A reduced service is in operation but that if people are experiencing difficulties they can call in to the centre to seek information, advice and signposting.   Also you can get additional support  by visiting www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters website.

Useful links

Healthwatch Sandwell

Department for Work & Pensions

Recovery College

Five Ways to Wellbeing at a time of social distancing

Looking after yourself and others during the coronavirus crisis. The Five Ways to wellbeing will help us to talk about the things that matter to us under each of the headings, and set ourselves the challenge of doing at least one of each of these every day.

1. Connect

Connect with the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

It’s clear that self-isolating means that we must only socialise face-to-face with those that we are living with. Online platforms such as Skype, Zoom and social media can enable us to see friends and family. Telephone conversations are key.

2. Be active

Go for a walk or run. Step outside, cycle, play a game, do the garden, dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

A host of free online group workouts are available, from fitness workouts to yoga. This type of exercise will work for some, but being active is not only about ‘working out’ and there’s a huge range of different physical capabilities due to health conditions, age and ability. Finding a way to be active that suits you and can be sustained is critical.

3. Take Notice

Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

In current circumstances it’s hard not to worry about the future, of our home, our family, our community, our workplace. Taking some time each day to talk about how we are feeling will be helpful, and noticing the feeling of fresh air and sunshine on your faces while you are out for our daily walk.

 4. Keep learning

Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Learn how to cook your favourite food. Sign up for that course. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. As well as being fun, learning new things will make you more confident.

Learning something new or improving a skill you already have is a way of shutting out the outside world for a bit and giving you a sense of achievement. Talk about the things your family enjoy doing and what you can teach each other. It’s about setting ourselves a challenge and attempting to master it.

5. Give

Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.

There are ways that you can help others while still following the guidelines. Virtual support can be provided, through shopping online for local food banks (if you can afford it). You can write thank you notes and children can paint rainbows to stick in your window as a sign of support for key workers and hope that things will get better.