We have now re-opened our clubs and face-to-face activities in line with Government guidance. Please be assured that we have adapted services to minimise any risk to our members, staff and volunteers.
The health and wellbeing of everyone associated with Kangaroos is our priority. We will continue to closely monitor Government advice and guidelines regarding the protection of vulnerable young people from Coronavirus.
To further help our families we have collated some useful resources. See below for more information and signposting to other support groups. Feel free to contact us if you can’t find the help you are looking for and we will try to assist and/or put you in touch with the relevant service.
NHS advice for people at high risk
Government guidance on social distancing for vulnerable people
General Government advice on Coronavirus
A report on the challenges faced by families of children with SEND
A social story, Coronavirus is a sickness, by The Garden School
Dave the dog is worried about coronavirus, story written for children by an intensive care nurse
Staying healthy and washing hands with Sesame Street
7 simple tips on explaining coronavirus to children
Children’s guide to Coronavirus by the Children’s Commissioner
Talking to your children about the coronavirus pandemic by The Mental Health Foundation
Free information book explaining Coronavirus to children with images by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler
Audio books – Calibre Audio is free to join for everyone who has a print disability
Live Music sessions with Soundabout
Sensory Project is sharing ideas for lots of activities and resources for children and young people
And don’t forget to Colour a Kangaroo and take a snap for our Facebook page
West Sussex Library has a wide range of ebooks
Realistic activities to do at home with children and adults with SEND
Self isolation activities by Disability Grants
A toolkit for keeping children calm
Mental health advice from Sussex Partnership NHS
Coronavirus advice and support for young people regarding mental health issues such as anxiety and isolation
Live physiotherapy sessions with BumbleBee Physio
Swoove with Esther live fitness sessions
Short YouTube video by Dr Karen Treisman about ways for children to express, share and deal with their worries.
Free online counselling for young autistic people living in Sussex – available up to Jan 2021
Reaching Families support, advice and resources, includes general information on Coronavirus, well-being and education resources, as well as signposting for SEND parents and carers
Compass Card is sharing lots of resources and activities for young people with SEND
Carer Support West Sussex offers a range of services from counselling, well-being and relaxation therapies and access to a carer support fund to support groups and a carer response line.
West Sussex Short Breaks is offering advice and support for families with disabled children, teens and young adults on learning at home, feelings, health and well-being, stay-at-home activities and keeping fit.
Covid Mutual Aid is a hub for local support groups helping to get supplies to families
Contact, a national charity for families with disabled children, offers general advice about Covid-19 for children with health needs
The SENDcast episode on ‘Corona – Life at Home – Supporting children with special needs‘
Government and West Sussex guidance on Coronavirus
Reaching Families and WSPCF FAQs
National Autistic Society guidance on Coronavirus and useful information
Coronavirus help and support page by The Disabled Children’s Partnership
Vicky Ford the Under Secretary of State For Children and Families has written an open letter to those with SEND and those who care for someone with SEND. You can download the letter here.
The Maths Factor is FREE at the moment
Twinkl is sharing lots of resources and activities, including FREE resource packs
HelpKidzlearn has lots of inclusive IT games and activities. This website is aimed at children and young people with SEND and offers lots of number and letter activities and cause and effect games
West Sussex Local Offer resources and advice for educating at home
The government’s online educational resources for schools and parents to help children to learn at home
Yvonne Newbold’s series of webinars to help parents and carers lead children beyond their anxieties, fears, confusion and extreme behaviour
Many of our disabled children and young people can’t or won’t wear facemasks on public transport. Here are some PDF’s to help parent carers with this.
A great animation for our young people by Reaching Families on “The New Normal”
DIY face masks with clear panels for children and young people