Looking Out For Each Other
Dear Friends,
As parents, many of us are more stressed out than we have ever been before. Why is this? We, along with other caregivers, are dealing with circumstances beyond our control. Our families are isolated at home due to the coronavirus. Many of us are struggling with financial concerns, feeling alone, food insecurity and the lack of community services that typically help parents, children, and families.
What can we all do? First, stay in touch with other families, friends and neighbors. The need for physical distancing has changed the ways community members can offer support to one another, but we can be a listening ear, send a text or do a video chat. Be sure to talk to the children, if you can. Ask simple questions, like "How are you doing?" and "Do you need anything?" “Hey, I care about you.” and "I'm here to help if you need anything." (See more tips for staying connected).
We now have parent groups meeting virtually online. To find out days of the week and times, call the Vermont Parent's Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN. If you, as a parent or caregiver, feel like you’re at your wit’s end, reach out because there are many of us who care about you and understand and want to help. Hold on. Step away - go outside and breathe; take a walk if you can; call a friend or call a professional. This is a very tough time, and we may all need some help to get through it.
If you do hear a child screaming or crying frequently, or you suspect young children are being left alone, or are being harmed in any way, call for help. Even though it’s hard, we must all make protecting children our business. Make a confidential report anytime by calling Vermont's child protection hotline at (800) 649-5285.
If you feel suicidal or are concerned about your mental well-being, you can: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255; Text VT to 741741; or Contact the Vermont Peer Support Line at 1-833-888-2557.
If you feel afraid of anyone in your household: Call 911 for immediate help; or Contact the Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence at 1-800-228-7395 or Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-489-7273.
If you are struggling with substance abuse: Call Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services at 1-800-639-6071.
If you are a parent or caregiver in need of support and are not sure where find help: Call the Vermont Parents Helpline at 1-800-CHILDREN (1-800-244-5373); Check out our COVID-19 Resource Guide at www.pcavt.org; Call 211 for information about a broad variety of resources.
Remember, we will get through this TOGETHER!
From PCAVT’s Family Support Team - Steve Ness, Cindy Wells, Heather Niquette, Cindy Atkins, and Amber Menard