Coronavirus: How NSPCC in Peterborough is helping the local community

Since the end of March, the charity’s local base has seen rapid change with children’s services practitioners working hard to adapt in the current environment and introducing very flexible and digital-based sessions for young people and their families who require support after abuse.

The team has also created self-care boxes for children to support them with emotional regulation and to encourage positive wellbeing. Some boxes included sensory activities including sand and Play-Doh, crafts materials and mindfulness activities, as well as reading books.

Some practitioners are also able to issue food e-vouchers and have also released a third issue of their free newsletter, available via the Peterborough City Council website, that offers advice, tips and activities for families.

Sue Whitwood, NSPCC service centre manager, said: “During this time, alongside our existing services, the NSPCC Peterborough Service Centre is still here for children and we are offering non-commission services to help support more families during this time.

“Whilst we cannot offer face to face sessions, we are continuing to support schools, children and families online with support around anxiety and regulating emotions, mindfulness sessions, parenting support, online safety and emotional support for children.

“We also understand that emotional support comes in many ways and it has been amazing to hear the stories from our practitioners who have delivered the parcels. We have collaborated with the local foodbank and we are able to offer e-voucher codes for food parcels, with a quick and simple e-referral process.”

The NSPCC Peterborough Service Centre offer two programmes for children on referral. Protect and Respect teaches children in an age-appropriate way about healthy relationships and consent; it also offers a protection service to children who have been exploited, providing tailored support for children, parents and carers.

Letting the Future In is a service for children who have been sexually abused and helps them to overcome past experiences through activities like play, drawing, painting and storytelling; parents and carers are also offered support.

To find out more about services from the NSPCC Peterborough Service Centre and how they can help, call 01733 207620 or email [email protected]

To read the latest NSPCC Peterborough Service Newsletter visit https://bit.ly/3cdlvY8.