Maitland State MP Jenny Aitchison has launched an online school holiday activity and information page to support Maitland families through this unprecedented time of change, stress, and confusion.

“Every day we are being bombarded with information about COVID-19, its dangers, and ways we need to keep ourselves and our families safe,” Ms Aitchison said.

“While that’s necessary, it is also hugely stressful.

“In the fight to keep our children, ourselves and our communities healthy, we must not lose sight of the importance of mental wellbeing.”

In response to this need, Ms Aitchison has launched a page on her website dedicated specifically to school holidays and the mental wellbeing of families.

“Many adults are facing the challenges of working from home while supervising school-aged children,” she said.

“Wage-earners, small business owners and the increasing number of unemployed workers face the stress of unchartered economic conditions.

“Children are unable to enjoy traditional holiday pursuits such as travel, time with friends, and visiting relatives.

“This is an unprecedented melting pot of stress and confusion for children and adults alike.”

Ms Aitchison’s webpage offers strategies and contact information for parents and carers looking to care for their own mental health, as well as useful advice and resources to help them communicate with children.

Resources include fact sheets and digital tools, as well as a list of Ms Aitchison’s fun and creative tips on ways to make the school holidays ‘staycation’ an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Ms Aitchison’s website also has a dedicated portal with government information on a wide range of topics including COVID-19 symptoms, health advice, financial assistance, support for businesses, social distancing and hygiene.