NEPS have developed several resources to assist students in managing their wellbeing.
The primary document is 'Supporting the Wellbeing of Students.'
This document offers guidance for Post-Primary Schools and Student Support Teams during School Closures and Public Health Restrictions arising from COVID-19. The document contains a useful framework called Listen, Protect, Connect, Model and Teach. This framework can be used as a guide for teachers and students to help foster communication in a comforting and supportive way.
There is also a list of support services for parents and young people is provided at the end of the document.
NEPS Covid-19 resources are also available on the DES website, including ‘Advice for Young People when Schools are Closed’, Plan for the Day, Relaxation Techniques and more.
There is also a section for teacher wellbeing and self-care: (https://www.education.ie/covid19 in section 3 NEPS Advice & Resources for keeping Children and Young People well during Covid-19).
Another useful link, which is provided below, contains additional tips for students to maintain wellbeing; It also has useful resources on ‘managing thoughts and feelings’, ‘managing stress and anxiety’ and ‘managing panic attacks. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/256911-leaving-cert-2020-practical-supports/
Lastly, our NEPS Psychologist shared this useful mnemonic relating to (COVID) that captures some important aspects of self-care and wellbeing.
Connect – Keep in touch with friends through email, phone, social media platforms
Order and structure your day with some meaningful tasks.
Volunteer to help others if possible e.g. ringing elderly neighbours.
Inhale/exhale slowly when feeling stressed.
Diet and exercise - Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet, sleep, exercise.