Stay well
It can be challenging to stay well at the moment, but below we’ve collected some tips and ideas that you might want to explore as we go through the lockdown.
Isolating but not isolated
If you are isolating or shielding, you don’t have to do it alone. All of our events are now online and we’ve got so much on offer from yoga workshops to information sessions. You can come along and connect without leaving your living room!
Chat and befriending services
We are also lucky in Surrey to have some great organisations offering chat and befriending services, if you’re on your own and need to talk have a look at some of the wonderful options below. And don’t forget you can always call our dedicated Carers Helpline if you want to talk about any aspect of your caring role 0303 040 1234.
- Surrey County Council Community Helpline – 0300 200 1008
- Brigitte Trust
- Age UK
- Age UK Surrey
- Crossroads Care Surrey
Mental wellbeing – it’s OK to not be OK
Being a carer during a pandemic is extremely challenging and it’s important to take care of your mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling mentally then visit adult mental health and wellbeing on Healthy Surrey where you’ll find tips on mental wellbeing and information on how to access specialist support locally.
The NHS also have great tips to help you on their Every Mind Matters pages. If you are battling low mood and anxiety it’s important to mention it to your GP.
It’s also worth remembering the benefits of emotional support. And don’t forget our events pages which include a weekly session on Mindfulness, plus sessions on relaxation.
These helpful Surrey organisations can also offer excellent support over the phone or online.
- Mary Frances Trust
- Woking Mind – Mind also has a new supportive online community called Side by Side, where you can feel at home talking about your mental health and connect with others who understand. It’s available to all, 24/7.
- Samaritans – if you or someone you know is in crisis
- Surrey Virtual Wellbeing
- Kooth – for young people who are feeling particularly anxious or depressed can get support here
Physical wellbeing
From Joe Wicks to walks in the countryside, there are lots of ways to boost your physical activity. The fabulous Active Surrey team have been working hard to put together a whole host of workouts for Surrey’s residents, they’ve put together programmes for the over 65s as well some great information for exercising at home. We’re also running some active classes which you can find on our events page.
Keep busy
Although most of us are stuck at home, it’s important to keep mentally active and busy. If you’re a parent carer who’s been juggling additional home schooling that might sound like the last thing you need but making time to do at least one thing that you enjoy will make you feel a whole lot better. The BBC, Netflix and museums have all adapted brilliantly to bring you some first class entertainment. Books and gardening are also great places to give yourself some well-earned ‘me time’.
At home shouldn’t mean at risk
If you are feeling frightened in your home because of the behaviour of another adult, or you know someone who is at risk while staying at home:
- Surrey Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 9am to 9pm, seven days a week: 01483 776822 or visit Surrey Against Domestic Abuse on the Healthy Surrey website.
- Call 999 if you are in immediate danger. If you can’t talk out loud the police operate a Silent Solution. Call 999 and then press 55. This will transfer your call to the relevant police force.
- Bright Sky provide support and information for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or someone concerned about a friend or family member. They also have a really useful App that you can download for free on the Google Play Store and App Store. It’s available in English, Polish, Punjabi and Urdu.
- Children and young people who don’t feel safe at home can get help from Childline – call 0800 1111 or visit the Childline website.
