parents direct access to barristers says it’s seeing an increase in emotional abuse during the lockdown and is worried about the damage it’s causing children.

Children in the Middle says it wants to raise awareness of parental alienation to ensure it’s recognised, so youngsters at home under COVID-19 restrictions are less vulnerable to it.

Elizabeth McCallum, who is a family barrister and co-founder of Children in the Middle, along with fellow Exeter barrister Sarah Evans, explained: “If, following divorce or separation, a child,...

Caudwell Children, the national charity that provides practical and emotional support to disabled children and their families, has announced that it is to extend its programme of online activity sessions, for disabled children, across the UK.

The 'LifeSkills' programme, open to disabled children and those with additional needs aged 8-18, will be delivered through online video calls, three times a week, and has been designed to encourage children and their families to participate in activities outside a school setting.

“The activity sessions, currently only available in...

The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week [w/c 18 May] is kindness. At this time of upheaval where our worlds have been turned upside down, acts of kindness now are more important than ever. Here, former primary school teacher Catherine Lynch of leading education resources and lesson planning experts PlanBee has ten tips for parents to improve the mental health of their children

1. Create a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and safe

Even during lockdown, we need connection with others so that we feel valued and safe. While the need...

Despite the Coronavirus restrictions, Devon’s schoolchildren will still be able to take part in the popular School Games this year. In fact, it’s ‘virtually’ the same as normal!

Active Devon, working with partners, is launching the ‘Virtual’ games which get underway with a Walk, Jog, Run challenge starting on Monday May 18th. Primary School pupils will have 20, 30 and 40 mile targets, while those in Secondary Schools will aim for 40, 60 and 80 miles. All those taking part will be able to compete at home, in the garden, or by adhering to social distancing rules and using safe open...

A dental nurse from Exeter has written a new children’s book with eye-catching characters to encourage kids to brush their teeth.

Shelley Poole created Mouff to make it easy for children to understand just how important it is to keep their teeth clean.

Mouff and the monsters who live among his molars deliver a colourful message about oral hygiene that appeals to youngsters.

She is especially keen to spread the word while access to dental practices is limited during the COVID-19 crisis.

“My goal overall is to change perceptions of oral health and to challenge...

YoungMinds, the UK’s leading children and young people’s mental health charity, has published a guide sharing advice from parents to other parents on how to support themselves and the young people in their care during the coronavirus pandemic.

During this difficult time for parents and carers, particularly those looking after children and young people with mental health needs, YoungMinds has experienced an increase in traffic to the coronavirus advice on their website and many calls from parents to their Helpline about the impact of the pandemic on the young people in their care...

With growing concern for the safety of some children during the coronavirus crisis the NSPCC wants more people to know how to get advice and support and where to raise concerns about a child’s wellbeing.

The charity is launching a new TV and advertising campaign today (May 4) across the UK to promote its free and confidential helpline for adults.

The film, which will run on national television and across social media, depicts a helpline expert taking a call from someone concerned for the wellbeing of a neighbour’s child.

The Government has provided £1.6m in...

A WESTCOUNTRY legal practice says children are at risk of harm as cases of domestic abuse rise during the COVID-19 outbreak (May 2020).

UK domestic abuse charity, Refuge, reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline during the crisis. Experts at Children in the Middle say there may need to be applications to the courts to manage risks to children.

Family barrister, Elizabeth McCallum, who is the co-founder of the legal service Children in the Middle, along with her fellow Exeter barrister Sarah Evans, said: “As it has been widely reported recently, cases of domestic...

Some play areas in Exeter are being refurbished whilst the equipment is out of use due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the City Council has revealed.

Making the repairs now mean the areas will be ready for use once restrictions are lifted, limiting any future disruption.

Cllr David Harvey, Lead Councillor for Environment and City Management, said money left at the end of the last financial year had allowed them to refurbish two play towers at Anne Close.

“The towers were looking really tired and some of the timbers were rotting in places so the work that has been...

A WESTCOUNTRY legal practice says during these uncertain times the protection and care of children remains as important as ever (April, 2020).

As of March 24, it was confirmed by the Government that children can move between separated parents during the current coronavirus restrictions.

Family barrister, Elizabeth McCallum, who is the co-founder of the legal service Children in the Middle, along with her fellow Exeter-based barrister Sarah Evans, said: “During these uncertain times, it’s important to maintain your child’s routine as much as possible and the Government...