We want to hear from you if you think we’ve helped and done something well or could’ve done something differently.
We need this information for us to learn, so that we can improve the service we provide to all children and young people.
Here are some examples below:
Did you understand what was happening and the reasons why?
Did you feel that you were listened to?
Did we include you in planning and decision making?
Did you feel supported?
Were we open and honest with you?
Did we make you feel safe?
What could we have done better?
Our Participation Officers Katie Harris and Sophie de Sousa are here to help. You can text, call, e-mail or complete an online form to provide feedback and let us know how we’ve done. Good points or areas to work on, we’re here to listen.
Text, call, or WhatsApp our Participation Officers: Katie Harris 07785 934 552 Sophie de Sousa 07500 608 141
Alternatively you may wish to use the SEND version
This information will help us learn so we can improve the service we provide to other children and young people who may be going through a similar experience to you.
Last Update - 11/Sep/2023
Point of You, feedback service for children and young people - Special Educational Needs & Disability Version SEND Local Offer
We want to hear from you if you think we’ve helped and done something well or could’ve done something differently.
We need this information for us to learn, so that we can improve the service we provide to all children and young people.
Here are some examples below:
Did you understand what was happening and the reasons why?
Did you feel that you were listened to?
Did we include you in planning and decision making?
Did you feel supported?
Were we open and honest with you?
Did we make you feel safe?
What could we have done better?
Our Participation Officers Katie Harris and Sophie de Sousa are here to help. You can text, call, e-mail or complete an online form to provide feedback and let us know how we’ve done. Good points or areas to work on, we’re here to listen.
Text, call, or WhatsApp our Participation Officers: Katie Harris 07785 934 552 Sophie de Sousa 07500 608 141
This information will help us learn so we can improve the service we provide to other children and young people who may be going through a similar experience to you.
Last Update - 11/Sep/2023
Emotional Wellbeing
Bullying
If you’re being bullied, whether it’s online or at school, university or work, it can be really difficult and leave you feeling hurt – but you are not alone. Advice on how you can tell someone and get help.
If you’re being bullied, whether it’s online or at school, university or work, it can be really difficult and leave you feeling hurt – but you are not alone. Advice on how you can tell someone and get help.
Bullying can happen anywhere and be about anything. We’ve got advice about different types of bullying, and how you can get help and support.
Adolescence refers to the period of physical and psychological development between childhood and adulthood. The beginning of adolescence is around the onset of puberty, which brings dramatic alterations in hormone levels and consequent physical changes.
Adolescence refers to the period of physical and psychological development between childhood and adulthood. The beginning of adolescence is around the onset of puberty, which brings dramatic alterations in hormone levels and consequent physical changes.
Puberty onset is also associated with profound changes in drives, motivations, psychology, and social life; these changes continue throughout adolescence.
Teenager’s brains change a lot before they reach adulthood. This includes the brain getting better at recognising emotions.
During teenage years, young people are not using their brains in the same way adults might, they often make decisions based on emotion, impulses and aggression – adults use more problem solving skills.
There are lots of interesting YouTube videos about teenage brain and behaviour development.
Download or view our information on brain development in teenage years.
Torbay Young Carers Service are a friendly team based within Torbay Council’s Children’s Services. We provide a range of support and opportunities to young people who are in, or likely to take on a caring role.
Torbay Young Carers Service are a friendly team based within Torbay Council’s Children’s Services. We provide a range of support and opportunities to young people who are in, or likely to take on a caring role.
What do we mean by Young Carer?
Torbay Young Carers Service works with young people aged up to 18, whose lives are affected by caring. The person being cared for may have a disability, a serious or long-term illness, mental ill-health or be affected by addiction issues.
The person being cared for is usually a parent, sibling or other family member.
The care tasks young carers may be involved in include:
Practical care – Cooking, Cleaning, Shopping.
Personal care – Washing, dressing or toileting.
Family responsibilities – Managing money and household budgets, Completing forms and/or household responsibilities.
Medical care – Reminding the cared for to take medication, administering medication, giving injections etc.
Emotional care – Listening and/or talking to the cared for person about their feelings, concerns and difficulties.
Care of younger siblings – Helping to look after a sibling because their parent/s are unable to, or need assistance at times.
Young carers may be the sole carer, or they may be supporting another family member in care tasks
What support do we Provide?
The support plan will vary depending on the individual needs of the young carer or their family, but examples include:
Information and advice
Young Carers Groups
In-school support
Activities and outings
Individual support
Family events
Advice on making services accessible to young carers
Relationships can make you feel amazing. But they can also leave you feeling stressed out and upset. Get advice if you’re having problems with relationships.
Relationships can make you feel amazing. But they can also leave you feeling stressed out and upset. Get advice if you’re having problems with relationships.
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Qwell
Free digital mental wellbeing support for adults across the UK
We give straightforward support for problems that young people might be facing.
How to deal with exam stress
Pressure to do well in exams can be overwhelming and affect your mental health. Here’s some advice if it’s all getting a bit too much.
How to beat it
Talk
Having someone to talk to about your work can help. Support from a parent, tutor or other adult can help you talk about your worries and keep things in perspective.
Pressure to do well in exams can be overwhelming and affect your mental health. Here’s some advice if it’s all getting a bit too much.
How to beat it Talk
Having someone to talk to about your work can help. Support from a parent, tutor or other adult can help you talk about your worries and keep things in perspective.
Eat well
During the exam period it is important that you eat well. Always eat breakfast and do not skip lunch. Going into an exam with an empty stomach will affect your concentration. But, avoid a big meal just before your exam as it can make you feel sleepy.
Fruits and proteins are good source of energy
Avoid too many high sugar, high caffeinated drinks
If possible carry a water bottle to the exam hall to rehydrate
Sleep
Good sleep will improve thinking and concentration. You need between 8 and 10 hours sleep a night. Stop studying, using a computer, playing electronic games or watching TV at least half an hour before bed. Cramming all night before an exam is a bad idea.
Exercise
It is a proven that regular exercise reduces stress. Even a brisk walk to school before your exam will help you to feel more relaxed.
Time Out
It’s really important that you take time out to relax. Try to build time off into your revision timetable and take regular breaks to do something you enjoy. Enjoy your time off, but you need to get enough sleep so avoid late nights!
Organise and Prepare
Make sure you have all the things you need for the exam: your stationery, your identity badge, your watch, water bottle etc. Last-minute searching for things can stress your mind further and create panic during the exam. For the hour or so before your exam, take time out to relax. Don’t stress yourself by trying to cram more information to your already worked-up brain! Have a drink, eat a light snack and take some deep breaths.
Forget
Once the exam is over try not to worry about the results or waste time discussing what your friends have written. Go and do something you enjoy and then plan how you can best prepare for your next exam.
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Kooth mental health support
Your online mental wellbeing community, free, safe and anonymous support
Your online mental wellbeing community, free, safe and anonymous support
Last Update - 08/Aug/2023
Checkpoint, Torbay
We provide help to young people aged 8–18 across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. We can speak to you on the phone, online or face to face. We can help you overcome the challenges that hold you back. Achieve the things that matter to you. Give you skills and strategies to help you move forward.
We provide help to young people aged 8–18 across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. We can speak to you on the phone, online or face to face. We can help you overcome the challenges that hold you back. Achieve the things that matter to you. Give you skills and strategies to help you move forward.
Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, we help hundreds of young people every year. If you need it, we are here.
There are lots of way to feel calmer. It’s about finding what works for you. Try some of CalmZones breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
There are lots of way to feel calmer. It’s about finding what works for you. Try some of CalmZones breathing exercises, activities, games and videos to help let go of stress.
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Abusive relationships
Abuse in teenage relationships is when you begin to feel scared or controlled by the person you’re with. You may be confused because it feels like a loving relationship but often only when you behave in a certain way. This can happen at any age, regardless of gender.
Abuse in teenage relationships is when you begin to feel scared or controlled by the person you’re with. You may be confused because it feels like a loving relationship but often only when you behave in a certain way. This can happen at any age, regardless of gender.
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Mind, the mental health charity
When you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information – about a condition, treatment options, or practical issues – is vital. Mind can help.
When you’re living with a mental health problem, or supporting someone who is, having access to the right information – about a condition, treatment options, or practical issues – is vital. Mind can help.
Last Update - 10/Aug/2023
Sexual wellbeing and relationships
Having an active sex life can lead to health benefits such as improving the condition of your heart, reducing stress and improving mental health. Being part of a happy, healthy relationship can also reduce depression and anxiety. Even just having a hug can reduce your blood pressure and improve your sense of well-being.
Having an active sex life can lead to health benefits such as improving the condition of your heart, reducing stress and improving mental health. Being part of a happy, healthy relationship can also reduce depression and anxiety. Even just having a hug can reduce your blood pressure and improve your sense of well-being.
These pages provide information and advice on topics that we hear about in our clinics every day that are related to your sexual health and general well-being.
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Lumi Nova
A therapeutic mobile game to help 7-12 year olds learn to self-manage their fears and worries.
A therapeutic mobile game to help 7-12 year olds learn to self-manage their fears and worries.
Last Update - 08/Aug/2023
Self harm
Self-harm is when people hurt themselves or damage their health on purpose. Sometimes people do this in secret. There are lots of different reasons why someone might self-harm, but there are also different ways to cope and get help.
Self-harm is when people hurt themselves or damage their health on purpose. Sometimes people do this in secret. There are lots of different reasons why someone might self-harm, but there are also different ways to cope and get help.
TRIGGER WARNING: This page contains information about self-harm which may bring up difficult feelings.
Why do people self-harm?
There are lots of reasons why young people might self-harm. The need to hurt yourself usually comes from emotions that are very difficult to cope with.
Young people might self-harm because it’s a way of releasing tension or controlling something. It’s a physical pain that you can deal with, rather than an emotional feeling that you might find hard to cope with. Self-harm can also be used as a form of self-punishment for something you feel bad about.
Feeling alone, angry, experiencing low self-esteem and not feeling good enough can also lead to self-harming. The reasons for self-harming can be very personal so it’s okay if you don’t know why you self-harm. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to deal with things on your own, contact Childline or Bromley Community Wellbeing and try to find other ways of expressing your emotions – check out Childline’s self-harm coping techniques.
Last Update - 24/Nov/2023
Young Minds, mental health support
Making sure all young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s challenges.
If you or someone you know self-harms there is always a listening ear available from the Samaritans.
Last Update - 08/Aug/2023
Hub of Hope, support for mental health concerns
The Hub of Hope is a first of its kind, national mental health database which brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place.
The Hub of Hope is a first of its kind, national mental health database which brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place.
Last Update - 08/Aug/2023
Suicide support
Pete’s Dragons offer support and comfort after suicide loss.
Anaphylaxis Campaign – Information for parents with a risk of severe allergy and and practitioners.
Last Update - 27/Nov/2023
Eczema
Find out about the different types of eczema, treatments and triggers, and download our booklets and factsheets. https://eczema.org/information-and-advice/
Asthma is the most common long-term medical condition in children in the UK, with around 1 in 11 children and young people living with asthma. The UK has some of the highest prevalence, emergency admissions and death rates for childhood asthma in Europe. Outcomes are worse for children and young people living in the most deprived areas.
Asthma is the most common long-term medical condition in children in the UK, with around 1 in 11 children and young people living with asthma. The UK has some of the highest prevalence, emergency admissions and death rates for childhood asthma in Europe. Outcomes are worse for children and young people living in the most deprived areas.
Click on the link to get to the asthma resource section supporting children, young people, families, and everybody else involved in looking after them.
Last Update - 27/Sep/2023
Practitioner only
There are a range of excellent resources that you can access – but please be aware that these resources require a level of training and are not appropriate for sharing with families. The resources below can be scrolled through, previewed, and downloaded, and the latest versions will be controlled and provided here. Some of these resources may also be available as printed resources.
There are a range of excellent resources that you can access – but please be aware that these resources require a level of training and are not appropriate for sharing with families. The resources below can be scrolled through, previewed, and downloaded, and the latest versions will be controlled and provided here. Some of these resources may also be available as printed resources.
Last Update - 14/Aug/2023
Top tips for looking after your eyes (easy read) SEND Local Offer
Your 0 to 19 Torbay School Nurse Team SEND Local Offer
School nurses are the key people linking education and health and take over from the health visitor when children start school, and are there to support them until they leave school at 19.
School nurses are the key people linking education and health and take over from the health visitor when children start school, and are there to support them until they leave school at 19.
Our Health Visitors will support you in getting your child ready for primary school. They will provide guidance on arranging pre-school immunisations and advice about healthy eating, toileting, hand washing, etc. At five years your child moves to the care of our School Nurses.
School Nurses are qualified nurses who have specialist training in Public Health and offer support to children and their families throughout the school year as part of the Healthy Child Programme 5-19. Some screenings and immunisations are provided through schools. If your child is home educated and you would like some advice from the school nurse, please do contact us.
Public Health Nurses are qualified nurses that work alongside Health Visitors, School Nurses, Community Nursery Nurses.
Community Nursery Nurses have a variety of qualifications and skills in child development and have expertise and knowledge supporting children and families. They work with the Health Visitors, School Nurses and Public health Nurses in the 0-19 service.
If you have concerns about your school age child you can speak to a School Nurse by either phone or by attending a local drop-in session. Contact our advice line (see below for details) or visit one of our Drop in’s. Dates, times and venues in our what’s on section.
Your School nurse can provide advice and support on issues including:
Behaviour
Emotional health and wellbeing
Continence issues e.g. soiling and enuresis
Developmental concerns
Advice, information and signposting to sexual health and contraception services
Growth and weight concerns
Advice and information in relation to lifestyle concerns including smoking, drugs or alcohol
Supporting pupils and their families/carers with newly diagnosed medical conditions
What if I want advice outside of school?
You can either phone our advice line on 0300 333 5352 (Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm) or email us publichealthnursing.torbay@nhs.net which ever is easier. Referral to 0 to 19 for school age children and young people.
Starting school in September
Here’s how the team can help. View or download the information poster and leaflet.
General information about allergies, including helpful resources to support families getting advice.
There are many kinds of allergies, from food, which is probably the most widely recognised, to skin, respiratory, eyes, drugs and venom and allergy. While in most people, allergy reactions will be mild to moderate they can be fatal in a condition called anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic reaction which requires an immediate emergency response.It has been collated in this area to help you support families with helpful information about common allergies and anaphylaxis and to facilitate early conversations.Information and awareness training from 0 to 19 Torbay’ anaphylaxis leadIntrOducing 0 to 19 Torbay’s anaphylaxis lead video on 0to19 siteEpipen Anaphylaxis
https://youtu.be/PBfaejstk14Jext Anaphylaxis
https://youtu.be/DASYq86TlfUEmerade Anaphylaxis
https://youtu.be/v_85kWCZCcM
General information about allergies, including helpful resources to support families getting advice.
There are many kinds of allergies, from food, which is probably the most widely recognised, to skin, respiratory, eyes, drugs and venom and allergy. While in most people, allergy reactions will be mild to moderate they can be fatal in a condition called anaphylaxis, the most severe allergic reaction which requires an immediate emergency response.
It has been collated in this area to help you support families with helpful information about common allergies and anaphylaxis and to facilitate early conversations.
Information and awareness training from 0 to 19 Torbay’ anaphylaxis lead
IntrOducing 0 to 19 Torbay’s anaphylaxis lead video on 0to19 site
An attractive and healthy smile is important when meeting people and making friends. And it can boost your confidence and help you feel good about yourself.
An attractive and healthy smile is important when meeting people and making friends. And it can boost your confidence and help you feel good about yourself.
If you don’t look after your teeth and gums properly you could suffer from a number of different conditions that will make you stand out from the crowd for all the wrong reasons
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Allergies and eczema, helpful websites
Allergy UK – Support for people living and working with people with serve allergies
Allergy UK – Support for people living and working with people with serve allergies
Anaphylaxis UK – Information for parents with a risk of severe allergy and and practitioners.
An allergy is a reaction the body has to a particular food or substance. Find out more about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergies/
Eczema Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common form of eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. Find out more here https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/
Last Update - 20/May/2024
Puberty
What does puberty mean?Puberty is when a child begins to grow and develop into an adult.
What does puberty mean? Puberty is when a child begins to grow and develop into an adult.
Puberty For girls The average age girls start to notice changes is around 11 years old.
The first sign is often the beginnings of breast growth – this varies from person to person.
Body hair will grow.
They will sweat more (and it may smell).
They may start getting spots and pimples.
They grow! (About 2 – 3 inches a year).
Their body shape will change – their hips will widen, waist gets narrower and they will have more body fat on arms, legs and upper back. This is normal and as long as children keep active and eat healthily, it is nothing to worry about.
Periods (menstruation) usually begin around two years after you first notice early signs of puberty.
Puberty for boys The average age boys start to notice changes is around 12 years old.
The first sign is often testicles (balls) getting bigger and the skin of the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) getting thinner and redder.
Body and facial hair grows, getting thicker and curlier as puberty progresses.
Their voice will get deeper. As this happens your child’s voice might sometimes go squeaky or deep.
Their penis will sometimes be erect. This can happen without warning, sometimes because of sexual feelings, sometimes for no reason at all.
They may notice some swelling around their nipples, this does not last and it is normal.
They have a growth spurt! (About 3 inches a year) and become more muscular.
Contact your 0 to 19 Torbay advice line for support from our school nursing team. Tel: 0300 333 5352 (Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm) Email: publichealthnursing.torbay@nhs.net
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Personal hygiene
Alongside daily hygiene habits such as washing your hands, brushing your teeth and generally keeping clean to reduce spreading germs and infection, there is also a social aspect to personal hygiene. This is around body odour and dental hygiene.As a young person, your body might already be going through a number of changes, or it soon will, so maintaining good personal hygiene and establishing daily routines are important, especially as some of these changes can be a source of anxiety for some people.Here are some hygiene basics to help you stay healthy and clean, so that you don’t have to worry about smelly underarms or feet.
Alongside daily hygiene habits such as washing your hands, brushing your teeth and generally keeping clean to reduce spreading germs and infection, there is also a social aspect to personal hygiene. This is around body odour and dental hygiene. As a young person, your body might already be going through a number of changes, or it soon will, so maintaining good personal hygiene and establishing daily routines are important, especially as some of these changes can be a source of anxiety for some people. Here are some hygiene basics to help you stay healthy and clean, so that you don’t have to worry about smelly underarms or feet.
Your skin and spots During puberty your skin changes and tends to produce more oil that can lead to spots. You should work out the type of skin you have and buy products to fit this. For example, your skin type might be combination/normal, dry or oily • Make sure you thoroughly cleanse your face in the morning and evening • If you wear any make-up, make sure to remove this before bed • Hydrate and moisturise your skin • Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy, balanced diet Some teenagers develop acne and get a large number of spots that can become infected. This needs treatment and you should speak to your GP for advice on how to manage this. You may need specialist treatment and / or products
Body odour During puberty, your sweat glands start to develop. Body odour occurs as a result of bacteria feeding on and breaking down the sweat on the body. To manage body odour, you can: • Shower daily and make sure you are wearing clean clothing to avoid bacterial build up, particularly after any physical activity • Regularly shave and wash your underarms thoroughly • Start using deodorant, roll on or spray. Some deodorants are also antiperspirants, which could cause you to sweat less. If you are concerned by the amount you are sweating, or your body odour has worsened or changed, then you can visit your GP for advice or speak to one of our school nurses.
Dental hygiene Making sure you maintain good dental hygiene is key to avoiding bad breath and other issues such as gum disease. Make sure you: • Brush your teeth twice day • Floss • Visit the dentist regularly.
Smelly feet Young people can be prone to smelly feet, even if they are not doing lots of sports. To avoid or manage this: • Make sure you wash your feet properly when you’re in the shower • Make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on your socks and shoes • Visit your GP if you feel it is getting worse or not getting any better.
If you need further help or support, your school nurse is available to discuss any issues or questions you may have in relation to puberty and body changes confidentially.
As well as having negative social affects, poor hygiene and hand washing causes health problems. Poor hygiene can cause sickness and disease. Poor hygiene can also cause social rejection and may also lead to bullying, low confidence and low self-esteem. – see also word doc for more information.
Contact your 0 to 19 Torbay advice line for support from our school nursing team. Tel: 0300 333 5352 (Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm) Email: publichealthnursing.torbay@nhs.net
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Teen sleep hub
The one stop shop for all you need to know about sleep. Great resources and videos to share.
The one stop shop for all you need to know about sleep. Great resources and videos to share.
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Information and support with understanding vaccinations
Childhood vaccinations – or jabs have been around for over 200 years starting with the first smallpox vaccine. Different vaccinations are given out at different times across childhood. But don’t worry if you or your child has missed out you can catch-up. Vaccines work by teaching your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. Think of antibodies as your body’s defence system. It’s much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you for many years.
Childhood vaccinations – or jabs have been around for over 200 years starting with the first smallpox vaccine. Different vaccinations are given out at different times across childhood. But don’t worry if you or your child has missed out you can catch-up. Vaccines work by teaching your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. Think of antibodies as your body’s defence system. It’s much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you for many years.
Vaccines all have different names depending on what disease they are helping to protect you against. The diseases they cover may be in their medical term rather than how we know them so whooping cough has the medical term pertussis! They may also be reduced down as their long name is a bit of a tongue-twister – so Hib stands for Haemophilus Influenzae type b.
They can also be delivered to different sites – thigh, upper arm or into the nostrils.
Below lists the standard routine childhood immunisations with when you should have expected to have them, what they are for and where you will receive them.
I think I’m missing some of my childhood vaccinations – how do I find out? First step is to find out whether you have a completed red book which includes a section on your vaccination history.- You can also check your vaccination history via the NHS app.
I know I am missing some of my childhood vaccinations – how do I access them? Contact your GP surgery to find out the best way to book in for your missed vaccinations.
I’m not sure if my child is up to date with their childhood vaccinations – how do I find out? First step is to check your child’s red book which includes a section on your vaccination history. If you’re not sure you took this with you to the vaccination or you can’t find it. The next step is the NHS app from here you can also view your child’s vaccination record. If you’re child has not been added to your account, please contact your GP surgery.
I know I my child is missing some of their childhood vaccinations – how do I access them? Contact your GP surgery
Are vaccines important? Yes! Vaccines can help prevent you or your child becoming infected. The side-effects of these diseases can cause painful and/or permanent disabilities. Vaccines also help to protect the community, we see less of these nasty infections because of the majority of the population is vaccinated – something referred to as herd immunity. This also helps to protect those who can’t get vaccinated or have low immune systems for example those undergoing cancer treatment.
Some of the vaccines such as the HPV vaccine help to also reduce the risk of cervical cancer later in life.
If you’re a young person and would like to catch up on any vaccines you have missed, these can still protect you as you head into adulthood. They’re not just for when you’re young!
Spotlight on Measles: This is an infection that can spread easily for example through the sharing of utensils, towels, clothes or bedding.
It can appear like a cold with symptoms like a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, sneezing and a cough. It can include red, sore, watery eyes – which means at the first stage you may not know it is measles.
The rash will appear a few days later.
Measles can lead to more serious problems such as pneumonia, meningitis, blindness and seizures – this is why the vaccine is key to protect the community. When a child or adult has measles they can’t attend nursery, school or work for at least 4 days after the rash appears. They need to avoid close contact with babies, people who are pregnant and people with weakened immune systems. Catching measles in pregnancy can cause miscarriage or still birth, premature birth or having a baby of low birth weight.
Big Brush Club are working with schools and early years settings to offer supervised toothbrushing for children every day. They equip staff with all the tools they need to run toothbrushing sessions, as well as provide expert guidance and ongoing support help parents and carers to understand the importance of oral hygiene by providing lots of support and resources for families.
Big Brush Club are working with schools and early years settings to offer supervised toothbrushing for children every day. They equip staff with all the tools they need to run toothbrushing sessions, as well as provide expert guidance and ongoing support help parents and carers to understand the importance of oral hygiene by providing lots of support and resources for families.
NHS England has selected At Home Dental, to deliver the Big Brush Club supervised toothbrushing programme for children in Early Years settings across the Southwest.
Look out for them popping into our family hub coffee mornings soon where they can offer advice and support on looking after your baby or child’s oral health.
Click on the button and for tips, information, advice and fun brushing videos.
As your teenage years are such an important time for growth and development, a healthy, varied diet is essential to ensure that you receive all the energy and nutrients you need to concentrate well at school and take part in sports and activities. Top tips from the British Nutrition Foundation
As your teenage years are such an important time for growth and development, a healthy, varied diet is essential to ensure that you receive all the energy and nutrients you need to concentrate well at school and take part in sports and activities. Top tips from the British Nutrition Foundation
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
How many calories you need?
Advice and guidance from the NHS
Concerned about your eating?
Find out more about common eating disorders from the NHS
Eating on a budget
Tips to save money on food
Beat eating disorders
Information and advice if you or someone you know things they might have an eating disorder.
How much physical activity should children and young people aged 5 to 18 do to keep healthy? Advice and guidance from the NHS
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Sexual health
Are you ready for sex?
The only person who can say if you’re ready for sex is you. If you are thinking about having sex for the first time there are some things that you might want to think about first.
The only person who can say if you’re ready for sex is you. If you are thinking about having sex for the first time there are some things that you might want to think about first.
Childline have put together the following advice to help you decide;
You might be worried about being left out, not being seen as mature or like you need to have sex to prove that you care about someone. Or people around you might be making you feel like you should have sex.
The only person who can decide if you’re ready is you. If you’re thinking about having sex, you should consider:
Do you feel you could say no if you wanted to but still want to do it?
Can you have fun together without anything sexual involved?
Do you each want it for yourself, not for the other person or to fit in with friends or others’ expectations of you?
Are you certain nobody’s forcing you, pressuring you or coercing you?
Have you and your partner discussed using condoms and contraception, agreed what happens next and whether or not to tell your friends afterwards and talked about the implications if you become pregnant?
You aren’t really ready for sex until you can tick all of these boxes.
But remember – even if you are, it still doesn’t mean you have to.
It’s your choice and no-one else’s.
You should never feel pressured into doing something sexual until you’re ready and you should not put yourself at risk.
Find more information about being prepared, staying safe and what to do if something goes wrong from the Devon sexual health service.
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Helpful websites
There are a range of helpful websites that you can access online. If you discover additional resources that may be useful, please advise the Knowledge Lead for this topic.
There are a range of helpful websites that you can access online. If you discover additional resources that may be useful, please advise the Knowledge Lead for this topic.
What do you expect of your girlfriend/boyfriend?
When’s the right time to take things to the next level, and how do you know?
HOW TO GET HELP
If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or contact the Devon Sexual Health Service. Alternatively, you can always contact your school nurse.
Flying the nest – how to stay safe if you’re Leaving home for the first time, worried about spiking, festivals or cannabis edibles? Get advice from FRANK
Flying the nest – how to stay safe if you’re Leaving home for the first time, worried about spiking, festivals or cannabis edibles? Get advice from FRANK
Last Update - 19/Sep/2023
Learning and development (Young People)
Teenage brain development - YouTube
Check out YouTube for videos around teenage brain development.
Your brain changes as you hit adolescence. Going to sleep later? See how the changes in your brain explain some of the changes in your behaviour. Free online short course if you live in Torbay, just use the code TAMAR
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Understanding your feelings (for teenagers only!)
Feeling overwhelmed? Confused? Want to know more about your feelings? Your thoughts?
Feeling overwhelmed? Confused? Want to know more about your feelings? Your thoughts?
This course is for you!
There is even a Module on the emotional effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Free if you live in Torbay, just use the code TAMAR
Last Update - 09/Aug/2023
Torbay Young Peoples views about Supported Internships SEND Local Offer
Local supported internships for young people aged between 17 and 20 have taken place in various emploment settings and in various job roles - these have included working as a Cleaner, Sales Assistant, Hospital Porter, Ward Clerk, Ward Buddy, Tyre Mechanic, Waiter, Chef.
Local supported internships for young people aged between 17 and 20 have taken place in various emploment settings and in various job roles – these have included working as a Cleaner, Sales Assistant, Hospital Porter, Ward Clerk, Ward Buddy, Tyre Mechanic, Waiter, Chef.
School helped me create a CV and have talked a lot about getting a paid job
I’m trying all the time to be as independent as I can be
My school helped me to get a paid job at a café and I’m also learning to drive, I feel very independent
3 out of 9 young people already have part-time paid jobs and feel this has helped them become more independent.
Young people involved in supported internships told us:
The help I’m getting to find a paid job in the future
I like the team I work with and the role, it makes me want a job
We have a laugh, I’m now used to using the machines and talking to customers
I like to organise the products and clean the shelves; I make everything look neater
It has helped my social skills, after COVID I found it difficult to get out
I make cakes, prepare food, cook and learn about all the different spices
All the opportunities available to me
The people are the best thing, I like talking to the customers, I even have a regular who always comes to me
I wanted a job that makes a difference, which the NHS does, regardless of what I do there
The team are very supportive, they understand the different needs of everyone. I even get help with interviews
I’m enjoying being able to do the extra curricular work of L1 maths in between the programme
The support getting to and from the placement
I am nervous to move out of my home but I want to live and work in Exeter. The supported internship is giving me the work experience I need to get a paid job
The programme is getting me ready, I’m no longer worried about life
Young people involved when asked what could be better, told us:
Nothing, it’s all good
I’d like to be able to do more of the mechanical work and not just tyres
I want to go on the till but you need to be on their system, in a paid job, for that
My options have been limited because of my physical disability. I need an admin job but it’s hard to find a setting with the right facilities for me
The environment isn’t busy enough for me, I preferred it in my last placement, I like the stress
I would like a paid job there now
Young people involved when why a bussiness should employ a young person who has Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities (SEND), told us:
We find it harder to get a job, giving us more opportunities would be good. I’m good at organising!
I work really hard and put my mind to it, I keep working at it and I think straight, not much affects me.
Depends on their needs. I bring pros and cons to a workplace, I talk a lot which is good for customer interaction but could be bad for business if you’re not getting anything done, I’m working on that.
I bring humour 🙂
A child with SEND can learn a lot from the workplace so give them the opportunity.
People shouldn’t be treated differently, we should all have the same opportunities.
Giving the same opportunities to all even if some young people have issues/needs.
Give them a chance, we need to give back to society too.
Last Update - 04/Aug/2024
Youth Homeless Prevention
Independent Living Skills - Youth Homeless
The course covers nine topics to help you with independent living. During the course you'll explore housing, finances, how to look after yourself and how to stay safe whilst living independently. Click the link below to get started.
The course covers nine topics to help you with independent living. During the course you’ll explore housing, finances, how to look after yourself and how to stay safe whilst living independently. Click the link below to get started.
