NSPCC in Croydon continuing to support children through coronavirus crisis

NSPCC practitioners have adapted so they can support vulnerable children during the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff at the service centre, based in Croydon High Street, swiftly made their practices virtual when face-to-face therapy sessions suddenly ceased to be a safe option in March.

Seeking Solutions is a free service designed to help young people aged seven to 18 solve their problems and worries by building their confidence, skills, strength and resilience so they can cope with them now and in the future.

Problems can include family issues, peer pressure or bullying, low self-confidence, issues at school, anxiety and stress, personal safety and feelings of anger, sadness or rejection.

Barry O’Sullivan, manager of children’s services at the NSPCC Croydon Service Centre, said of working through the pandemic: “Working virtually on calls or video calls has worked really well in ways we hadn’t expected it to in the beginning.

“Even though the practitioners can’t be in the same room as the child, we’re able to use the same resources we normally would use.

“Practically what we’re doing is sending out lots of resources to families, particularly if they don’t have many resources anyway.

“For instance we’ve sent lots of different worksheets and colours that the child can use.”