Coronavirus

Spending time with people you trust or care about can help when you’re feeling down or struggling to cope. But that’s not always easy when school is closed.

The rules in the UK mean that you can now see people you don’t live with. What you’re allowed to do depends on where you live:

England

Up to 6 people from different homes can meet up, as long as it’s outdoors and people stay 2 metres apart. You can also meet people indoors from one other house, including staying overnight.

You’re able to go to shops, playgrounds and some activities, but it’s important to remember that you still need to keep space between yourself and other people.

Northern Ireland

Up to 30 people can meet outside, but it’s important to keep 2 meters apart, and to wear a face covering when you can.

Up to 6 people from different homes can meet indoors. But you should try to meet in places with good ventilation, and not for too long.

Scotland

You can spend time outdoors with people from two other households (people who live in a different home). You can’t meet indoors, but you can spend time outside relaxing, exercising or having fun.

When you meet with people from other houses, it’s important to keep 2 meters apart.

Wales

You can meet people from one other household (people who live in a different home) outdoors

It’s important to stay 2 metres away from people from other homes, but taking a walk with a friend or someone you care about can be a great way to feel better.

There are lots of ways to spend time with people without going out:

• talk to people you know using facetime or video chat
• contact a friend you haven’t heard from since the lockdown started to say hello
• start a new group chat with people you care about
• play a new game with people you live with, or watch something new with them on TV
• write a letter to someone you trust, telling them how you feel.

Depending on where you live, you may be able to start travelling more to see people. It’s better to stay in your local area if you can, but if you are going to travel:

• talk to your parent or carer about where you want to go
• walk or cycle to places when you can
• wear face coverings on public transport if you’re able to (you might not be able to travel if you don’t)
• avoid taking car trips with friends or family you don’t live with.

If you’re getting school work at home and you’re not able to go out, it’s easy to stop keeping to a routine. But having a healthy routine can help you to cope and it can improve your mood.

If you’re struggling with your routine, it can help to:

• Set an alarm in the morning, even if it’s the weekend, and to have a set time you go to bed.
• Plan the activities you need to do during the day, and make time for breaks and to spend time with other people.
• Do something each day to do something that gives you a sense of achievement, even if it’s something small like tidying up.
• Make time in the evening to relax before bed.

Make sure you’re eating healthily. And remember that you’re allowed out to exercise when you want to, or there are lots of exercises you can do at home.

Trying to do schoolwork at home can be stressful sometimes. Make sure you take regular breaks to do something you enjoy or to go outside.

It can be tough when you’re used to having support from a school counsellor. If you can try to talk to an adult you trust like your parents or carers if things are getting hard. Remember, you can always get support on the message boards or from Childline.

Remember, if you’re not feeling safe at home or things are getting difficult, we can help.

It’s easy to get bored when you’re stuck at home, so why not try learning a new skill. From practicing juggling to teaching yourself origami, the possibilities are endless. If you’re not sure, try asking for inspiration on the message boards.

Whether you’re worried about people getting ill, what’s going to happen in your exams or what will happen with the coronavirus, it’s important to ask an adult you trust about what you can do.

Whatever you’re feeling, it’s better out than in! Create an account and let your feelings out in the mood journal, or get creative and make something using the Art box.