Looking after our mental health during the lockdown
Whether you working in a hospital, care home, supermarket or other frontline roles, or you are home alone or with family, these are difficult times. More than ever we need to be looking after ourselves and others, our physical health and mental health.
It isn't always comfortable to share how we are feeling but I encourage you to do just that, especially if you are struggling.
For many of us, we have friends and family we can speak to and that is wonderful. However, sometimes we don't have anyone close to us or feel that we can't open up to any of our friends or family. If that's you, please don't struggle or suffer alone. Below is a list of some of the organisations who can help.
Don't wait, if you need to talk please reach out. You are not alone.
Take care,
Zöe Franklin
Parliamentary Spokesperson for Guildford, Cranleigh and our Villages
Samaritans
Call: 116 123
You can also email or write a letter. Details at: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
MIND
Mind has some great wellbeing resources for on their website:
- Adult: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
- Children & Young People: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/for-children-and-young-people/coronavirus/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
To speak to someone where you can get help and find out more about mental health issues you can call their infoline Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm on:
0330 123 3393
children & young people specific
CYP Haven
This local service are providing a virtual service weekdays 4-8:30pm and weekends 12-6pm where children and young people can call and speak with a youth worker. The number is 07773 008435 but is subject to change so it's worth checking it here every now and again: https://www.cyphaven.net/
Childline
0800 1111 or online at www.childline.org.uk
Shout
Shout provide a text service which some may find easier to use than speaking over the phone. To use it simply text 85258.
You can find out more information via their website: https://www.giveusashout.org/