Welcome to the SYAS blog
“Keeping in touch with the people that matter is important”.
With the new guidelines of meeting people during lockdown, we understand it may be pretty difficult to get used to this! However, our UVP Apprentice, Amy, shares with you why it is important to keep in contact with your loved one! Read more to find out!
Loneliness
We have been hearing from children and young people that they have been feel lonely during this difficult time. Gina, a UVP Advocate in the team has created some top tips for being alone during self-isolation without feeling lonely. Check it out!
Online Safety – Myth Busters!
It’s important you make sure that you’re staying safe online. Our UVP Participation Officer, Helen, has crated some myth busters around online safety! See if you can get them right!
Reporting Cyber-Bullying
In a recent Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey 76% of young people had been affected by online bullying. 69% of young people who answered our Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey knew how to report online bullying, but if you are unsure how to, read more to find out how! Stay safe!
CYA: Cyber-bullying and the impact on young people’s mental health.
Cyber-bullying is fast becoming one of the biggest issues for young people. In a recent online Instagram poll on @OurVoiceSurrey, young people told us that 76% had been affected by a type of online bullying, with the majority being victims of bullying on group chats or on social media platforms. Read more to find outContinue reading “CYA: Cyber-bullying and the impact on young people’s mental health.”
Anxiety
We have been hearing from SEND Youth Advisors that they are feeling anxious during self-isolation and that they would like more resources on anxiety. Do not worry – SABP have made an anxiety leaflet for you about what anxiety is and how you can get support!
How to – Strawberry and banana trifle
For this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, why not shower your kindness and make an appetising strawberry and banana trifle for your loved ones! Our User Voice and Participation Advocate, Sania, will show you how! Share your recreations with us, we hope you have fun making it, enjoy!
Contacting emergency services during COVID19
We have recently heard from children and young people that they are apprehensive to call emergency services due to the COVID19 outbreak. However, our Apprentice, Amy, from the User Voice and Participation team has created a brilliant blog post on why it is okay to contact emergency services during this pandemic. So, do not worry!Continue reading “Contacting emergency services during COVID19”
Kooth’s Kindness Challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week
For Mental Health Awareness Week check out Kooth’s 5 Steps to Wellbeing! Kooth also challenges you to the Kooth Kindness challenge! 1) Offer to do the shopping. 2) Pay a few compliments. 3) Smile more often. 4) Express your gratitude. 5) Send a sad friend a funny video. Click below to see how you canContinue reading “Kooth’s Kindness Challenge for Mental Health Awareness Week”
Mental Health Awareness Week 2020
Mental Health Awareness Week is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health. Mental health can affect anyone, at any time. This year #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek is all about how much #KindnessMatters If you would like to get involved with #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek 18th – 24th May 2020 get in contact with us! We’d love to shareContinue reading “Mental Health Awareness Week 2020”
Sleep self-care tips
We understand that during this strange time, it is difficult to catch some sleep. Therefore, we created some tips that can help you sleep so you can look after yourself! Let’s talk about good sleep hygiene, we hope this works out for you!
Domestic Abuse guidance – where to get help
If you’re worried about abuse, your safety, or the safety of your friends or loved ones, please take a look at the resource and information pack created for young people by the User Voice and Participation team’ – it’s a bit of a ‘trigger warning’!
Dyslexia
One of our amazing SYAS member’s, Ryan, has created this fantastic blog piece all about dyslexia. It’s definitely worth the read! Click to find out more!
Lost your job or struggling with finances?
Due to the recent COVID19 pandemic, we understand many people are in a vulnerable position who are facing financial struggles. Our User Voice and Participation Team’s Apprentice, Amy has put together advice and useful information if you are in hardships! Read more to find out.
Staying safe online at home
Staying safe at home is important. If you feel you’re struggling, be sure to reach out to people who can help you! For more safety advice, read more to find out!
Anger
Have you been feeling angry recently especially since this COVID19 pandemic? Helen, a Participation Officer from the User Voice and Participation team created a post about anger and ways of coping with it!
10 ways to connect with nature without leaving your home this Spring!
Tired of staying at home during quarantine and fear you’re missing out this Spring? Do not worry – find yourself doing different activities and connect with nature this Spring! Spring brings an uplifting and a sense of comfort, so enjoy it while you can!
Students help isolated people during Covid19 through #Task4Help
Since Universities have closed, students are out to help people in self-isolation using the new initiative #Task4Help launched by UniTaskr app. Through this app, people can task students to collect supplies and deliver in their homes! How thoughtful, right?! Read more to find out how this service has been helping so many vulnerable people!
Self-care tips during COVID-19
It’s difficult keeping your mental health positive and being distracted from this COVID-19 isolation we are all in. So, one of our amazing CYA Staines member, Tiffany, has kindly shared her experience and thoughts on taking care of your mental health. Thank you, Tiffany! Read more to find out!
CYA Guildford wellbeing workshop – ‘Flower of positivity’
Yesterday, CYA Guildford took part in a virtual workshop with Gareth from the CYP Haven, and collaboratively created this flower of wellbeing with petals of positivity on Zoom! We hope this flower brightens your day 🙂 Thank you CYA Guildford!
Every Mind Matters – Tips for you to look after your wellbeing
Mind Matters have put together expert advice and informative tips on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing, and how to actively get support now! Read more to find out!
News: UK coronavirus rules relaxed for people with autism and learning disabilities
The UK government has announced their change in policy for those people that have autism and learning disabilities. Now, there are flexible measures for people with autism and learning disabilities can now exercise more than once a day and travel outside their local area with precaution under lockdown guidelines. How amazing! Check out the linkContinue reading “News: UK coronavirus rules relaxed for people with autism and learning disabilities”
Self-care activities
One of our wonderful CYA Guildford member, Hannah, has created an amazing poster of her tips and ideas of activities you could do for self-care! A big thank you to Hannah. Check it out!
Kooth are still here for you!
We would like to remind you that Kooth are still available to support your wellbeing! Check out their posters below for more information.
Covid19 & Exams
Are you feeling uneasy about what’s happening with your GCSE or A-Level exam grades this year? Check out our video on SYAS Facebook or our Instagram IGTV! Dom explains all! https://www.facebook.com/SurreySYAS
Celebrating the achievements of people with Autism!
SYAS would like to share some amazing achievements of famous people who have Autism – check it out!
Isolation Vlog!
As we come to the end of World Autism Awareness Week, Andrew who is a SYAS member has created a Vlog; A week in the life of Andrew during self-isolation! Make sure to check it out on SYAS Facebook – Add us as a friend on SYA Surrey! Or follow us on Instagram @ourvoicesurrey https://www.facebook.com/SurreySYAS
Positive News
As we near the weekend, we would like to share with you some positive news stories we heard in March 2020! Make sure to check them out! We would love to hear your positive news, get in touch!
World Autism Awareness Week!
We are so proud and privileged to be able to share Emma’s experience with ASD! Emma’s experience highlights Girls with Autism and Wishes for the Future – please take a moment to read and share! Thank-you Emma!
Isolation Tips!
Self-isolating can be really difficult so Georgia in the User Voice and Participation Team has created a guide to self-isolating, including fun activities you can be doing at home! Make sure you check them out! If you do any of the activities we’d love to hear from you and see what you’ve created!
Virtual Support!
The User Voice and Participation Team would like to share what virtual Emotional Well-being and Mental Health support is available to you! Accessing virtual support is so important to keep ourselves emotionally and mentally supported especially during self isolation! Make sure to check the services out!
How To Keep a Structure During Self Isolation
During this unsettling time it can be difficult to keep a structure or routine whist self-isolating. Joe, an apprentice in the User Voice and Participation shares some top tips on what we can be doing during self isolation! Check them out here!
How to look after your mental health during Coronavirus
We understand that there is panic within our communities due to COVID-19, and we can only do as much as we can to protect ourselves and others around us, physically and mentally. An advocate within our User Voice and Participation team, Sania, created a blog post on top tips to protect your mental health duringContinue reading “How to look after your mental health during Coronavirus”
Stop Bullying!
Bullying has a huge effect on young people’s mental health which can result in school refusal, high anxiety, depression, low mood and can also have a detrimental impact on young people’s education. Check out what CYA would like Surrey and schools to do to stop bullying! Remember be kind always!
What to if you're feeling worried or anxious about Coronavirus.
If you’re worried or anxious about Coronavirus, you are not alone! Amy an apprentice in the User Voice and Participation Team has shared some top tips. Click here to check them out!
Coping Calendar: Keep Calm, Stay Wise, Be Kind
Action for Happiness has create a Coping Calendar! Click here to check it out – 30 actions to look after ourselves and each other during this difficult time.
Our Voice Matters Survey!
The User Voice and Participation Team would like to know what matters to YOU and to give you a forum to have YOUR voice heard! Make sure you complete our teams Our Voice Survey. You’ll be in with the chance of winning £250 or an iPad! The OUR Voice Survey for Primary -4-11 years https://www.surreysays.co.uk/csf/our-voice-matters-survey-primary/Continue reading “Our Voice Matters Survey!”
Virtual SYAS
We are proud to announce Virtual SYAS is taking place next week via Facebook Video Chat Friday 27th March! Come and join in!
YES! Awards 2020
What a wonderful evening we had, celebrating children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities amazing achievements at the YES! Awards 2020! Take a look at an overview of the evening!
Coronavirus
It can be scary to hear about a disease outbreak, but learning the facts about coronavirus may help ease your mind. Check out Brain Pop video to find out more about how viruses work, and the best ways to prevent them from infecting people. https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
Mental Heath Awareness 2020
During Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, we asked CAMHS Youth Advisor Freya a few questions on why mental health awareness is so important. Make sure to check it out – includes top tips for being brave!
Top 10 do’s and don’ts when working with children and young people with SEND
SYAS creates a top 10 do’s and don’ts when working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities! Click to check it out!
Surrey County Council’s SEND Partnership Strategy!
Our wonderful SEND Youth Advisors experience features in Surrey County Council’s SEND Partnership Strategy – click to check it out!
SYAS – SEND Youth Advisors Surrey
SYAS is a participation group for children and young people age 10-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) living in Surrey. There are two SYAS groups across Surrey: Epsom – runs the 3rd Wednesday of every month Woking – runs the 1st Thursday of every month If you would like to be involved makeContinue reading “SYAS – SEND Youth Advisors Surrey”
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