Youth and Family COVID-19 Resources

It’s the job of the grown-ups to be taking care of ourselves so that we’re able to help our kids stay regulated in the midst of worries and changes in routines. Practicing self-care isn’t easy. Here are a few things you can do to help yourself to be best prepared to help your kids:

Here’s of some of Youth Service’s favorite online resources for young people that have been helping us navigate the new waters and stressors of social distancing.

  1. Free Apps
  2. Storytime & Distance Learning
  3. Virtual Arts & Adventures
  4. Get Moving!
  5. Podcasts & Youtube Channels
  6. Social Emotional Learning Activities


  • Headspace: For the next few months, there will be a free section in the app called weathering the storm, available to everyone. It includes meditation, sleep, and movement exercises designed to help guide you through this. It is a great way of helping you find some space and kindness for yourself, and those around you.
  • Disneynature Explore: (Ages 6+) Free, interactive nature-education app. Some of this “augmented reality” app’s activities are intended for kids to do outside with a caregiver and mobile device; others can be done inside, through exploring the habitats and lives of animals.
  • GoNoodle: Movement and mindfulness videos created by child development experts. Available free at school, home, and everywhere kids are!

Here are places to stay up to date on your mental health and other needs

  1. Mental Health Supports
  2. Financial & Nutritional Supports


  • Us! Youth Services staff are all still here by phone and using video conferencing technology. Give us a call, we’ll set something up with you!
  • Dial 2-1-1 select option 1 for Connecticut’s Mobile Crisis Intervention Services
  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: Call (800) 985- 5990 that provides 24/7, 365-day-a- year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
  • NAMI Crisis Text Line: Text 741741
  • The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ support): Call 1-866-488-7386 or go to their site for additional text/chat options
  • Q Plus: Connecticut LGBTQ+ youth online connection and programs
  • GenderSpectrum: National resource for supporting trans, nonbinary, and gender creative youth. Running online groups for tweens (11-12), teens (13-19), and parents/caregivers/family members.
  • NAMI hosts online communities where people can exchange support and encouragement.
  • SMART Recovery online groups: Feeling Overwhelmed or Anxious? Using Alcohol and Drugs to Cope? SMART Recovery peer groups help you develop self-management and coping skills to make positive changes in your life or help a loved one. 
  • Support Group Central: Offers virtual support groups on numerous mental health conditions - free or low-cost. Website also offered in Spanish.
  • Psych Central: Offers online mental health resources, quizzes, news, an “Ask the Therapist” function, and online support communities.