The NAN Project & COVID-19
During these unsettling days, we at The NAN Project remain steadfast in our commitment to the mental health and wellness of our young adults, schools and communities. In the coming weeks, we plan to develop an ongoing series of both live stream and downloadable programs which we will make available to schools as a resource to alleviate the isolation, emotional stress and upheaval in routines that many young people are facing.
Please see below our selection of resources including 1) Resource Guides for students and educators/parents 2) Lesson Plans for educators 3) Videos from our Peer Mentors 4) Useful links Read a message from The NAN Project’s Co-Founder regarding our work during the COVID-19 school closures Resource Guide for Educators & Caregivers Resource Guide for Young AdultsVirtual Programming
Lesson Plans for Educators
The NAN Project is pleased to offer the following programs as a set of tools for schools and youth serving organizations to promote self-care, routine, and connectedness for the young people they serve. All modules are equipped with:
1) A Lesson Plan for the facilitator to lead the lesson
2) A Set of Slides, which can be viewed by the students or young adults to more easily follow the lesson’s flow.
We hope you find them helpful and appreciate any feedback you have, submitted through this short feedback survey, so that we can continually improve this set of programs.
Nanner Virtual Hangout #10: Self Care Toolbox
This activity invites students to evaluate what is working for them right now, and identify gaps in their current self care, by discussing different domains of self care. (35-40 Minutes)
Nanner Virtual Hangout #9: Reframing Negative Perspective – “Shifting Towards Hope”
| This art therapy directive aims to externalize stress and negative emotions. This visualization will help us notice where we are getting stuck in negative narratives and feelings and how we can feel more hopeful and positive. (30-40 Minutes) Slides #9 |
Nanner Virtual Hangout #7: Stress Management – “In My Control”
Many of us are receiving distressing, upsetting, or even scary information about how our world or communities are affected by the coronavirus. Much of this news is not something we can control or affect. The discussion and visual created during this activity validate students’ concerns, but also call attention to how many things are within our control, even in these challenging times. (45 Minutes)Lesson Plan #7
Nanner Virtual Hangout #6: Goal Setting – “Intention Tree”
Facing challenges gives us the opportunity to reflect on our hopes for the future and set new goals. This intention setting technique empowers us to design our lives based on a personal sense of meaning and positive mental well-being. Students will identify an intention or goal, as well as the supports and actions needed for that intention. (35-45 Minutes)Lesson Plan #6
Nanner Virtual Hangout #5: Self Compassion – “Letter to Myself”
Self Compassion offers a space for the intense feelings we may be having, as well as an opportunity to offer ourselves some comfort during stressful times.This lesson will introduce the basics of self-compassion, and offer students a moment in their day to reflect on themselves and their mental health with kindness and understanding. (35-45 Minutes)
Nanner Virtual Hangout #4: Self Care – “Passing the Energy”
Using a wide array of body expressions and movements, students get to share with the group some activity that we have done in the past week to cope that promotes selfcare. (55-75 Minutes)
Nanner Virtual Hangout #3: “Staying Positive & Self Compassion”
This activity encourages participants to maintain and refocus our attention on some of the things that bring us joy and happiness. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own strategies for maintaining self-care. (45 Minutes-1hr)
Nanner Virtual Hangout #1: “5 Senses Survival Kit”
Using everyday objects you have around you, create a few simple reminders of coping skills and self-care practices. This activity will get you up and moving, while tapping in to your five senses. (35-45 Minutes)
TikTok with The NAN Project
Our Peer Mentors have joined TikTok to spread mental health awareness – check out their videos by following @the_nan_project!
Follow The NAN Project on TikTokPeer Mentor Videos
The NAN Project has produced the following videos for students, educators and families that reinforce the importance of caring for our mental health. Our Peer Mentors share how they’ve been navigating these challenging times, as well as the strategies they’ve found most helpful.
Webinar: Impact of Social Isolation on Students
In recognition of Children’s Mental Health Week, The NAN Project has produced “Impact of Social Isolation on Students,” a video webinar created by Clinical Director Donna Kausek and Peer Coordinator Shilpa Thirukkovalur. The goal of this webinar is to help educators and caregivers recognize the challenges of today’s students, validate their experiences, and provide appropriate responses and resources in the context of Covid-19.
Coping with Quarantine #1
The NAN Project produced this video in recognition of Children’s Mental Health Week, and how the Commonwealth’s stay-at-home order has further challenged young people who struggle with mental health disorders. Elli, our Peer Coordinator, talks about how she is coping, in spite of a past that includes self-harming behavior. Her message is one Help and Hope.
Coping with Quarantine #2
The NAN Project produced the attached video, “Coping With Quarantine #2”, in recognition of Children’s Mental Health Week, and how the Commonwealth’s stay-at-home order has further challenged young people who struggle with mental health disorders. Three of our Senior Peer Mentors talk about how difficult the past six weeks have been AND how they have worked hard to stay positive and busy. “We’re in this together” is their message of Help and Hope.
Quarantine Care Stories
Useful links
Here are some links to articles about how to support the mental health of young adults during this period of social isolation:
- From the New York Times – 5 tips to support teenagers struggling with anxiety related to COVID 19
- Mindfulness Tools from MGH – Resources for Mindfulness and strategies and recommendations to implement them
- How to Take the “Un” out of Uncertainty – A blog by The NAN Project’s Senior Peer Mentor, Alison Sabean, with some tips for creating routine in these uncertain times
- Free Online Groups & Events from William College – William James College will be offering several free, online groups beginning 4/13 on parenting, working from home, mindfulness and other topics.
- Free Tips and Tools for Remote Learning – Common Sense has compiled videos, tip sheets, and online resources for parents and students making the transition to online learning.
- 31 Days of Meditation Join The Clay Center’s Meditation Challenge for Mental Health Month. Their calendar features prompts for meditating, helpful tips, and reminders to reflect on your practice.
- 12 Ideas to Honor A 2020 Graduate This article from The Boston Globe is full of creative ideas to celebrate the 2020 Grad in your life.
- From The Child Mind Institute, this list of resources for parents and guardians is full of information on supporting the mental health of young people through this challenging time.