Rebound's Spring Newsletter
Right Now, Connection Means Everything
In this issue:
A conversation with Rebound’s Executive Director, Carol Beauchamp
A look at how Rebound is doing business today
Gratitude for our essential and front line workers and partners, and a shout out to
our volunteers
Rebound’s best tips on surviving homeschooling and self-isolation
Rebound Child & Youth Services Northumberland: Continuing to Serve the Children, Youth, and Families of this County
In the midst of what is an unprecedented time in the history of our planet in which physical distancing is imperative to ensure health and safety for all, it is clear that mental health supportive services for children and youth are more important than they have ever been. When it became clear that face-to-face communication with clients was no longer an option in the midst of the current crisis, the Rebound team swiftly adapted its service model to reflect a new, hopefully temporary, physically distant reality.
Our dedicated team is still able to serve clients through various modes of communication, and continues to provide timely, responsive service both to new and existing clients. While group programming has been put on hold for now, one-to- one services continue to operate, and new referrals are still welcome. Please call Rebound’s main line at 905-372-0007 and leave a confidential voicemail containing first and last name, phone number and date of birth, and one of our team members will reply as soon as possible to respond to your needs.
A Conversation With Rebound’s Executive Director, Carol Beauchamp
1. Carol, what role does Rebound have to play right now?
At this time Rebound is providing an anchor for the children, youth and families of Northumberland. We are here to help young people to manage their anxiety around COVID-19, as well as other stresses they may be experiencing at this time. It’s incredibly important for people to know that someone is there for them – well, we are only a phone call or text away. Our team of compassionate and caring professionals are here to listen, provide ideas and insights, and strategies. We are a member of the Ontario Health Team – Northumberland, and work very collaboratively with other local community agencies, so we keep up to date on the latest information on COVID-19, as well as the work our many partners are doing.
2. How is Rebound engaging with other community organizations to meet the needs of children and youth in Northumberland County?
We continue to work closely with our community partners to ensure that the best possible services are made available – this is especially challenging with social distancing being our new normal, but our partners are rising to the challenge, and we are all working together to provide virtual solutions wherever possible. There has always been a great sense of community between the many organizations that serve our county, and that has provided an excellent foundation for us to continue working in a cohesive way to respond to the children, youth, and families that we all care about.
3. How is it important right now to use the term ‘physical distancing ’instead of ‘social distancing’? Why SHOULDN’T we distance socially right now, and how can we ensure that we continue to stay connected?
I think this is a great question – physical distancing vs social distancing. I think it is incredibly important for people to remain connected as much as possible, particularly when we need to keep that physical separation. Connecting via phone, text, email, and video conferencing lines like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom are all ways for people to stay connected. For example, our team are all working remotely, but we “check-in” as team with each other every morning by video. Small acts of kindness also make a huge difference – sending a text, or message to a neighbour, or an acquaintance can make all the difference. Saying hello to people you pass when you are out walking or giving them a wave can help to cheer ourselves and others up – we can still do these little things while remaining physically separated by at least 6 feet or 2 meters. I think another great idea is writing letters or cards to friends and relatives. This is something very few people do nowadays, but how lovely to send a short letter or a card to someone, to let them know you are thinking of them. Importantly, our terrific team are just a phone call or text away.
They are a great group of people, and are happy to receive calls from parents, caregivers, children and youth. All our calls are confidential, and our services include mental health supports, parenting support as well as literacy and learning support.
4. What advice can you give to families that are struggling to support their children right now?
That’s a big question – there is no one size fits all answer, as every family is unique, and each child’s needs are unique. But, first and foremost I would say, parents and caregivers should have compassion for themselves, and understanding for their children. This means accepting that we are all experiencing many challenges as we work together to combat COVID-19. It means understanding that sometimes parents might feel tired, short-tempered, anxious, and stressed themselves, and it can be hard to provide support and understanding for our children. I really believe that parents need to find a little downtime for themselves if possible. Whether that is a 15 minute walk around the block, taking time to have a relaxing bath, or making a cup of tea and coffee and having a good long chat with a friend. That way you can recharge your batteries, and provide more support to your children. Learn to forgive yourself and your children if things aren’t perfect. Try to keep a routine as much as possible for the entire family. Children of all ages thrive on routine, it helps them feel secure, and as parents, routine can remove some of the thinking around what to do next. Call Rebound or check out our resources – we have some great Triple P Parenting tips, tips for teens and children, as well as some educational and learning resources.
What Else is New?
A different approach to our supportive services
In addition to the normal channels of referral, Rebound continues to offer the Children and Youth Mental Health Walk-In telephonically on Tuesdays from 8am-4pm and Thursdays from 10am-6pm in partnership with Northumberland Hills Hospital. If you or someone you know or work with requires these services, please call us: 905- 377-7784.
For youth who choose texting as their preferred form of communication, Rebound has launched a text support line, with immediate responsive service Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. Please reach out to 905-269-7165, and our team would be happy to support you or someone you know in this way.
A new way to support our ReadBound students
As children and youth (and their teachers) across the world adjust to the new reality of remote learning, Rebound’s staff and volunteer team continues to be here to offer support of all kinds. Many dedicated tutors will continue to work with their students virtually across the County, and the Rebound team is working hard to develop innovative ways for our clients to continue receiving the enrichment and connection these tutors provide.
Rebound has also included a ‘Resources’ section on their homepage, including useful educational links for families to use in order to enhance their child’s learning experience at home. For those families struggling to navigate remote learning, trained teachers on Rebound’s staff are committed to supporting you through the journey. Call Rebound today and let us know how we can help you.
Parenting support has now gone virtual!
Although in-person group programming has taken a backseat for now, Triple P (Positive Parenting Network) continues to provide online options for parents and caregivers through their Triple P Primary Care option.
In addition, in an effort to respond to the increased stress and pressures on children and their parents and caregivers in these uncertain times, Triple P is offering a FREE online program entitled ‘Parenting During Covid-19’. All families are encouraged to register! Call or text 289-251-5374 or email TriplePNorthumberland@rcys.ca to secure a spot!
Stay tuned for more information on virtual seminar and discussion groups, which the Triple P team is working hard to put together for the families of Northumberland in the coming weeks.
Families, we will get through this together!
CHOICES Family: A Huge Success!
This past January and February, the Rebound team combined two of its successful program offerings (CHOICES and Triple P) into one package, and the results were inspiring. While parents worked through Triple P parenting content with an accredited facilitator, their children worked with Rebound staff doing interactive activities and playing games while learning about important concepts like conflict resolution, coping skills and healthy relationships. At the end of each session, children shared their learning with parents, practicing their new skills at home.
Feedback from this innovative new offering was very positive, and the Rebound team can’t wait to offer it again – look for CHOICES Family once group programming is back up and running!
Thank You to All Essential Workers!
Rebound Child & Youth Services wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude to all front line and essential workers, who risk their health and safety on a daily basis to ensure that our County’s most vital needs continue to be met. We are staying home for you!
Photos reproduced with permission from photographer Colin Williamson
Thank You to Our Volunteers!
National Volunteer Week is April 19-25. This is an opportunity to thank Canada’s estimated 12.7 million volunteers, and for our team to recognize the more than 60 individuals who have dedicated countless hours to supporting children and youth through our programming and governance this past year. Volunteers: WE APPLAUD YOU!
Please take the time to thank a volunteer you know! And if you are a volunteer, pat yourself on the back for your contributions to the community you have supported.
Thank You to our Community Partners!
Thank you for your tireless efforts in continuing to serve our County during this time of uncertainty. Many organizations have not only maintained operations, but many have innovated, expanded and improvised to meet the needs of increased demand. Your vision, care, commitment, and dedication continue to inspire us, Northumberland. Thank you!
Stay connected to your local YMCA with virtual workouts, both with national instructors and those you know from your community.
If safety in your home has become a concern, Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre continues to be able to support you. Reach out on their 24-hour support line.
The Salvation Armies of Cobourg and Port Hope are providing virtual community, as well as food support and social assistance opportunities.
Transition House staff Cameron Wilson and Chantelle Niles are all smiles at Cobourg Collegiate Institute, where a temporary emergency shelter supporting those experiencing homelessness has been re- located in response to Covid-19. This partnership with KPRDSB and Northumberland County was the first of its kind in Ontario.
Homeschooling and Good Mental Health: Surviving Self-Isolation, Together
This is a challenging time for all us, especially those caring for children while continuing to work from home. Maintaining strong physical and mental health is essential for family resilience. Here are a few tips from the Rebound team to help your family endure and even thrive together in these unprecedented times:
5 ways to maintain good mental health:
Exercise–go for a walk, practice yoga, or even just dance! Staying active can clear your mind and give you energy.
Remember what you’re grateful for–in the morning or before bed, identify one thing you’re grateful for, each and every day.
Play games–spend time with your family by playing classic board games, the old fashion way.
Follow a schedule–developing a routine can ensure that you know what’s expected for each day, and when the working hours are.
Stay hydrated–drink lots of water, it’s good for your health and can help prevent over eating when bored (no judgement, we get it!).
5 tips for supporting your kids’ remote learning:
Chunk tasks–conquering small sections of big tasks can foster the feeling of accomplishment and success.
Remind children/youth that we’re not striving for perfection–encourage them to try their best and acknowledge that they’re working hard.
Take breaks–when frustrations rise, take a break and allow for more time to process information, this may even help you find a solution.
Spend quality time together–genuine comments of pride in a child’s/youth’s efforts goes a long way and motivates them to do more.
Have down time–this allows for energy to replenish and for kids, this could mean screen time, reading, or outdoor activities. For parents, maybe it’s alone time!
Bonus tip! (for good measure) Show empathy–parents, be kind and understanding of yourself, recognize that you’re doing the best you can. “We’re all in this together!” remember?
Please let us know how we can help you! Call 905-372-0007.