Parenting is always a difficult job! As a parent there are always challenges to face, new experiences and things we are just not prepared for. Children do not come with an instruction manual! Part of being a good parent is to recognise that we may all need help, support or advice from time to time. Below is a list of groups and agencies and their details that parents may find useful. Mrs Bates, our family support worker, is in school Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in term time. You can contact her via email at familysupport@toftwoodfederation.co.uk or ring and leave a message with one of the offices for her to contact you. If you just want someone to talk to or are not sure where to go next for help, please do contact her.
Please note that we aren’t recommending these groups, and we cannot be held responsible for the advice, work or input that they may give, but we are sharing them with you as you may find them useful. You can then decide if they are the right people to help you.
We are committed to supporting our children and families. If you have any questions or concerns, please do ring the office and we will do our best to support you and sign post you to someone who can give the correct support.
Relate – www.relate.org.uk/norfolk-suffolk
We’re the UK’s largest provider of relationship support, and every year we help over a million people of all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations to strengthen their relationships. Find out more about what we do and how we can help you here.
Norfolk Family Mediation – www.norfolkmediation.co.uk
Family mediation can be used in situations such as divorce, separation, breakdown of civil partnerships. Our caring and professional mediators use their experience and training to help discuss and resolve the financial and practical fallout of splitting. Family mediators mediate on the division of property and other financial assets, debts, child contact, parenting responsibilities, grandparenting relationships and child/spousal support. The aim of mediation is to help everyone involved reach agreement and resolution quickly and with as little stress and upset as possible.
www.norfolk.gov.uk/children-and-families/early-help
Early help is about working with children, young people and their families to offer the right support at an early stage before a small need becomes a bigger one.
A number of different professionals and organisations may be involved in the early help process to offer support in a range of areas. The goal of early help is to support families to resolve their own problems and prevent further problems in the future.
Family fund – www.familyfund.org.uk
If you’re raising a disabled or seriously ill child, you might be eligible for a grant from Family Fund.
What is Family Fund’s disability criteria?
Family Fund has limited funding, therefore are unable to help all families caring for a disabled child or young person.
They use their own disability criteria to determine whether a child is eligible. This means that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) awards are not an indicator that a child would be eligible for a Family Fund grant
You do not need to wait for a diagnosis for your child to make an application for a grant
Criteria
Children and young people must have a severe disability with additional complex needs, or have a serious or life threatening illness.
There must be evidence that the child or young person’s additional needs impact on a family’s choices and their opportunity to enjoy ordinary life. The degree of planning and support required to meet their needs must also be much greater than that usually required to meet the needs of children and young people.
They must require a high level of support in three or more of the following areas:
- The physical environment
- Education
- Communication
- Access to social activities
- Personal care, supervision and vigilance
- Specialist resources, including information and communications technology, are required
- Medical or therapeutic treatment and condition management
The child or young person’s condition must be long term or life limiting. By long term we mean lasting or likely to last 12 months or more.
Children with a confirmed diagnosis of certain conditions which may be degenerative, life limiting or life threatening are likely to meet the Fund’s disability criteria. For example, a child with a confirmed diagnosis of a degenerative syndrome, or a child with a current diagnosis of cancer or leukaemia.
Children are not likely to meet Family Fund’s criteria where their main or only difficulty is one of the following:
- They have eczema, asthma or allergies
- They have specific educational difficulties – such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or poor literacy
- Their condition is stable and managed through medication, diet, monitoring, testing bloods or transfusions and there have been no recent medical crises as a result of their condition.
National Autistic Society – www.autism.org.uk
Founded in 1962, we are the UK’s leading charity for autistic people and their families. Our goal is to help transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people
Musical Keys – www.musicalkeys.co.uk
Musical Keys is Norwich based charity providing a service to people with disabilities and/or additional needs across East Anglia. For over 25 years, Musical Keys has developed a comprehensive programme of music, movement and arts based activities designed to enable participants to learn new skills, build confidence and improve motor skills, confidence and coordination through enjoyable and interactive sessions where self expression can thrive. Our groups also offer a support network to parents, carers and families.
We strive for equal access to music and creativity and aim to provide a service for groups who are isolated as a result of geographic location, social deprivation or disability.
In addition to the numerous groups we run throughout the region, Musical Keys provides holiday outreach schemes and offers a bespoke service; our specialist staff aspire to adapt sessions to suit clients’ precise requirements.
ASD Helping Hands – www.asdhelpinghands.org.uk
“ASD Helping Hands will support all service users affected by an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) regardless of age or what stage of life they are at. We aim to offer guidance, practical advice and support whether you are personally affected or you are an associated family member, carer, friend or professional. We will actively champion the rights of all people affected by ASD’s and aim to make a positive difference to their lives while delivering a service that is accessible, reliable and trustworthy.”
The organisation is for all affected by the Autistic Spectrum, this covers a wide variety of difficulties. We believe that all families and individuals have the right to good quality information, support and guidance in order to promote empowerment to allow positive choices to be made, enabling access to the same opportunities as everybody.
Autism Anglia – www.autism-anglia.org.uk
Autism Anglia is an independent charity which provides care and support to children, adults and families affected by autism.
Services in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk, managed from offices in Colchester and Dereham, offer personalised approaches that provide each individual with the necessary skills and strategies to enable them to realise their own strengths and abilities.
The charity also seeks to promote a greater knowledge and understanding of autism through training, education and supplying information to the public and professionals.
Family Voice Norfolk – www.familyvoice.org.uk
Family Voice aims to be the strategic consultative body within Norfolk representing families of children with special and additional needs, providing a liaison point for statutory and voluntary agencies within Norfolk. The government actively encourages parental involvement in shaping services. We consult with and inform our membership with a view to ensuring that all children in Norfolk with special and additional needs meet the Every Child Matters outcomes for children. These outcomes may be updated from time to time in the light of changes to government policy. Members can choose just how active or inactive they wish to be, no-one is expected to be a parent representative if they prefer not to be; but we do want and need your opinions and your support, our effectiveness increases with your support. The more members we have, the better informed we are and the more collective strength we have. We are currently involved in a wide range of strategy groups and project boards; we also have opportunities to be on interview panels for important appointments within Children’s Services. We are independent and take the initiative from our members to promote change. Our parent meetings are an ideal opportunity to meet other families in similar situations, share information and learn more about the work we are involved in.
CEA Card – www.ceacard.co.uk
The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA), formerly the Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA). The scheme was introduced in 2004 and is one of the ways for participating cinemas to ensure they make reasonable adjustments for disabled guests when they go to the cinema; in particular it ensures a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them. You don’t need to have a CEA Card for a reasonable adjustment to be made and cinemas still have to make reasonable adjustments. If you require an adjustment to visit a cinema because of your disability, the UKCA’s policy is cinema staff should make them for you.The card’s development was overseen by the UKCA’s Disability Working Group, whose members included people from the major circuits and film distributors, independent exhibitors and several national disability charities such as Action on Hearing Loss, the RNIB and the National Deaf Children’s Society, along with the UKCA’s specialist disability advisers.
Independent Parental Special Education Advice – IPSEA.org.uk
Independent Parental Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA) is a registered charity (number 327691). IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.
Shine – shinecharity.org.uk
Shine provides specialist support from before birth and throughout the life of anyone living with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, as well as to parents, families, carers and professional care staff. Shine enables people to get the best out of life
School 2 school – http://www.s2ssupport.co.uk/
School 2 School Support provides hands on practical advice and support to mainstream schools and settings within Norfolk. Support and advice is given by experienced professionals from across the 11 special schools within Norfolk.
Dereham Children’s Centre – www.actionforchildren.org.uk
Action for Children, Dereham Children’s Centre – www.actionforchildren.org.uk/in-your-area/services/childrens-centres/dereham-childrens-centre/
We are open to your whole community on a regular basis. We work in partnership with other agencies such as health visitors, midwives and local schools.
To help under-fives get ready for school our services include: child and family health services; parenting programmes and antenatal support; early year’s education services, such as ‘stay and play’ sessions; speech and language support and family learning.
In addition we offer support for parents with adult learning and employment support. This may include language, literacy and numeracy support, family learning, access to apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities as steps toward employment and links to Jobcentre Plus.
Carers Matters Norfolk https://carersmatternorfolk.org.uk/
Just One Number Norfolk www.justonenorfolk.nhs.uk
Wellbeing – www.wellbeingnands.co.uk
Wellbeing is important to us all. We want to feel good about ourselves, to get the most out of our lives and feel connected to other people. ‘Wellbeing’ means feeling more than just happy and confident, it means feeling able to cope when things get tough in our lives or when our physical health suffers.
Wellbeing Norfolk & Waveney and Wellbeing Suffolk provide a range of support for people with common mental health and emotional issues, such as low mood, depression or stress. We work with you to help you make the necessary changes to improve your wellbeing and quality of life.
Our services are free and are available to people aged 16 and over living in Norfolk & Waveney, and for people of all ages in Suffolk
Mind – www.norwichmind.org.uk
Norwich & Central Norfolk Mind is the leading mental health charity in Norfolk and we are affiliated to National Mind. We were established in 1966 by a group of people what who wanted to greatly improve mental health care in Norfolk, by challenging the traditional large institutional model that was dominant at the time. The group led by the UK’s first female Psychiatric Social Worker, Cicely Mc Call, MBE, established the first group homes in the country. We have always tried to maintain this courageous and pioneering spirit at the heart of what we do.
Samaritans – www.samaritans.org/branches/norwich-samaritans
The Samaritans have been proudly supporting the local community for more than 50 years and currently have over 180 volunteers in our branch at 19 St Stephen’s Square, Norwich. Their branch is made up of mostly listening volunteers, who provide emotional support by phone, email, text and face to face.
Leeway – www.leewaysupport.org
We are a specialist domestic abuse charity and currently support over 8,000 adults, children and young people every year in Norfolk. It is our primary aim to offer advice, support and information to anyone who has been or is currently experiencing domestic violence.
Rights of Women – www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Rights of Women runs a sexual violence advice line, provides free legal advice for women and produces free leaflets which you can download from their site (including sexual violence and sexual harassment). Their lines are open Monday 11am – 1pm and Tuesdays 10am – 12pm
Tel: 020 7251 8887
Norfolk Constabulary https://www.norfolk.police.uk/advice/assault-abuse-threats/domestic-abuse
Norfolk Constabulary are committed to supporting anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse and will work with partner agencies to help you. Their message is simple – no-one need suffer in silence. Domestic abuse can include any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
Active Norfolk – www.activenorfolk.org
Active Norfolk aim to provide the single source of activity information for players, organisers, supporters and media.
ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity ERIC is the only charity dedicated to the bowel and bladder health of all children and teenagers in the UK. Our vision is that every child and teenager with a bowel or bladder condition can access support and live free from embarrassment, shame, isolation and fear
Sleep East www.sleepeast.com
Supporting families with getting a good night sleep by offering workshops and councelling.
The Harbour Centre – www.theharbourcentre.co.uk
The Harbour Centre Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) offers free support and practical help to men, women, young people and children of all ages living in Norfolk who have been raped or sexually assaulted either recently or in the past. Our services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week whether you wish to report to the police or not. Our specialist staff are trained to help you make informed decisions about what you want to do next. We understand that everyone’s experience is different but our main concern is you and your well-being. We are here to help and make things easier for you whatever you choose to do.
Health and Wellness for LGBTQ+ people – www.singlecare.com/blog/lgbtq-health-and-wellness/
Learn about barriers that the LGBTQ community faces when accessing health care
Nelson’s Journey – www.nelsonsjourney.org.uk
Nelson’s Journey is a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved children and young people from 0-17 throughout Norfolk.
Winston Wishes – www.winstonswish.org.uk
The death of a parent or sibling is one of the most fundamental losses a child will ever face. At Winston’s Wish, they believe that bereaved children need support to make sense of death and rebuild their lives.
Supporting Children After a Frightening Event – This leaflet gives practical, easy to follow, advice for supporting children after a difficult event
Explaining miscarriage or stillbirth to young children – http://childbereavementuk.org/for-families/death-of-a-baby-or-child/baby-death-miscarriage-and-stillbirth/
Explaining miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn baby to young children (Child Bereavement UK) childbereavementuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Explaining-miscarriage-stillbirth-or-death-of-a-newborn-baby-July-2018.pdf
Supporting Your Child with Gender Identity Issues.
CAB – www.citizensadvice.org.uk/local/norfolk
Citizens Advice Norfolk provide free, confidential and impartial advice and campaign on big issues affecting people’s lives.Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. CAB Norfolk is an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.
Breckland Housing – www.brecklandhousing.co.uk
Breckland Key Select is way that people can apply for social housing and some private rented housing in the Breckland district. You can use Breckland Key Select if you are an existing applicant on the Breckland Housing Register, an existing tenant seeking a transfer or if you are applying for housing for the first time. The scheme covers all the available housing association properties in the Breckland district including sheltered housing.
Gingerbread – gingerbread.org.uk
Gingerbread provides expert advice, practical support and campaign for single parents. Whether you’re experiencing separation or bereavement, or sorting out work or childcare their online advice is there to help you make confident choices about your family’s future.
BBC bite size – www.bbc.co.uk/education
Bitesize is the BBC’s free online study support resource for school-age students in the United Kingdom. It is designed to aid students in both school work and, for older students, exams.
Norfolk library – www.norfolk.gov.uk/libraries-local-history-and-archives/libraries
Services at Dereham Library provides: Story Sacks, tourist information, recorded music, computer games, colour photocopier, fax services, CD Roms for sale and more
Norfolk Community Law Service is a registered charity dedicated to providing access to justice and equality in Norfolk. All our services are free, independent and confidential.
www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/east-england/norfolk
Victim Support gives emotional and practical help to people who have been affected by crime in Norfolk.
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Two of Everything by Babette Cole. Supporting children and families through separation.Demetrius and Paula Ogglebutt are two perfectly beautiful children, but they have a pair of parents who do nothing but argue, bicker and clash. In fact, Demetrius and Paula begin to worry that it’s all their fault, which leaves them feeling very sad and confused. So they call a meeting at school to see if anyone else is in the same parental predicament and it turns out they’re not alone! The result is a decision that has everyone in agreement an ‘un-wedding’! This book is available to borrow from school |
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Two Homes by Claire Masurel In this award-winning picture book about divorce, Alex has two homes, a home where Daddy lives and a home where Mummy lives. Alex has two front doors, two bedrooms and two very different favourite chairs. He has a toothbrush at Mummy’s and a toothbrush at Daddy’s. But whether Alex is with Mummy or Daddy, one thing stays the same Alex is loved by them both. This gently reassuring story focuses on what is gained rather than what is lost when parents’ divorce, while the sensitive illustrations, depicting two unique homes in all their small details, firmly establish Alex’s place in both of them. Two Homes will help children and parents embrace even the most difficult of changes with an open and optimistic heart. This book is available to borrow from school |
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The colours of the rainbow by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos This book explores when people of different races and ethnic backgrounds come together, they form the most magnificent sight, a rainbow. Just like colours of the rainbow, each person is unique in his and her own special way. But all have similar feelings, thoughts, hopes, and dreams. Children are encouraged to celebrate and appreciate both their own and other people’s differences. This book is available to borrow from school |
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My friend has Down’s Syndrome by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos My friend has Down’s syndrome is a sensitively written story about two children who meet at a summer Fun Club. A warm friendship develops between them as the young narrator comes to understand Ella’s Down’s syndrome. Both girls learn that everybody is good at something, and that by helping each other overcome their fears and difficulties, they can accomplish a great deal. My friend has Down’s syndrome inspires and encourages children to overcome barriers that can exist between children with Down’s syndrome and their playmates. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Have you got a Secret by Jennifer Moore-Mallinos Every child has secrets, and many secrets are fun to keep, for example a surprise birthday gift for mum, or a secret handshake with a friend. But sometimes, children have secrets that make them feel unhappy, such as a child who is being bullied might be inclined to keep it secret. Have you got a secret? helps children to understand that secrets that make them feel sad are best shared with an adult they trust. The situations explained in Have you got a secret? help children to distinguish between good secrets and secrets that need to be shared by encouraging communication between the child and adult. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Everybody Matters by Pat Thomas This book explains that everyone deserves respect, whether by being treated fairly or by not being discriminated. It explains how to respect ourselves and how to earn respect of others by being polite, honest and listening to others. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Why do I feel scared? By Pat Thomas Children learn that there are many ways of being brave, but not all of them involve the kinds of action they often see in TV adventure stories. One way for kids to be brave is to keep trying at something that they find difficult. They learn that it is normal to be scared of some things, and that having courage is daring to do the right thing, even when it feels uncomfortable or scary. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Don’t call me Special by Pat Thomas This book explores questions and concerns about physical disabilities in a simple and reassuring way. Written by psychotherapist and counsellor Pat Thomas. This book is part of the “A First Look At” series that promote positive interaction among children, parents and teachers. It encourage kids to ask questions and talk about social and emotional issues This book is available to borrow from school |
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This is My Family by Pat Thomas This is part of the “A First Look At” series which encourages children of preschool through early school age to understand and overcome problems that might trouble them in social and family relationships. Written by an experienced psychotherapist and counsellor on a level that is always understandable to younger children, this book seeks to promote positive interactions among children, parents, and teachers. Thoughtful text is supplemented with child-friendly colour illustrations on every page. A two-page How to Use This Book section for parents and teachers appears at the back of each book. This is My Family takes a child’s point of view in its discussion of same-sex marriage. Its message is intended both for children of gay or lesbian parents, as well as for the children and parents of the children’s friends and playmates. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Come Home Soon by Pat Thomas This is part of the “A First Look At” series, which encourages children of preschool through early school age to understand and overcome problems that might trouble them in social and family relationships. Written by an experienced psychotherapist and counsellor on a level that is always understandable to younger children, this book seeks to promote positive interactions among children, parents, and teachers. Thoughtful text is supplemented with child-friendly colour illustrations on every page. A two-page How to Use This Book section for parents and teachers appears at the back of each book. This book speaks to children about times when a parent in the military is called to active duty to a faraway place. Children are assured that it’s normal for them to feel distress and anxiety because of separation from a parent. This title helps children understand that separation is only temporary, and that their Dad or Mum is being called to perform an important service for which the child should be especially proud. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Scaredy Squirrel by Melanie Watt Scaredy never sleeps, sleep might mean bad dreams about dragons, ghosts, vampire bats and polka-dot monsters. Our wide-eyed hero has a plan: stay awake all night, every night. Between counting stars, playing cymbals and making scrapbooks, he does a good job of avoiding dreamland. With exhaustion taking its toll, he must prepare his Bad Dream Action Plan which includes a fire extinguisher to snuff out dragons and a fan to blast away ghosts. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Muddy Puddles and Sunshine by Diana Crossley This book offers a structure and an outlet for the many difficult feelings which inevitably follow when someone dies. It aims to help children make sense of their experience by reflecting on the different aspects of their grief, whilst finding a balance between remembering and having fun. This book is a useful companion in the present, and will become an invaluable keepsake in the years to come. This book is available to borrow from school |
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The Invisible String by Patrice Karst That’s impossible said twins Jeremy & Liza after their Mum told them they’re all connected by this thing called an Invisible String. What kind of string? They asked with a puzzled look to which Mum replied An Invisible String made of love. That’s where the story begins. A story that teaches of the tie that really binds. Mums (and Dads) feel the tug whenever kids give it; and kids feel the tug that comes right back: the Invisible String reaches from heart to heart. Does everybody have an Invisible String? How far does it reach anyway? Read all about it! Whether it’s a loved one far away or a parent in the next room this delightful book illustrates a new way to cope with something all children and parents confront sooner or later; a child’s fear of loneliness and separation. Here is a warm and delightful lesson teaching young and old that we aren’t ever really alone. |
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Lifetimes by Bryan Mellonie When you are searching for a wonderful book to explain death to a child, Lifetimes is one that you can turn to. Whether the death is of a friend, a family member, this book is a useful tool for parents to help broach the subject of death. This book is also regularly suggested to adults who are dealing with the loss of someone. Many people read this to their children even though they are not in the time of grieving because parents want to show them that death is a normal part of life. |
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Water bugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney This child’s book uses metamorphosis to explain death to children. It talks about how people who have died can’t come back to talk to us but that they are waiting for us in a better place. This book is available to borrow from school |
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I’ll Always Love You By Hans Wilhelm Within this soft and moving tale called I’ll Always Love You, Elfie who is dachshund, along with her very special boy advance contentedly through their life with each other. When she’s younger, Elfie is filled with pep as well as pranks; however while her master grows up, Elfie becomes heavier as well as slower. One particular morning Elfie doesn’t awaken. The whole family grieves along with buries Elfie, and also the boy declines a brand new puppy. He isn’t yet ready to get a new pet; however when he is, he’ll say to that pet, since he told Elsie each night, “I’ll always love you.” The watercolour pictures, soft and comfortable in both mood and colour and cosily curved in their form, match the basic wording flawlessly |
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I Miss You: A First Look at Death By Pat Thomas A First Look at Death: Whenever a good friend or member of the family passes away, it can be hard for youngsters to convey their particular emotions. I Miss You: A First Look at Death will help girls and boys realize that dying is really a natural balance to life, and also that sadness along with a a feeling of loss are common emotions for child to have after a cherished one’s death. |
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When Dinosaurs Die By Laurie Krasny Compared with a lot of children’s books on death, this book won’t tell a tale. Rather, it deals with children’s worries and fascination head-on, plus in a mostly secular style, through responding to a few standard questions. Alternative questions address feelings, and there is a portion regarding death traditions This forthright method helps make the topic appear much less unfamiliar and supplies youngsters with a lot to consider as well as speak about with their mother and father. |
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Help Me Say Goodbye by Janis Silverman Setting it apart from the other children’s books about death is the way that Help Me Say Goodbye helps kids to deal with death. Instead of a story to read, this book is full of activities that can help children to understand death and to use pictures to express how they are feeling. The exercises that are in the book will help the children with the ways that they are feeling |
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Where Are You? By Laura Olivieri This is a child’s book that was written by a woman who lost her husband when her son was only 3. It’s a supportive and kind text that is beautifully illustrated. It’s made to help children that are of all different ages to deal with losing someone that they loved. This is a story about a boy whose father died. He deals with the absence of his dad and the realisation that he’s always going to be close to his dad. The way that it’s created makes it good for even the very youngest children who are going to find comfort within its pages |
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Badgers Parting Gifts by Susan Varley In the book Badger’s Parting Gifts, when Badger dies, his friends feel very sad that he is no longer with them. The memories of Badger’s gifts that he shared with them help them to gain strength. They find themselves facing the future full of hope. This is an excellent book for parents to share with their children. It’s written for children but a lot of adults have found that they find some peace and comfort in their sadness. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Gentle Willow by Joyce C. Mills Written for the children who might not make it through their sickness or even for the youngsters that know those children, Gentle Willow, a sensitive and emotional tale, will help handle feelings of shock, rage, and depression. It’s combined with love as well as sympathy. Little Tree and Amanda find out that their good friend Gentle Willow just isn’t feeling very well. Amanda brings beings known as Tree Wizards. They go to see Gentle Willow and find out they are unable to make her feel better. Amanda is quite upset to begin with, but gradually she listens as the Tree Wizards express that dying is really a change as well as a trip to the unfamiliar. Additionally they advise Amanda the medication she could provide Gentle Willow will be love. Within a last act of affection, Amanda ends up comforting Gentle Willow, who’s scared, using a tale concerning the caterpillar which changes right into a butterfly. This is a beautiful tale of friendship and helping friends to get through an illness in their life. It also shows that you shouldn’t be scared when a friend is sick. That’s when they need you the most. |
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The Boy Who Didn’t Want to Be Sad This is the tale of the boy that was sad and didn’t wish to be sad any longer. Therefore, he created a good plan. The plan would be to do away with whatever made him to be sad. He systematically takes out items as soon as he recognizes they’re making him sad as well as have the possibility to help make him sad. In the end he understands that doing away with all that might make him sad additionally completely got rid of all that helped him be happy. A lot of children believe that it’s wrong to be sad so they often hold their feelings in. but this book shows that sadness is a part of life. It is a lesson regarding dealing with sadness to ensure that we are able to additionally live a happy as well as fulfilled life. |
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What is Death by Etan Boritzer What is Death addresses many different questions that children might have about the subject of death. It has the different beliefs and customs that are from various cultures and religions, and lets the reader to think about identity, tolerance, and generosity. It’s based in reality and uses a tone that is gentle as well as comforting. |
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Always and Forever by Alan Durrant In Always and Forever, four animal friends live together in their woodland house. When one of them dies, the other three are struggling with grief. But when the remember the wisdom, support, and love that their friend showed them as well as the funny things he did, they make a memorial for their friend. When the garden is done and they’re sitting there, they realize that he’s still with them in their laughter and memories. The book tells a tale without rushing through the grief stages.This book is available to borrow from school |
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I Remember Miss Perry by Pat Brisson Most children have a favourite teacher that they love and will always remember. This story deals with children losing a favourite teacher. This teacher made every day special and had fondest wishes for each and every day. The story helps children to deal with someone that they really loved dying and how they can remember the good times that they had with that person. Saying Goodbye to Lulu: This beautiful story about a black and white mixed breed dog and the little girl who loves her is an amazing story for children who have lost their pets. It goes through the different stages of life with the girl and Lulu, as the dog ages and becomes extremely sick. The author talks about the girl feeding Lulu with her hands and holding the water bowl to help her drink. The book is full of realistic looking pictures which were done with colour pencil, pen, and watercolour, all of which convey strongly Lulu’s and the girl’s personalities. This is a truly tender story about dealing with a pet’s death. |
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When Your Grandparent Dies by Victoria Ryan This book addresses the needs of both children and the people who are their caregivers. Often the loss of a grandparent is the first experience a child has with grief. The ordeal is bewildering and painful. This book explains what will happen from the view of a child, depicting the days before and after, as well as beyond the death of a grandparent. The meanings of death along with heaven are explained, along with the ways that a child can remain close to the grandparent that died. It includes ideas and questions that help with discussion |
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Goodbye Baby, Cameron’s Story by Gillian Griffiths This book provides comfort, understanding and reassurance for young children who have been affected by miscarriage in family. Miscarriage Association member Gillian Griffiths and illustrator and designed Lindsay MacLeod have created this gentle and uplifting storybook. “Goodbye Baby” is based on conversations between Gillian and her son Cameron, who was the inspiration for the book, and offers a platform for discussion with children. This book is available to borrow from school |
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I Don’t want to go to School, Helping children cope with separation anxiety by Nancy Pando It’s time for Honey Maloo to go to school, but she does not want to leave her mum. She tries everything to stay home, from sneaking off the school bus to pretending to be sick, but finds there is no way to avoid school. Honey’s mum, her teacher, the music teacher and friends help her to get involved with school lessons and activities so that Honey learns that school can be fun! Separation anxiety is common in young children and can make going to school a trial. This charmingly illustrated tale teaches children coping skills and reminds them that they can love, even miss, their parents and still enjoy school. In addition to providing specific tips for both children and parents, I Don’t Want to Go to School offers a great tool to open a dialogue with an anxious child. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Are You Sad Little Bear by Rachel Rivett Grandmother Bear has gone for ever, and Little Bear is feeling sad. His mother wisely suggests that perhaps asking his woodland companions what saying goodbye means to them will help him understand his loss. Little Bear’s day of exploring and asking questions brings him comfort and hope. For the swallows, saying goodbye means flying to warmer lands; for the leaves of the trees it is a chance to be free, leaving the tree at her most beautiful; for the moon it is to return to be with the Sun; and for the Sun it is to rise in another sky and just because Little Bear can’t see him doesn’t mean he isn’t there. This charmingly illustrated picture book will help young children in times of bereavement, loss or change, gently exploring the reasons for saying goodbye and giving reassurance that goodbye doesn’t mean the end of things. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Anna Angrysaurus by Brian Moses and Mike Gordon Anna Angrysaurus is a very angry dinosaur. She gets cross when her brother beats her at games, or when she can’t watch what she wants on television. She roars, howls and stamps her feet. Will she ever be able to keep calm? Written by Brian Moses, this funny picture book explores different things that might make young children frustrated at home or at school, such as sibling jealousy, not being allowed to do what they like, or even feeling grumpy for no reason at all. Different ways of dealing with anger and avoiding tantrums are then set out. The clever and funny illustrations, by internationally renowned illustrator, Mike Gordon, bring a light touch to these stories, helping children to learn about and manage their emotions in a fun and light-hearted way. This book is available to borrow from school |
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We Were Going To Have A Baby But We Had An Angel Instead by Pat Schwiebert A new book from the author of “When Hello Means Goodbye.” Created especially for children who are suffering the loss of their families pregnancy. This book is available to borrow from school |
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But Why Can’t I? A Book About Rules by Sue Graves George thinks rules are silly. When Jenny comes to babysit, George refuses to keep to the rules. But that makes playing dangerous and not fun at all! Can George learn why rules are important? This series introduces young children to different aspects of our emotions and behaviour. A fictional story is backed up by suggestions for activities and ideas to talk about, while a wordless storyboard encourages children to tell another story. Supports the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This book is available to borrow from school |
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I Didn’t Do It! by Sue Graves Poppy doesn’t always tell the truth at home. She doesn’t always tell the truth at school either. Now she’s getting other children into trouble. Can she learn that it’s better to own up than to tell a lie? This series introduces young children to different aspects of our emotions and behaviour. A fictional story is backed up by suggestions for activities and ideas to talk about, while a wordless storyboard encourages children to tell another story. Supports the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This book is available to borrow from school |
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I Feel Jealous By Brian Moses Young children experience many confusing emotions in their early years and I feel Jealous looks at the emotion jealousy, in light-hearted but ultimately reassuring way. This picture book examines how and why people get jealous, illustrates scenarios of people behaving in a jealous way, and the best way to cope with it with age-appropriate content. Ideal for home or the classroom, this book contains notes for parents and teachers with suggestions of ways to help children deal with jealousy. This book is available to borrow from school |
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I Hate Everything By Sue Graves Sam is having a bad day and nothing is going right. Dad is too busy to play with him, he doesn’t like his lunch and he doesn’t enjoy Archie’s party. Can Aunt Jen help him to stop feeling so angry This series introduces young children to different aspects of our emotions and behaviour. A fictional story is backed up by suggestions for activities and ideas to talk about, while a wordless storyboard encourages children to tell another story. This book is available to borrow from school |
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The Huge Bag of Worries By Virginia Ironside Wherever Jenny goes, her worries follow her – in a big blue bag. They are there when she goes swimming, when she is watching TV, and even when she is in the lavatory. Jenny decides they will have to go. But who can help her?The Huge Bag of Worries was written by Virginia Ironside, one of Britain’s leading agony aunts, and has sold 140k copies to date. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Not Fair Won’t Share By Sue Graves Miss Clover has made a space station. Posy, Ben and Alfie must take turns to play with it. But Posy doesn’t want to share, and everyone gets cross. Can the children learn to enjoy it together? This series introduces young children to different aspects of our emotions and behaviour. A fictional story is backed up by suggestions for activities and ideas to talk about, while a wordless storyboard encourages children to tell another story related to the subject, encouraging speaking and listening skills. Supports the Personal, Social and Emotional Development Area of Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This book is available to borrow from school |
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Sad Book By Michael Rosen Sad Book chronicles Michael’s grief at the death of his son Eddie from meningitis at the age of 19. A moving combination of sincerity and simplicity, it acknowledges that sadness is not always avoidable or reasonable and perfects the art of making complicated feelings plain. It wasn’t made like any other book either; Michael Rosen said of the text, ” I wrote it at a moment of extreme feeling and it went straight down onto the page … Quentin didn’t illustrate it, he ‘realized’ it. He turned the text into a book and as a result showed me back to myself. No writer could ask and get more than that.” And Quentin Blake says that the picture of Michael “being sad but trying to look happy” is the most difficult drawing he’s ever done… “a moving experience.” This book is available to borrow from school |
Stonewall https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
Support for LGBT+ is the largest LGBT rights organisation in the UK and Europe.
YMCA http://www.ymcanorfolk.org/
The YMCA is a charity that has been supporting people in Norfolk since 1856. They focus on young people, helping them to play an active role within their community.
The Matthew Project https://www.matthewproject.org/
For over 30 years, the Matthew Project has been supporting children and adults across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, with issues around substance misuse and wellbeing.