Health & Well Being
Mental Health and Well Being
Welcome! Here you will find updates and resources for the Bedford Public Schools community to promote good mental health. We are also actively contributing to a Mental Health and Well Being website with a number of Massachusetts school districts - this site is updated regularly. The calendar has a little something for everyone - students, adults, families, scientists. Join us!
Building Resilience: Webinar Recording & Resources
Guest Speaker: Dr. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
Pandemic Parenting Resources
Two psychologists, scholars, and moms, share science-based research to help all who care for kids navigate this pandemic, together.
Resiliency Project Parent Event
Parenting Through Back-To-School During COVID-19: Strategies for Coping and Supporting Our Kids, Teens, and Ourselves. All welcome! Wednesday, October 14th, 7-8:15pm, registration
Bedford Public Schools and the Town of Bedford are pleased to announce a new affiliation with the William James College INTERFACE Referral Service, an outpatient mental health resource and referral Helpline, open Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm, and available to Bedford residents and students of Bedford Public Schools. The Helpline can be reached at 888-244-6843 for resource information and/or outpatient mental health provider referrals from a trained resource and referral counselor. If you have any questions regarding mental health and social service supports or do not have health insurance, please contact Bedford’s Community Social Worker Christopher Bang at 781-918-4328 or cbang@bedfordma.gov.
MassSupport Network provides community outreach and support services to residents of all ages in response to the unprecedented public health crisis, COVID-19. Their anonymous, confidential, and free program is for individuals (including youth), families, schools, organizations, businesses and communities. They provide emotional support, coping strategies, resources, and up-to-date, factual information. This Crisis Counseling Program is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and managed in partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health and Riverside Trauma Center, a program of Riverside Community Care. Call or email to talk to one of their outreach staff: 888-215-4920 or MassSupport@riversidecc.org.
Strategies to Nurture Resiliency in Ourselves & Our Children
Strategies to Nurture Resilience in Ourselves & Our Children Wednesday, April 29th from 7-8pm with Q&A to follow. Dr. Robert Brooks, Ph.D. Child Psychologist, Harvard Medical School Faculty. Renowned author and speaker on resilience, motivation, and family relationships. Sponsored by the BHS Challenge Success Committee and brought to you by generous grants from the BHSPA and the MSPA.
The presentation was recorded and is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzhqkjKE1Wg
Mindfulness High School
Lynn Lyons is offering Live Podcasts to build community and navigate this time.
Podcast episode 2: When FOMO Just Becomes Mo.
Rooted in Love Video
If there is one video that you watch and then share with your adolescent, friends, and family please make it be this one. During this difficult, confusing, and frightening time, Mike Smith, the host of The Harbor™ by Jostens, takes to the crate to acknowledge the challenges we are all facing during the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions. Mike issues a call to action for all of us, in this unprecedented time, to find ways to build community, take care of one another, and stay rooted in love.
Free Resources from Second Step for Families and Educators
Free Social-Emotional Learning Activities: There are a number of Second Step activities freely available online for children ages 5–13. Many of these are adaptable for remote learning or for families to do at home with their children.
The Imagine Neighborhood: This new podcast for families is designed to help children and grown-ups practice their social-emotional skills. Each episode tells a story that’s amazing, fantastical, and maybe a little bananas, while it tackles the big feelings that come with growing up.
Mind Yeti®: Fifteen of our mindfulness program sessions are now available for anyone to use, no experience necessary! Designed for educators and families to do alongside children, or for older children to do on their own, Mind Yeti provides a great way for everyone to practice mindfulness during this difficult time.
Mind Yeti on Vimeo: English | Spanish
Mind Yeti on YouTube: English | Spanish
Mind Yeti Podcast: RSS Feed | Spotify | Stitcher
Little Children, Big Challenges: Committee for Children and Sesame Street have partnered to create a collection of resources for young children facing significant challenges. These materials, aimed at building children’s resilience, may be useful for educators and families.
Mindfulness and Relaxing Activities for Children
Mindfulness Class for Kids Grades K-5 - Every Thursday 10-10:30am
Relaxing Music for Children
Relaxing Music for Children with Animal Photos
Kids Mindfulness Calm Compilation
Story Cub
Mo Williems Live Stream Daily Doodle
Resources and Information
The Family Lockdown Guide: How to Emotionally Prepare for Coronavirus Quarantine
Bedford Health and Human Services: Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
Helping Children Cope with Emergencies
Mental Health in a Time of Pandemic
Coronavirus Will Cause a Loneliness Epidemic
Quarantine Raises Mental Health Concerns
Video: Hope to Help Children Cope
Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health
Riverside Trauma Center: Managing Reactions to the Coronavirus
A Parent Resource: Talking to Children About COVID-19
Teens Tweens Webinar - Click here