Here you can find details of useful resources and information for teachers, teaching assistants and other professionals working in education in relation to supporting the social and emotional needs of young people.
Resources
Different Horizons - Information and resources for counsellors working with clients who are blind or partially sighted
This guide will be of interest and value to counsellors (and other professionals) working with young people in a variety of settings, not only 'specialist' services, and will encourage further dialogue, debate and sharing of learning. This document is presented in two distinct sections:
Part One explores sight loss from societal, counsellor and client perspectives, including a narrative discourse based on both qualitative and quantitative data collected over the last three years. It is hoped this will help you think about the possible emotional responses to sight loss and to provoke thought about a client group who you might be unfamiliar with.
Part Two offers more practical information and guidance on making counselling accessible to clients who otherwise may never 'appear' in the counselling room; how reduced vision could impact on the therapeutic relationship; a resource section; background and statistical information; and suggestions for further reading and research.
You can download your copy of the guidance below:
Gillick competency and Fraser guidelines
These are the legally accepted guidelines for assessing young people's competence to agree by themselves, to receiving a "treatment" (which includes counselling).
For more information on these guidelines visit the NSPCC website.
Promoting resilience and well being in Children and Young People with Sensory Impairment - NatSIP (2012)
Given the critical influence of resilience and well-being in personal and social development, learning and employment, it is important to consider how resilience and well-being can be promoted and the outcomes of intervention demonstrated in any planning process for CYP with SI, including Education, Health and Care Plans.
This guidance has been developed by a NatSIP working group of specialists in hearing, vision and multi-sensory impairment. It builds upon and complements an earlier NatSIP (2010) document entitled: 'Promoting Emotional Resilience'.
This document is available to download on the RNIB Guidelines and quality standards in education pages.
Useful Organisations
Get Connected
Get Connected is a free helpline for young people, who know they need help but don't know where to find it. (This service is not specific to young people with sight loss.)Get connected can contact this service by phone, email and webchat any day of the year.
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
CALM is a website and helpline particularly aimed at young men and the things that concern them. It recognises that they don't always find it easy to talk about emotional difficulties and aims to fill the gap and reduce suicide and self-harm amongst this group.
Kidscape
Kidscape has been established specifically to prevent bullying and child sexual abuse. Kidscape works UK-wide to provide individuals and organisations with practical skills and resources necessary to keep children safe from harm. The Kidscape staff equip vulnerable children with practical non-threatening knowledge and skills in how to keep themselves safe and reduce the likelihood of future harm. Kidscape works with children and young people under the age of 16, their parents/carers, and those who work with them.
Childline
Childline is a 24 hour confidential helpline (0800 1111) for children and young people to speak about anything - big or small - that concerns, stresses or worries them. They can speak as a one-off, or arrange a series of sessions with the same counsellor. They can also do this via webchat.
Childline is part of NSPCC which is a resource for any adult who has concerns about a child. You can ring their 24 hour helpline for a consultation (0808 800 5000)
Changing Faces
Changing Faces works with anyone who has a disfigurement and the parents, carers and professionals. It may be useful for a child or young person who feels they look different because of their eye condition.
RNIB Young People's section
If you work with a young person, you may wish to show them the RNIB young people's section. Our new Young people's section offers advice and guidance for blind and partially sighted young people aged from 14 to 25 on all stages of their transition from school, to college, university and into employment. It has been co-designed and reviewed by young people across the UK and includes information on emotional support, as well as leaving home, free time activities, technology and more. Young people will find written, video and audio case studies from other young people.