Short breaks at home

Daniel Radcliffe reads the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone, as part of Harry Potter At Home.
Look out for more special video readings in the upcoming weeks. Click here

Project Gutenberg is a library of over 60,000 free eBooks. Choose among free epub and Kindle eBooks, download them or read them online. You will find the world’s great literature here, with focus on older works for which U.S. copyright has expired. Thousands of volunteers digitized and diligently proofread the eBooks, for enjoyment and education.
https://www.gutenberg.org/

Practicing “social distancing” but have a book club meeting coming up? Here are some options.

Amazon Book Review

The Guardian Reading Group

Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. Published by Nosy Crow, and written by staff within the company, the book has had expert input: Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine acted as a consultant, and the company also had advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.
https://bit.ly/2UQPHC3

As a mental health network focused on the power of bringing people together with social, cultural and community assets, Covid-19 has thrown us a unique challenge. With more people socially and physically distancing themselves, we want to share some home-based, creative ways to support mental health during these unique and uncertain times. https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation

Deliver My Newspaper lets you have your favourite daily newspaper delivered to your doorstep. We’re giving you FREE delivery of your favourite newspaper for a minimum of 6 weeks – so you only need to pay your newsagent for the price of the paper. https://www.delivermynewspaper.co.uk/

Amanda McGuinness has created a FREE Coronavirus Social Narrative to help alleviate fears and anxiety many children may be experiencing at this time. https://littlepuddins.ie/coronavirus-social-story/

If you don’t have a kindle then you can download e-books to an alternative device, such as your phone using the Hive website. Hive also supports independent bookshops, helping to sustain them during these strange times. https://www.hive.co.uk/WhatsHiveallabout

Simon Savidge describes himself as a bookish bear and has a fantastic YouTube channel dedicated to talking about books including new releases, recommendations and discussions with authors. His Twitter and Instagram streams are also worth following for lots of book chat!

https://www.youtube.com/user/SavidgeReads

Glasgow Improvement Challenge has read-alongs and lots of items from Read Write Count https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeHbu4iYyOT1XhG8Pm2aOHA

Actress Reese Witherspoon is an avid reader who hosts an online bookgroup, follow for recommendations and book chat!  https://hello-sunshine.com/book-club

LIVE ACTIVE – AT HOME
Parents are climbing the walls, the kids are climbing everywhere and boredom is already creeping in but we’ve got some quick links and handy tips which we hope will help.
https://www.liveactive.co.uk/at-home
LIVE ACTIVE AT HOME – YOUNG PEOPLE
All the workout ideas, activities, handy links and resources your family needs to stay active and entertained.
https://www.liveactive.co.uk/at-home-yp

Education Scotland and a small group of Head Teachers have pulled together a bank of ‘parent friendly’ home learning resources and support for parents of children with complex additional support needs. Please note this is a work in progress and will continue to be updated.
Schools can direct parents to specific resources as part of their planned learning programme or parents can directly access the resources for use at any time, for example, during periods of absence.
https://wakelet.com/wake/MAxXNtGBU3tQ4G4fqDRWR

We provide FREE music-making opportunities and advice, mentoring, and tutoring for young people in Scotland age 5 and upwards. We run the first national music project for care experienced young people in Scotland.

www.musicares.co.uk

These resources have been inspired by the people we support. Thank you for giving us these ideas and teaching us just what we are all capable of when it comes to communicating with each other. We have also included resources from other organisations.
This section is designed to give you a wealth of activities and ideas to encourage you and the ones you love to ‘Be Well, Be Creative and Be Playful’ during this time when we are being asked to stay at home.
https://www.sensescotland.org.uk/home-activities/

Each Wednesday a series of challenges (including some hosted by Tim Henman) will be released on Tim Henman Foundation Online  that will help primary aged children stay topical, have fun and be fulfilled during these uncertain times. Importantly, all of the challenges are designed so that they make use of everyday household items and require minimal supervision, allowing parents to get on with their own work whilst knowing their children are extending their learning beyond the classroom (or the kitchen table, as it may be right now!).
www.thfonline.org/

Just because you’re spending more time at home doesn’t mean you can’t stay active and have fun. We’ve got lots of ideas for all the family.
https://www.parentclub.scot/topics/coronavirus/activities-and-games?age=0

This was recommended by our book-keeper, Alison. Artlink TV has some great ideas for sensory related activities – sound, drawing etc
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6zRgWsU0lFQ4vrtMS5pRUQ/playlists

Our theatre is currently closed for public performances, but our staff are super creative people and they will be using their time to generate a whole host of stay-at-home activity guides to help keep you and your little ones entertained. All of the guides will use simple materials (most of which can be found around the home) and are aimed at children from 3 to 11 and fall into the following categories:

· Suitable for ages 3-6 (KS1) with focused adult help

· Suitable for ages 7-11 (KS2) independent working

We will be adding a new guide every day. https://littleangeltheatre.com/schools-and-community/at-home-resources/about/

Daniel Radcliffe reads the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone/Sorcerer’s Stone, as part of Harry Potter At Home.
Look out for more special video readings in the upcoming weeks. Click here

15 best free Android games available right now!
https://www.androidauthority.com/best-free-android-games-329736/

THE WORLD’S LARGEST WEB DEVELOPER SITE
Learn to make web pages – FREE
https://www.w3schools.com/

Thanks to Carol at Change4Life for sharing this range of free activities, challenges and learning resources for parents to do indoors or in their garden with their children. Don’t stop getting active 🙂
They’re written for primary-aged children but encourage families to have fun together through 10-minute activities. They are inclusive for families with disabled children too.
https://www.getset.co.uk/resources/travel-to-tokyo/indoor-activity

This information pack aims to support parents of children with an ASD or LD during this tricky time and will hopefully make things a little more manageable.

Information Booklet

Flamingo Chicks is an inclusive community giving all children, including disabled children and those with illnesses such as cancer, the opportunity to enjoy dance and explore movement alongside friends.
https://flamingochicks.org/athome/

The RSPB bird identifier lists 408 species of birds found in the UK, including some rare overseas visitors.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird/

Free interactive phonics games – https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/freeIndex.htm#

Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. Published by Nosy Crow, and written by staff within the company, the book has had expert input: Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine acted as a consultant, and the company also had advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.
https://bit.ly/2UQPHC3

Edinburgh Zoo is closed right now, but their LIVE feed cameras can help you watch amazing animals including pandas, koalas and penguins!
https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/panda-cam/!

If you head over to the Minecraft Marketplace, you will find some of our favorite lessons from Minecraft: Education Edition in a brand new Education category. These educational worlds can be played on your own, with your kids, parents or friends. From the comfort of your home, you can tour the International Space Station or even explore the inside of a human eye. We’ve also included ten worlds from our Marketplace creator community! Thanks to creators Everbloom, Jigarbov, Lifeboat, Razzleberries, The World Foundry, Blockworks, and Imagiverse you can explore renewable energy, marine biology, Greek history, and more! The worlds include lesson plans like creative writing activities, build challenges, and tricky puzzles. Free to download through June 30, 2020.
https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/free-educational-content-minecraft-marketplace-

Full of ideas to help children get creative and fire up their imagination while they’re at home.
It’s been made hand in hand with our early learning experts, who have used their knowledge of what works for children at different ages and stages.
https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/what-we-do/coronavirus-information-advice/keeping-kids-entertained-during-lockdown

As a mental health network focused on the power of bringing people together with social, cultural and community assets, Covid-19 has thrown us a unique challenge. With more people socially and physically distancing themselves, we want to share some home-based, creative ways to support mental health during these unique and uncertain times. https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation

Get your fix of Hoglets games, storytelling, songs and fun beamed right into your home – live online and free. Hoglets classes are drama and storytelling adventures, aimed at ages 0-7. Each session is and imagination firing, energetic, immersive and enchanting experience for little minds. https://hoglets.org.uk/

Amanda McGuinness has created a FREE Coronavirus Social Narrative to help alleviate fears and anxiety many children may be experiencing at this time. https://littlepuddins.ie/coronavirus-social-story/

Use content from the internet to create shareable interactive timetables.  http://www.timetableapp.co.uk

Amazing Ideas for Kids to Try – fun, easy, and creative DIY’s for kids.  From home made paint and silly putty to a cardboard igloo!!
https://www.smartschoolhouse.com/diy-crafts/ideas-for-kids

The Royal Academy encourages you to create a sustainable sculpture from reusable household rubbish. Build it, play around with decoration and then recycle the parts.  https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/family-how-to-make-recycled-sculpture-art-kids-phyllida-barlow-sustainable?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Learning

Every Tuesday at 1.30pm the Theatre of Science will give an online science lesson for ages 2-10 and it says ‘procrastinating adults…’!

Find out more here https://www.theatreofscience.co.uk/

Thank you to Dr Rebecca Brown for suggesting Theatre of Science for inclusion!

Yorkshire theatre company Hoglets run online classes four times a week for children up to primary school age. They are free and are on on Monday, Tuesday (x2) and Wednesday. Find the full details here https://hoglets.org.uk/ihoglets-online-classes/

Thank you to Dr Rebecca Brown for suggesting Hoglets for inclusion.

Fife teenager Layla teaches BSL signs on her YouTube Channel.
Why not see what signs you can learn over the next few weeks? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbygPjNEISCV19XH7cLJoaQ?app=desktop

Joe Wicks, otherwise known as the Body Coach has free workouts available on his YouTube channel. This include free daily workouts for kids as an alternative to gym classes!
https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1

The Glasgow Science Centre is bringing science into your own home with daily experiments. You can join in on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram as well as on their YouTube Channel.
https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/gsc-at-home

As the experts in developing skills and bringing adventure to young people, the Scouts want to do what they can to help.

“While we normally love the great outdoors, we’ve pulled together some inspired indoor activity ideas (if we do say so ourselves). Keep your kids learning new skills and having fun (and avoid hearing ‘I’m bored’ every 30 seconds) all in #TheGreatIndoors.”

https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors

A guide to explaining Coronavirus for children is available through the Glow Scotland blog. https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/er/healthierminds/coping-covid-19/

The Green Parent online has pulled together a lockdown list of resources https://thegreenparent.co.uk/articles/read/lockdown-life-savers?fbclid=IwAR2KVtWpjmbwlC4tTmA0VJzjLkX6tu-kjleibZTDKVzn3tqZYSgz661Au7M

Glasgow Improvement Challenge has read-alongs and lots of items from Read Write Count https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeHbu4iYyOT1XhG8Pm2aOHA

Through LittleLessons20 on Twitter a Scottish teacher is doing a lesson a day aimed at Primary 5 to Primary 7. Find them through Twitter on https://twitter.com/littlelessons20

Youth Sport Trust have daily activities  to complement their existing home learning resources

https://www.youthsporttrust.org/resources/coronavirus-support

Funbrain has lots of activities for children available online, all sorted by school level.

https://www.funbrain.com/

National Geographic has a specific kids site https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/

A number of education companies are offering free subscriptions. Find the full list here https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/135609/list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions/

With tighter lockdown restrictions, people may be feeling isolated and would benefit from virtual activities, please see below the link to our next free virtual lunch club –https://vegetarianforlife.org.uk/blog/post/november-virtual-lunch-club

Claire Bannerman, Roving chef

Paul Hollywood recipes and basic baking tips –
https://www.paulhollywood.com/recipes-1/categories/bread

Mary Berry’s website has lots of scrummy things to bake, and also a section with Great British Bake-off Recipes ! –  http://www.maryberry.co.uk/recipes/baking

Stay home, get cooking – Find recipe inspiration, fun activities and other ways to cope with being at home.

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes

Jack Monroe began her career writing recipes when she was a £10 per week foodbank mum. Her blog ‘Hunger Hurts’ got huge attention and catapulted her to a whole new audience. Now she’s putting her immense skill to good use with daily #JackMonroesLockdownLarder on twitter. Just tweet her the ingredients you have and she’ll come up with suggestions for how to use them for the best.

Her website https://cookingonabootstrap.com/ also has a huge range of budget recipes, all available free.

And a special thanks to Jack for giving her permission for us to share this on our website!  https://twitter.com/BootstrapCook

This free COVID-19 resource is delivered by Skills for Health, the UK’s leading provider of online learning for healthcare.
https://skillsforhealth.org.uk/covid-19-course/

NHS Inform is the best place to go for the most reliable and up to date information on coronavirus in Scotland

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

This information pack aims to support parents of children with an ASD or LD during this tricky time and will hopefully make things a little more manageable.

Information Booklet

Take a look at our information and resources on the coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/coronavirus-covid-19

Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. Published by Nosy Crow, and written by staff within the company, the book has had expert input: Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine acted as a consultant, and the company also had advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.
https://bit.ly/2UQPHC3

OCD and Coronavirus Survival Tips

Here is the link to the SCVO third sector information hub where all information on funding can be found. This page will be kept up-to-date with dedicated funding specifically in response to the coronavirus pandemic as it becomes available/is announced. https://scvo.org/support/coronavirus/funding/for-organisations

Find out more about what’s happening with the current coronavirus outbreak in the UK and simple steps you can take to help prevent catching COVID-19. https://young.scot/campaigns/national/coronavirus

The Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund has been established by the William Grant Foundation, Faith in Community Scotland and the National Lottery Community Fund so that Scotland’s network of local faith groups and related community organisations can provide immediate support for individuals and families during the early stages of COVID-19.  https://www.faithincommunity.scot/covid19info

Amanda McGuinness has created a FREE Coronavirus Social Narrative to help alleviate fears and anxiety many children may be experiencing at this time. https://littlepuddins.ie/coronavirus-social-story/

The World Health Organization has set up a Whatsapp number to bring COVID-19 facts to those that have signed up.

All you have to do is text ‘hi’ to the number in this link and it will respond. https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=41794123236&text=hi&source=&data=

A guide to explaining Coronavirus for children is available through the Glow Scotland blog. https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/er/healthierminds/coping-covid-19/

Wellcome Collection and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art present For All I Care, a new podcast re-imagining care and healing. The series is presented by multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie, with contributions from the worlds of contemporary art, science, and health.

https://baltic.art/for-all-i-care

These resources have been inspired by the people we support. Thank you for giving us these ideas and teaching us just what we are all capable of when it comes to communicating with each other. We have also included resources from other organisations.
This section is designed to give you a wealth of activities and ideas to encourage you and the ones you love to ‘Be Well, Be Creative and Be Playful’ during this time when we are being asked to stay at home.
https://www.sensescotland.org.uk/home-activities/

The Virtual Village Hall is a programme of themed online activities designed to enjoy at home, brought to you by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
You’ll find a wide range of sessions to take part in, like creative arts and crafts, music and singing, cooking and baking, dance and exercise, and technology skills. Join in with live sessions or catch up on demand when suits it you.
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/virtual-village-hall/

This was recommended by our book-keeper, Alison. Artlink TV has some great ideas for sensory related activities – sound, drawing etc
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6zRgWsU0lFQ4vrtMS5pRUQ/playlists

Home-bound because of Cornavirus? Stuck for ideas for how to pass the time, or looking for easy craft projects to try without leaving the house? We’re sharing tried and tested daily patterns for beginner-friendly makes that don’t need many supplies to get crafting.
https://www.gathered.how/arts-crafts/free-daily-craft-projects-and-patterns-to-lighten-up-your-lockdown/

Discover art from over 80 countries, with virtual museums and quizzes, and check out lots of  cool stuff available for free when you download the  phone app – Google Art & Culture

https://artsandculture.google.com/

Royal Horticultural Society – Nothing beats the taste of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in your own garden – or the satisfaction and enjoyment you can get from doing it. Not sure what to grow or where to start? Click the link for all the tips and advice you need.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/

Some fantastic resources here including Gardening for Children, Beginners Guide to Gardening, and  a selection of some helpful audio podcasts.

This is a US site, so bear this in mind when browsing. https://garden.org/covid19/

Gardener, writer, broadcaster, farmer. Stunning photographs, and gardening tips.
https://www.instagram.com/themontydon/?hl=en

As a mental health network focused on the power of bringing people together with social, cultural and community assets, Covid-19 has thrown us a unique challenge. With more people socially and physically distancing themselves, we want to share some home-based, creative ways to support mental health during these unique and uncertain times. https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation

Use content from the internet to create shareable interactive timetables.  http://www.timetableapp.co.uk

Amazing Ideas for Kids to Try – fun, easy, and creative DIY’s for kids.  From home made paint and silly putty to a cardboard igloo!!
https://www.smartschoolhouse.com/diy-crafts/ideas-for-kids

The Royal Academy encourages you to create a sustainable sculpture from reusable household rubbish. Build it, play around with decoration and then recycle the parts.  https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/family-how-to-make-recycled-sculpture-art-kids-phyllida-barlow-sustainable?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Learning

Unleash your creative side in under 15 minutes a day with this challenge from the comms creative college. It might be of interest to those who want to keep their minds ticking over too. You do have to register to sign-up but it is free.

https://courses.commscreatives.com/courses/31-days-of-creativity-challenge

Drive & Listen, a new app by student Erkam Şeker, allows anyone to take a virtual drive around one of the app’s 38 available cities, taking in the sights and sounds of the street as well as local radio stations.

https://driveandlisten.herokuapp.com/

The online hub to watch 350+ performances from offwestend and fringe theatres from all around the world.
Even though live entertainment is on hold for now, you can still get that theatre-fix at home through free or cheap live-streamed shows, pre-recorded West End musicals and immersive app-based audio shows. Free theatre streaming site Scenesaver offers a catalogue of over 350 pre-recorded shows from across the world.
You’ll need to register to watch, but it’s totally free.
https://www.scenesaver.co.uk/

I hope you are all keeping cosy today? It’s a bit dreich so if you are stuck indoors then if you pop over to our you tube page you will find the back log of tea party performances and also backstage talks etc that might be of interest to you.
https://www.youtube.com/c/FestivalandKingsTheatresEdinburgh/videos
Elaine at Scottish Ballet

As the kingdom’s biggest cultural organisation, we want to bring the community together – to laugh, learn and let our imaginations run free.
http://www.onfife.com/shineon#

Discover art from over 80 countries, with virtual museums and quizzes, and check out lots of  cool stuff available for free when you download the  phone app – Google Art & Culture

https://artsandculture.google.com/

In 2017, having realized how much business the gallery did through online previews before art fairs, the dealer David Zwirner decided to develop ‘virtual viewing rooms’. Now, as art fairs are cancelled, museums close and auction houses consider whether to call off their spring sales in response to the coronavirus, Mr. Zwirner seems prescient.
You don’t have to buy art to look at the viewing rooms 🙂
https://www.davidzwirner.com/viewing-room

As a mental health network focused on the power of bringing people together with social, cultural and community assets, Covid-19 has thrown us a unique challenge. With more people socially and physically distancing themselves, we want to share some home-based, creative ways to support mental health during these unique and uncertain times. https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation

Get your fix of Hoglets games, storytelling, songs and fun beamed right into your home – live online and free. Hoglets classes are drama and storytelling adventures, aimed at ages 0-7. Each session is and imagination firing, energetic, immersive and enchanting experience for little minds. https://hoglets.org.uk/

Get creative. Get competitive. Get active. Here’s where you’ll find our quizzes, hosted by some familiar faces. Plus, there’s craft and drama activities
 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDq1XzCY0NIOYVJvEMQjqw

Euan’s Guide have come up with 7 things to do if you’re stuck indoors! You can find it here https://www.euansguide.com/news/things-to-do-if-you-re-stuck-indoors/

Visit London from the comfort of your own home through the Visit London webcam. https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/sightseeing/london-attraction/webcams-of-london

Many #Museums services have their own live webcams for example Shetland. You can enjoy the harbour from the warmth of your own couch!  https://shetlandwebcams.com

Museums from around the world, 113 in total, have shared their colouring books online through this open source website. http://www.openculture.com/2019/02/download-free-coloring-books-from-113-museums.html?fbclid=IwAR0SO037uTzD_YQNq3_Hh2hpEZPNW4-VmhXDvxIuWUFkeJgBj5JUm1svVp8

Access the Museum of New France online https://www.historymuseum.ca/virtual-museum-of-new-france/

The New York Times has published a list of art galleries now showing their collections online. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/16/arts/design/art-galleries-online-viewing-coronavirus.html

A list of 12 ‘world class’ museums you can visit online https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/75809/12-world-class-museums-you-can-visit-online

Anyone can now have a 3D virtual tour of two early computing galleries at The National Museum of Computing on Bletchley Park thanks to the 3D, 360-degree photography application developed by Venue View Virtual Tours.

https://www.tnmoc.org/news-releases/2017/6/6/3d-virtual-tour-now-online

This is a lengthy blog about how museums share their collections – but within it are many links to interesting US Museums.

https://creativelawcenter.com/museums-open-access-images/  

The Best Quizzes in Life are Free – Our FreePlay Collection
What you have here is a collection of brilliant – tried and tested – free downloadable pub quiz questions and answers for your entertainment.
A gift from us to you, we hope you have as much fun playing them as we did making them!
Jonathan, House of Quiz

https://www.houseofquiz.co.uk/free-pub-quizzes

These resources have been inspired by the people we support. Thank you for giving us these ideas and teaching us just what we are all capable of when it comes to communicating with each other. We have also included resources from other organisations.
This section is designed to give you a wealth of activities and ideas to encourage you and the ones you love to ‘Be Well, Be Creative and Be Playful’ during this time when we are being asked to stay at home.
https://www.sensescotland.org.uk/home-activities/

On and offline puzzle website – https://puzzlegarage.com/

The Virtual Village Hall is a programme of themed online activities designed to enjoy at home, brought to you by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
You’ll find a wide range of sessions to take part in, like creative arts and crafts, music and singing, cooking and baking, dance and exercise, and technology skills. Join in with live sessions or catch up on demand when suits it you.
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/virtual-village-hall/

Just because you’re spending more time at home doesn’t mean you can’t stay active and have fun. We’ve got lots of ideas for all the family.
https://www.parentclub.scot/topics/coronavirus/activities-and-games?age=0

Play retro games online on computers, tablets, and mobile phones, in the highest quality available.
https://www.playemulator.com/

80 best open source games – from Slant,  a product recommendation community with the goal of making it effortless to find the best apps or games for you.
https://www.slant.co/topics/1933/~best-open-source-games

15 best free Android games available right now!
https://www.androidauthority.com/best-free-android-games-329736/

lichess.org is a free/libre, open-source chess server powered by volunteers and donations.
Recommended by Philip Bryers, Director of Shared Care Scotland.
https://lichess.org/

OnlineJigsawPuzzles.net offers online jigsaw puzzles, free to play. Playing with jigsaws online help people to learn mouse control, it’s educational and good fun. https://www.onlinejigsawpuzzles.net/ (more…)

Useful free resources for carers of the elderly. You need to sign up to receive these – https://www.goldencarers.com/free-activities/

Free interactive phonics games – https://www.phonicsplay.co.uk/freeIndex.htm#

Puzzles- whether that’s taking time out to do a jigsaw puzzle, a crossword, or a sodoku puzzle.

https://www.onlinejigsawpuzzles.net

If you head over to the Minecraft Marketplace, you will find some of our favorite lessons from Minecraft: Education Edition in a brand new Education category. These educational worlds can be played on your own, with your kids, parents or friends. From the comfort of your home, you can tour the International Space Station or even explore the inside of a human eye. We’ve also included ten worlds from our Marketplace creator community! Thanks to creators Everbloom, Jigarbov, Lifeboat, Razzleberries, The World Foundry, Blockworks, and Imagiverse you can explore renewable energy, marine biology, Greek history, and more! The worlds include lesson plans like creative writing activities, build challenges, and tricky puzzles. Free to download through June 30, 2020.
https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/free-educational-content-minecraft-marketplace-

We’ve heard of some people using the App Houseparty to play pictionary! Let us know what other games you’ve tried at a distance too! https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/houseparty/id1065781769

Crosswords: many national newspapers now have online crosswords where you can fill in the clues electronically rather than having to print the crossword off. Here are some to try:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords

https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords

https://puzzles.independent.co.uk/category/allgames/

https://www.brain-games.co.uk/Word+Games

If you enjoy doing crosswords a lot, you might also like to think about paying for a puzzle book subscription. You can find lots of options online and you might be able to use a Time to Live small grant to get started.

For word-based game inspiration visit  https://hobbylark.com/party-games/Word-Parlour-Games

The traditional game has been given a modern twist with a free app. Take turns to describe the item to the person holding the card/phone without mentioning the word. Great for all ages.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wb.headsup&hl=en_GB

The Guardian newspaper have compiled a list of the best online video games to play while self-isolating. https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/mar/17/25-best-online-video-games-coronavirus-self-isolating

Self-care is taking the initiative to put your mental health first. It means learning ways to lower your stress and anxiety levels and developing strategies to cope with these feelings. Self-care should include awareness of your triggers and the mental disorders to which you may be susceptible. It also includes doing things to take care of your physical, psychological, and emotional health.

https://thedermreview.com/mental-health-and-self-care-resources/

Big thanks to Alexandra in the Unites States, who suggested this page to us after using some of our other links.

Browse our Activity Packs, here for you to enjoy wherever and whenever you like!

Have a flick through each activity pack online.

You can download or print any of our activities.
https://mindforyou.co.uk/activity-packs/

Coronavirus has hit us all differently. Whatever your worries and concerns, they’re valid. You’re valid. Click this link to book a free 20 minute call or video call with one of our qualified therapists.
https://www.thehelphub.co.uk

Emotional support is for everyone. We all need someone to talk to – particularly now.

Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

Our online sporting memories clubs have replaced our physical clubs for the time being. Meeting each week for an hour and half the online clubs provide social and physical activities where everyone can have fun, make friends with the aim of supporting each other. Many of the adults who come to our clubs welcome the weekly company as they have become isolated within their community or are living with low mood, dementia or other long-term conditions.
www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com

@SMN_Scotland
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland

These resources have been inspired by the people we support. Thank you for giving us these ideas and teaching us just what we are all capable of when it comes to communicating with each other. We have also included resources from other organisations.
This section is designed to give you a wealth of activities and ideas to encourage you and the ones you love to ‘Be Well, Be Creative and Be Playful’ during this time when we are being asked to stay at home.
https://www.sensescotland.org.uk/home-activities/

Held every Wednesday, come and chat with like-minded people about the highs and lows of your week.

Our Talking Together sessions provide a relaxed safe and supportive environment to talk.

Come along for companionship and an opportunity for a good discussion.

https://www.mindforyou.co.uk/joy-inside/4594939748

Re-Connect CBT is a series of short group therapy sessions to help you cope during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. You must be 18 years or over to join a session.
You can attend as many or as few sessions as you like. The sessions are free and will be offered on a four weekly rolling basis.

Please check the website for upcoming session themes and times – https://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/re-connectcbt/

Most healthcare outside of hospital is now being delivered virtually to help tackle the spread of the Coronavirus. Click here to  find the best advice, guidance and exercises for your pain. Simply click on the relevant body part to be taken to a full list of resources to help you on your way. https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/managing-pain-home

Mind Scotland –  Compassionate and expert support. https://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/

The Samaritans – Samaritans Coronavirus Support

Breathing Space – A confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious or depressed.  https://breathingspace.scot/

Shout – The UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. https://www.giveusashout.org/

SAMH – Looking after your mental health in challenging times. https://www.samh.org.uk/

Wheelchair and disability friendly yoga practice with Sam on YouTube.
Wheelchair Yoga

The #1 free app for sleep, anxiety and stress. We believe everyone deserves access to a free daily meditation practice. Which is why we publish the world’s largest collection of free guided meditations, with over 40,000 titles. https://insighttimer.com/

Many of us are feeling worried or stressed about how coronavirus could affect our lives, as well as our loved ones.
We may now be having to spend more time at home, perhaps isolated from the friends, family and other relationships that we know are vital to keeping ourselves mentally healthy. It may also be harder for us to do the things that normally help keep us well.
There are things we can do to look after our mental wellbeing during this time. On this page, we are gathering the information, links and resources that we can, to help keep you informed and protect your mental health.
https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-and-your-mental-wellbeing

Dr Karen Treisman has produced a range of resources to support children and adults around anxiety, worry, stress, and fears; including specific Covid resources. The page will be updated on a very regular basis and Dr Treisman has stated that she’s happy to consider requests for resources and produce them if possible. Website –  http://www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk/covid-anxiety-stress-resources-links/

Yoga with Adriene has an incredible 6.3million followers on YouTube, and for good reason. The classes are free and cater to all different levels from beginner to the more experienced. There are also some short meditation sessions.
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

The Hub of Hope provide mental health support. Find their website here https://hubofhope.co.uk/

The Mental Health Foundation have produced a guide to looking after your own mental health while working.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus

Mind Charity are here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Their helpline is available on 0300 123 3393. Their website is https://www.mind.org.uk

Drive & Listen, a new app by student Erkam Şeker, allows anyone to take a virtual drive around one of the app’s 38 available cities, taking in the sights and sounds of the street as well as local radio stations.

https://driveandlisten.herokuapp.com/

We provide FREE music-making opportunities and advice, mentoring, and tutoring for young people in Scotland age 5 and upwards. We run the first national music project for care experienced young people in Scotland.

www.musicares.co.uk

The Virtual Village Hall is a programme of themed online activities designed to enjoy at home, brought to you by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
You’ll find a wide range of sessions to take part in, like creative arts and crafts, music and singing, cooking and baking, dance and exercise, and technology skills. Join in with live sessions or catch up on demand when suits it you.
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/virtual-village-hall/

The Musixhub platform lets you watch videos and play music from your favorite artists – full albums / latest videos / interviews / live performances and more.
Musixhub was designed to enhance your YouTube experience by giving you FREE, easy and unlimited access to the music of your choice.
https://www.musixhub.com/

We have a Shared Care Scotland Spotify playlist that the whole team contribute to, quite a mixture of tracks!!
A great suggestion from Don, our CEO, is to share a Spotify playlist with friends and family to cheer up their day 🙂
https://www.spotify.com/uk/

As a mental health network focused on the power of bringing people together with social, cultural and community assets, Covid-19 has thrown us a unique challenge. With more people socially and physically distancing themselves, we want to share some home-based, creative ways to support mental health during these unique and uncertain times. https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation

Amanda, our Short Breaks Fund Grants Officer has kindly suggested one of her favourites – Desert Island Discs. Eight tracks, a book and a luxury: what would you take to a desert island? Guests share the soundtrack of their lives.  https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qnmr/episodes/downloads

The Stay At Home fest is bringing links to a range of online gigs and live streaming in one place – https://www.stayathomefest.com/

Drive & Listen, a new app by student Erkam Şeker, allows anyone to take a virtual drive around one of the app’s 38 available cities, taking in the sights and sounds of the street as well as local radio stations.

https://driveandlisten.herokuapp.com/

Take your time time to choose that perfect movie, sit down with popcorn (homemade if that’s your choice or store bought for ease!).
Big Thank You to Yasmin from The Butterfly Trust for sending us some cool offline suggestions like this one.

Baking – choose a recipe, either a favourite one or put a few different ones in a hat and pick out a surprise one!

Home Spa day – Special bubble bath, a nice exfoliation/ face mask, dimmed lights, essential oils/ incense burning.

Make a nice cup of coffee and sit down and sort out all those photos you have been meaning to compile into an album. Old family paper prints, or online pics are much nicer to look through in an album, and will bring back lots of nice memories too. You will find online apps  for creating printed  photobooks that you could send to friends and family to cheer them up 😉

Set a clock and get to crafting, whether it’s a crochet or knitting project that needs completing (or starting), a painting that you want to do, upcycling some furniture or using a colouring book to let your mind wander.

Microsoft Excel is an important skill in many projects and jobs.
We offer an easy to follow, fully illustrated Excel tutorial,+ 300 examples. It’s 100% free.

https://www.excel-easy.com

Make It Click features free courses, tools, and templates that you can trust. You can learn about new apps, improve the skills you already have, and take a positive step forward in your work.
Everything from how to COPY & PASTE to creating your own website.
https://makeitclick.learnmyway.com/directory

Education Scotland and a small group of Head Teachers have pulled together a bank of ‘parent friendly’ home learning resources and support for parents of children with complex additional support needs. Please note this is a work in progress and will continue to be updated.
Schools can direct parents to specific resources as part of their planned learning programme or parents can directly access the resources for use at any time, for example, during periods of absence.
https://wakelet.com/wake/MAxXNtGBU3tQ4G4fqDRWR

This free COVID-19 resource is delivered by Skills for Health, the UK’s leading provider of online learning for healthcare.
https://skillsforhealth.org.uk/covid-19-course/

The Skills Toolkit – Free courses to help you learn new skills or get a new job.
https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/
An Hour to Skill – Set aside just one hour a week in 2021 to take free online courses that will not only improve your skills, but could also boost your future job prospects.

We provide FREE music-making opportunities and advice, mentoring, and tutoring for young people in Scotland age 5 and upwards. We run the first national music project for care experienced young people in Scotland.

www.musicares.co.uk

The Virtual Village Hall is a programme of themed online activities designed to enjoy at home, brought to you by Royal Voluntary Service and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
You’ll find a wide range of sessions to take part in, like creative arts and crafts, music and singing, cooking and baking, dance and exercise, and technology skills. Join in with live sessions or catch up on demand when suits it you.
www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/virtual-village-hall/

In response to the Coronavirus emergency AbilityNet is also running a series of live online events to help share useful information for disabled people and their carers and employers.
https://abilitynet.org.uk/at-home

Our theatre is currently closed for public performances, but our staff are super creative people and they will be using their time to generate a whole host of stay-at-home activity guides to help keep you and your little ones entertained. All of the guides will use simple materials (most of which can be found around the home) and are aimed at children from 3 to 11 and fall into the following categories:

· Suitable for ages 3-6 (KS1) with focused adult help

· Suitable for ages 7-11 (KS2) independent working

We will be adding a new guide every day. https://littleangeltheatre.com/schools-and-community/at-home-resources/about/

THE WORLD’S LARGEST WEB DEVELOPER SITE
Learn to make web pages – FREE
https://www.w3schools.com/

Wikiversity is for learning. It is a place where you’ll find free, multilingual learning materials and learning projects. Everyone can participate. There is no cost, no advertising, and no credentials required. No degrees are awarded — just learning.
https://www.wikiversity.org/

Are you a furloughed worker or want to develop your skills? Online courses are a convenient and flexible way to learn.
https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/find-free-online-courses

Learning a new language with Duolingo is fun and addictive. Earn points for correct answers, race against the clock, and level up.

https://www.duolingo.com

Since the end of 2011 over 800 universities have created around 10,000 MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses).  In the past four months alone, 190 universities have announced 600 such free online courses. https://www.classcentral.com/report/new-courses-october-2018/?fbclid=IwAR0H8g8F9mXk-MLk55fzFqwl3Blri9FhrAXfDwOCmF5gqCOdRSVxWTS0UlQ

As a mental health network focused on the power of bringing people together with social, cultural and community assets, Covid-19 has thrown us a unique challenge. With more people socially and physically distancing themselves, we want to share some home-based, creative ways to support mental health during these unique and uncertain times. https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation

Yorkshire theatre company Hoglets run online classes four times a week for children up to primary school age. They are free and are on on Monday, Tuesday (x2) and Wednesday. Find the full details here https://hoglets.org.uk/ihoglets-online-classes/

Thank you to Dr Rebecca Brown for suggesting Hoglets for inclusion.

Fife teenager Layla teaches BSL signs on her YouTube Channel.
Why not see what signs you can learn over the next few weeks? https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbygPjNEISCV19XH7cLJoaQ?app=desktop

Unleash your creative side in under 15 minutes a day with this challenge from the comms creative college. It might be of interest to those who want to keep their minds ticking over too. You do have to register to sign-up but it is free.

https://courses.commscreatives.com/courses/31-days-of-creativity-challenge

As the experts in developing skills and bringing adventure to young people, the Scouts want to do what they can to help.

“While we normally love the great outdoors, we’ve pulled together some inspired indoor activity ideas (if we do say so ourselves). Keep your kids learning new skills and having fun (and avoid hearing ‘I’m bored’ every 30 seconds) all in #TheGreatIndoors.”

https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors

Through LittleLessons20 on Twitter a Scottish teacher is doing a lesson a day aimed at Primary 5 to Primary 7. Find them through Twitter on https://twitter.com/littlelessons20

Ted Talks are also a great way of learning online. You can find the full set from TedX Glasgow here

https://tedxglasgow.com/

At the forefront of distance learning has always been the Open University. You can find their full catalogue of free courses here https://www.open.edu/openlearn/free-courses/full-catalogue

There are also more than 450 free online courses available through Ivy League Universities. These have been pulled together by FreeCodeCamp and can be accessed here

https://www.onlinecourses.ed.ac.uk/

Edinburgh University has a number of free online courses available. These can be accessed here

https://www.onlinecourses.ed.ac.uk/

Wellcome Collection and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art present For All I Care, a new podcast re-imagining care and healing. The series is presented by multidisciplinary artist Nwando Ebizie, with contributions from the worlds of contemporary art, science, and health.

https://baltic.art/for-all-i-care

On Being Covering the big questions in life, the On Being podcast is a series of conversations covering, philosophy, faith, life. It’s always fascinating and well presented.  https://onbeing.org/series/

Amanda Moffat, our Short Breaks Fund grants officer loves to listen to the Desert Island discs podcast. “My favourite episode ever is the one with Martina Cole, the author, and I listen to that one often. I find the podcasts just long enough to just give me some time to myself and relax!”

Find your favourites here https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/desert-island-discs/id342735925 

Our Communications Manager Kate Hogarth is a big fan of Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul Conversations. They are described as ” interviews with thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self.”

Kate said: “Listening to Super Soul Conservations is a lovely pause in the midst of what is usually a hectic week for me. As someone who constantly asks ‘but why?’ I find the discussions so thought provoking I have to completely focus on them, giving me a very welcome moment of calm.”

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oprahs-supersoul-conversations/id1264843400

NHS Inform is the best place to go for the most reliable and up to date information on coronavirus in Scotland

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19

In response to the Coronavirus emergency AbilityNet is also running a series of live online events to help share useful information for disabled people and their carers and employers.
https://abilitynet.org.uk/at-home

While shelves inside the supermarkets are now well stocked, it is proving difficult for families with disabled children, even those who are supposed to be shielding, to secure delivery slots.
Here is the information and advice we have about this. We will update when we hear more.
Online food shopping for families with disabled children.

Many of us are feeling worried or stressed about how coronavirus could affect our lives, as well as our loved ones.
We may now be having to spend more time at home, perhaps isolated from the friends, family and other relationships that we know are vital to keeping ourselves mentally healthy. It may also be harder for us to do the things that normally help keep us well.
There are things we can do to look after our mental wellbeing during this time. On this page, we are gathering the information, links and resources that we can, to help keep you informed and protect your mental health.
https://www.samh.org.uk/about-mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-and-your-mental-wellbeing

Here is the link to the SCVO third sector information hub where all information on funding can be found. This page will be kept up-to-date with dedicated funding specifically in response to the coronavirus pandemic as it becomes available/is announced. https://scvo.org/support/coronavirus/funding/for-organisations

The Covid-19 Rapid Response Fund has been established by the William Grant Foundation, Faith in Community Scotland and the National Lottery Community Fund so that Scotland’s network of local faith groups and related community organisations can provide immediate support for individuals and families during the early stages of COVID-19.  https://www.faithincommunity.scot/covid19info

Use content from the internet to create shareable interactive timetables.  http://www.timetableapp.co.uk

Dr Karen Treisman has produced a range of resources to support children and adults around anxiety, worry, stress, and fears; including specific Covid resources. The page will be updated on a very regular basis and Dr Treisman has stated that she’s happy to consider requests for resources and produce them if possible. Website –  http://www.safehandsthinkingminds.co.uk/covid-anxiety-stress-resources-links/

South Ayrshire Lifeline is a dedicated telephone helpline to help with food pack deliveries, prescriptions, telephone befriending, hearing aid batteries and signposting. You can contact them on 0800 432 0510.

The World Health Organization has set up a Whatsapp number to bring COVID-19 facts to those that have signed up.

All you have to do is text ‘hi’ to the number in this link and it will respond. https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=41794123236&text=hi&source=&data=

The Mental Health Foundation have produced a guide to looking after your own mental health while working.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus

Civil Society has pulled together a guide on working remotely. You’ll find it here

How to prepare as a charity or social enterprise here

A guide on how to run webinars is here

Next door is a useful way of staying in touch with what’s going on in your own neighbourhood. You can access it here https://nextdoor.co.uk/

The Freedom News has pulled together a list of mutual aid groups where communities are coming together to help out. You can access it and add your own here https://freedomnews.org.uk/covid-19-uk-mutual-aid-groups-a-list/

Thank you to Ruth at care4cares for suggesting these cool astronomy apps 🙂

Some Night Sky watching options for carers (or anyone) to do over the coming weeks. If you have a pair of binoculars you can see a lot!
Download the Astronomy apps and watch and connect to the community. We are all looking up at the same sky, no matter where we are. Carers have told us that it is a coping strategy they use, and we are hoping to encourage more carers to do this.

Apple:

Star Walk – Free
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/star-walk-explore-the-sky/id295430577

SkySafari – £2.99 (sometimes on offer for free)
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/skysafari/id1257281849

Stellarium Mobile £2.99
https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/stellarium-mobile-sky-map/id643165438

Andriod:

Sky Map – Free
gle.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.stardroid&hl=en_GB

Stellarium Mobile – from Free
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.noctuasoftware.stellarium_free&hl=en_GB

SkySafari – £2.99 (sometimes on offer for free)
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.simulationcurriculum.skysafari5&hl=en_GB

Desktop / Laptop:

Stellarium – Free
https://stellarium.org/

A simple guide to Britain’s beautiful wildflowers.

https://www.countrylife.co.uk/gardens/a-simple-guide-to-the-wildflowers-of-britain-71271

The RSPB bird identifier lists 408 species of birds found in the UK, including some rare overseas visitors.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/identify-a-bird/

Royal Horticultural Society – Nothing beats the taste of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in your own garden – or the satisfaction and enjoyment you can get from doing it. Not sure what to grow or where to start? Click the link for all the tips and advice you need.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/

Edinburgh Zoo is closed right now, but their LIVE feed cameras can help you watch amazing animals including pandas, koalas and penguins!
https://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/webcams/panda-cam/!

Every Tuesday at 1.30pm the Theatre of Science will give an online science lesson for ages 2-10 and it says ‘procrastinating adults…’!

Find out more here https://www.theatreofscience.co.uk/

Thank you to Dr Rebecca Brown for suggesting Theatre of Science for inclusion!

The Glasgow Science Centre is bringing science into your own home with daily experiments. You can join in on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram as well as on their YouTube Channel.
https://www.glasgowsciencecentre.org/gsc-at-home

National Geographic has a specific kids site https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/

NASA have made their entire image library available online free! https://images.nasa.gov/

LIVE ACTIVE – AT HOME
Parents are climbing the walls, the kids are climbing everywhere and boredom is already creeping in but we’ve got some quick links and handy tips which we hope will help.
https://www.liveactive.co.uk/at-home
LIVE ACTIVE AT HOME – YOUNG PEOPLE
All the workout ideas, activities, handy links and resources your family needs to stay active and entertained.
https://www.liveactive.co.uk/at-home-yp

Advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

We offer our online services which include 1 to 1 physical activity sessions through Zoom to help you improve your fitness, strength, and balance but to also have that friendly face from the Movement for Memories team to encourage you with your activities. We will also have our NEW online classes if you prefer to do a class, which will start mid-January and will again be on Zoom. The classes that we will be delivering are – Active Sit, Strength & Cardio, and Strength & Balance.
If you are interested in any of these services and would like to self-refer yourself then please email – active@edinburghleisure.co.uk or phone 0131 458 2260

Our online sporting memories clubs have replaced our physical clubs for the time being. Meeting each week for an hour and half the online clubs provide social and physical activities where everyone can have fun, make friends with the aim of supporting each other. Many of the adults who come to our clubs welcome the weekly company as they have become isolated within their community or are living with low mood, dementia or other long-term conditions.
www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com

@SMN_Scotland
Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland

At Scottish Ballet we believe that dance can be enjoyed by everyone. We offer a variety of drop-in and weekly classes that enable dancers of all ages and abilities, as well as special ZOOM classes designed for people living with Parkinson’s, MS and dementia. Become a FREE member to book. There is a charge for these classes.
https://www.scottishballet.co.uk/classes

Each Wednesday a series of challenges (including some hosted by Tim Henman) will be released on Tim Henman Foundation Online  that will help primary aged children stay topical, have fun and be fulfilled during these uncertain times. Importantly, all of the challenges are designed so that they make use of everyday household items and require minimal supervision, allowing parents to get on with their own work whilst knowing their children are extending their learning beyond the classroom (or the kitchen table, as it may be right now!).
www.thfonline.org/

Thanks to Carol at Change4Life for sharing this range of free activities, challenges and learning resources for parents to do indoors or in their garden with their children. Don’t stop getting active 🙂
They’re written for primary-aged children but encourage families to have fun together through 10-minute activities. They are inclusive for families with disabled children too.
https://www.getset.co.uk/resources/travel-to-tokyo/indoor-activity

Flamingo Chicks is an inclusive community giving all children, including disabled children and those with illnesses such as cancer, the opportunity to enjoy dance and explore movement alongside friends.
https://flamingochicks.org/athome/

Kayla Itsines Workout App, SWEAT, is Free for 4 Weeks to New Members. If you’ve ever wanted to try it, now’s your chance.
Click here!

Actor Chris Hemsworth (you might know him better as Thor from the popular Marvel films) has announced his health and fitness programme **Centr** will be free for six weeks (normally £23/month). It includes workouts with ‘world-class trainers’, meal plans and mindfulness exercises. https://centr.com/join-us

Yoga with Adriene has an incredible 6.3million followers on YouTube, and for good reason. The classes are free and cater to all different levels from beginner to the more experienced. There are also some short meditation sessions.
https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene

Joe Wicks, otherwise known as the Body Coach has free workouts available on his YouTube channel. This include free daily workouts for kids as an alternative to gym classes!
https://www.youtube.com/user/thebodycoach1

As the experts in developing skills and bringing adventure to young people, the Scouts want to do what they can to help.

“While we normally love the great outdoors, we’ve pulled together some inspired indoor activity ideas (if we do say so ourselves). Keep your kids learning new skills and having fun (and avoid hearing ‘I’m bored’ every 30 seconds) all in #TheGreatIndoors.”

https://www.scouts.org.uk/the-great-indoors

The physio department from Ayrshire and Arran are doing daily exercises for those who are self-isolating or social distancing via their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/MSK-NHS-Ayrshire-Arran-604290096433921/

Youth Sport Trust have daily activities  to complement their existing home learning resources

https://www.youthsporttrust.org/resources/coronavirus-support

Self-care is taking the initiative to put your mental health first. It means learning ways to lower your stress and anxiety levels and developing strategies to cope with these feelings. Self-care should include awareness of your triggers and the mental disorders to which you may be susceptible. It also includes doing things to take care of your physical, psychological, and emotional health.

https://thedermreview.com/mental-health-and-self-care-resources/

Big thanks to Alexandra in the Unites States, who suggested this page to us after using some of our other links.

Scams can be difficult to recognise, but there are things you can look out for.
You can use our online scams helper to get advice that’s specific to your situation –
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/consumer/scams/check-if-something-might-be-a-scam/

We run online groups that get together regularly and provide members with opportunities to meet new people and have new experiences.
https://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/scotland/online-social-groups

Re-Connect CBT is a series of short group therapy sessions to help you cope during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. You must be 18 years or over to join a session.
You can attend as many or as few sessions as you like. The sessions are free and will be offered on a four weekly rolling basis.

Please check the website for upcoming session themes and times – https://www.thewisegroup.co.uk/re-connectcbt/

These web pages provide information for people in Scotland who may be worried that they, or someone they care about, is at increased risk of getting seriously ill and potentially dying from COVID-19.
https://www.goodlifedeathgrief.org.uk/content/support_with_covid19/

This information pack aims to support parents of children with an ASD or LD during this tricky time and will hopefully make things a little more manageable.

Information Booklet

Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland – We are Scotland’s Bereavement Charity, here to listen when you feel ready to talk.
http://www.crusescotland.org.uk/

Child Bereavement UK – gives help and support for dealing with death.
https://www.childbereavementuk.org/

Winston’s Wish – find advice, coping tips, blogs and information for bereaved young people.
https://www.winstonswish.org/coronavirus/

Useful free resources for carers of the elderly. You need to sign up to receive these – https://www.goldencarers.com/free-activities/

Here we have put together a list of faith groups that regularly livestream services or offer them as downloadable recordings.  Please bear in mind that, given the current situation, some of these services may not go ahead. We will be updating this list as we receive further information, so please check back if the information you are looking for is not here.

The Church of Scotland – http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/services-online

Free Church of Scotland – https://freechurch.org/online-services/

Church of England – https://www.churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/church-online

Free Church of Scotland – https://freechurch.org/online-services/

Scottish Episcopal Church – https://www.scotland.anglican.org/broadcast-sunday-worship/

Catholic Church,  Archdiocese of Glasgow –  http://www.rcag.org.uk/index.php/item/907-mass-live-streams

Muslim, Glasgow Central Mosque –  https://www.facebook.com/glasgowmosque/

Mind Scotland –  Compassionate and expert support. https://www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk/

The Samaritans – Samaritans Coronavirus Support

Breathing Space – A confidential phoneline for anyone in Scotland over the age of 16, feeling low, anxious or depressed.  https://breathingspace.scot/

Shout – The UK’s first 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help. https://www.giveusashout.org/

SAMH – Looking after your mental health in challenging times. https://www.samh.org.uk/

OCD and Coronavirus Survival Tips

Scottish Autism is an autism charity that exists to help those diagnosed with autism to lead full and enriched lives and become valuable members of the community they live in. https://www.scottishautism.org/

Find out more about what’s happening with the current coronavirus outbreak in the UK and simple steps you can take to help prevent catching COVID-19. https://young.scot/campaigns/national/coronavirus

If you have an eating disorder, or are supporting someone who does, you may have worries or concerns to do with the illness or treatment due to coronavirus.

Beat Eating Disorders have developed online resources that may help. You can access it here https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/coronavirus

Alzheimers Scotland has a 24-hour dementia helpline. All the details are here https://www.alzscot.org/living-with-dementia/getting-support/24-hour-freephone-dementia-helpline

The SilverLine UK is a free 24-hour confidential helpline for older people. Their number 0800 470 8090

https://www.thesilverline.org.uk

Scope is the disability equality charity in England and Wales. Their helpline number is 0808 800 333
http://www.scope.org.uk

Mind Charity are here to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone.
Their helpline is available on 0300 123 3393. Their website is https://www.mind.org.uk

DiabetesUK works to support people with diabetes across the UK. Their helpline number is 0345 123 2399

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/

The British Heart Foundation  can give you information and support about heart and circulatory diseases, and their risk factors. This includes conditions such as heart disease, stroke, vascular dementia and diabetes.

The Heart helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm on 0300 330 3311  or email hearthelpline@bhf.org.uk

https://www.bhf.org.uk/

Asthma UK works to support people with asthma across the UK

Their helpline is available on 0300 222 5800  and is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

They are also available on whatsapp chat on 07378 606728.

Their website is https://www.asthma.org.uk/

Age UK is the leading charity for older people in the UK. Their phoneline is open from 8am-7pm every day on 0800 678 1602

Their website is available at https://www.ageuk.org.uk/