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Welcome to your latest Families update
Content warning: This newsletter contains information that you may find distressing including repeated reference to mental ill-health and suicide. Please be mindful of your own wellbeing in deciding whether to continue reading this.
This week we've got updates on Suicide Prevention Day, the upcoming Emergency Alert Test and how to opt out, support for students starting secondary school, and much more.
 Celebrating GCSE Success
Hundreds of young people across the city have now received their Key stage 4 (GCSE) exam results.
Students, their families and everyone who has supported them during the year should be proud of the result of their hard work, and know that if they didn't get the grades they hoped for they are not alone, and that there is a wide range of support available.
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Support available for school leavers
Young people leaving school have a wide range of options available. It's important to remember that there's no 'right' path, and it's ok to feel nervous as well as excited.
Our website has information on a wide range of options, including academic qualifications, vocational options, technical qualifications and many more.
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Starting secondary school for the first time?
It can feel a bit daunting starting a new secondary school, and many people feel a mix of excitement and nerves, so don’t worry. There are a few things you can do before your first day to make things feel a bit smoother and more familiar, like making sure you’ve practised your new journey to school in advance.
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Struggling with school uniforms?
Looking at ways to help with the cost of school uniform?
We can offer assistance for eligible pupils in Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 that are and will be attending maintained schools (Huntington School or Joseph Rowntree School) in the coming year.
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 Don’t miss out on Rugby excitement
After an amazing weekend of action at the Rugby World Cup there’s plenty more to come.
This weekend sees York host the USA v Samoa and Japan v Spain, and there are still some tickets up for grabs.
It's not too late to get involved.
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Changing the narrative on Suicide Prevention Day
This World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), we are supporting PAPYRUS and joining the call to change the narrative on suicide.
Talking about suicide can be difficult, but it doesn’t make things worse. In fact, it can save a life.
If you’re struggling with thoughts of suicide or worried about someone else, contact HOPELINE247: call 0800 068 4141, text 88 247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
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Staying safe when going back to school
As school starts up again in September it's important to remember to stay safe on the roads on the school run.
Whether you're walking, cycling, driving or using public transport it's important to be alert and aware.
Remember to be bright, be seen and be safe as the nights get darker too.
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Foster carers urgently needed
We urgently need local foster carers to care for children and young people who can’t live with their birth families in York.
Fostering is a great way to help change the lives of children and young people and our fostering pay and allowances package is now amongst the best in the region.
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On 7 September at 3pm, the Government will be testing the emergency alert system nationwide.
This is a Government service that will warn you if there’s a danger to life nearby. In an emergency, such as severe flooding, fires or extreme weather, your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert with advice about how to stay safe.
The test will cause your mobile phone/tablet to make a loud siren-like sound for about 10 seconds, even if it's set on silent.
If you are affected by domestic abuse and have a concealed mobile phone from your abuser, you may not wish the sound of the alert to draw attention to your phone. How you opt out depends on the device, and there are instructions online on how to do so.
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Have your say!
Want to share your opinions? Here's what we're asking about at the moment, and what the deadlines are for taking part.
One of the best ways to influence what happens in York is to get involved in our Talkabout citizen's panel, which happens twice a year.
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Help fund the York Hungry Minds Appeal
The York Hungry Minds appeal has been set up to give people an opportunity to donate whatever they can afford to enable all primary school children in the city to access a free school meal.
Find out more, or make a donation, online.
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