Mental Health Support
How to look after your physical and mental wellbeing during lockdown
As England returns to a national lockdown, we've put together some useful resources to look after yourself while staying at home.
Staying at home, not being able to see family and friends, or being able to enjoy usual leisure activities can take its toll on our mental wellbeing, and that's why it is more important than ever to take care of yourself and others no matter what your situation.
We want to thank you for playing your part in following the guidelines and your patience. Please continue to follow the guidance to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Throughout this pandemic, it is and will continue to be, our priority that you have access to as much information and resources to support you throughout these difficult times.
Exercise
You can leave your home to exercise so wrap up warm and enjoy the crisp, winter season. Exercise should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.
You can exercise in a public outdoor place:
- by yourself
- with the people you live with
- with your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
- in a childcare bubble where providing care
- or, when on your own, with one other person from another household
This includes but is not limited to running, cycling, walking, and swimming. Personal training can continue one-on-one unless everyone is within the same household or support bubble.
Online exercises and classes
- Aspire @ Home have a range of online exercise resources
available to download.
- NHS Better health - the NHS has information to help you follow a 12 week programme to achieve an overall better, healthier lifestyle.
- Free fitness ideas – the NHS has put together some free ideas to stay fit.
Low-impact exercise
Don't put pressure on yourself to do lots of exercise, even small everyday activities can improve your mental and physical health. Cleaning the house and getting up after sitting for a long time for example.
Get as much natural light and fresh air as you can
Open your curtains to get as much natural light into your home as possible, if you're working from home, try working in different rooms in the house if the light moves during the day. Going out for your daily exercise in daytime hours can also help improve your mental health.
Open the windows to get fresh air into your home, if it's cold, open them for a short amount of time.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
If you're experiencing low moods or a lack of energy due to the cold, dark winter months, you may be suffering from SAD.
Read information on SAD
Wear warm clothes outside
If it's cold when going out for your daily exercise, wrap up and wear warm clothes to make yourself more comfortable.
Talk to peopleKeep in touch with loved ones on the phone by arranging video calls or sending messages. If you or someone you know struggles to use digital platforms, there are
resources available online to help.
There are also a range of local and national helplines that are available to call, some of which are listed below.
Local and national helplines
-
Age UK Wakefield District
Age UK Wakefield District is a local independent charity working with and for older people across Wakefield District.
Call: 01977 552114
Website:
www.ageuk.org.uk/wakefielddistrict/
Supporting healthy living for the people of Wakefield District, providing information, advice and support in coping with everyday life.
Call: 01924 255363
Website: www.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk/
Offering a safe place to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever's getting to you.
Call: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-wakefield-and-district
The Silver Line is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Call: 0800 4 70 80 90
Website:https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
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Mind
Website:https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/crisis-services/helplines-listening-services/
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Samaritans
Can be contacted by telephone, letter, e-mail and mini-com. There's also a face-to-face service, available at their local branches. They are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Telephone: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org
Website: www.samaritans.org
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Sane Line
Working with anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. The Sane Line helpline is open between 4:40pm and 10pm every day of the year. A free text-based support service called Textcare and an online supportive forum community where anyone can share their experiences of mental health issues is also available
Telephone: 0300 304 7000 (4:30pm – 10:30pm every evening)
Textcare: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/textcare
Support Forum: www.sane.org.uk/what_we_do/support/supportforum
Website: www.sane.org.uk
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Support Line
Support Line provide a confidential telephone helpline offering emotional support to any individual on any issue.
Telephone: 01708 765200
E-mail: info@supportline.org.uk
Website: www.supportline.org.uk
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Papyrus UK
Papyrus UK work with people under 35 who are having suicidal feelings and with people who are worried about someone under 35. Their helpline is open 10am – 10pm in the week, and between 2pm and 10pm at weekends and bank holidays.
Telephone: 0800 068 41 41
Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text: 07786 209697
Website: www.papyrus-uk.org
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C.A.L.M. (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
C.A.L.M's support is aimed specifically at men. The helpline is open between 5pm and midnight every day of the year.
Telephone (outside London): 0800 58 58 58
Webchat: www.thecalmzone.net/help/webchat/ (5pm – Midnight every day)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
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The Mix
Aimed at people under 25, The Mix's helpline is open between 4pm and 11pm, 7 days a week. They also run a crisis text service which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Telephone: 0808 808 4994
E-mail: through the website.
Crisis text message service: Text THEMIX to 85258
Webchat: through the website. (4pm - 11pm, 7 days a week)
Website: www.themix.org.uk
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Mood Swings
Aimed at anyone affected by a mood disorder, including friends, families and carers, Mood Swings' helpline is open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Telephone: 0161 832 37 36
E-mail: info@moodswings.org.uk
Website: www.moodswings.org.uk
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Safe Space for Wakefield District
Now open Friday and Saturday night 6pm until midnight. For people struggling with their mental health, feeling isolated or alone.
Telephone: 07776 962 815
WF-I-CAN is an online resource for children and young people living in Wakefield. It provides self-help tips for looking after yourself and healthy eating.
Website: wf-i-can.co.uk
During lockdown, many of us may have a lot of extra spare time, to keep your mind stimulated, try taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill.
Some examples include:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Reading
- Watching television/films
- Learning a new language
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Meditation and mindfulness
- Exercise
- Listening to music
Financial helpGet help with money, housing and jobs during coronavirus:
Advice during coronavirus - Wakefield Council
Domestic abuse supportIt's a very uncertain time for many of us, but particularly for those in lockdown with an abusive partner. This is why domestic abuse remains a priority for us during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Find out about the support available:
Domestic abuse - here to help - Wakefield Council
Families and young peopleInformation and contact details for support services surrounding mental health and wellbeing for children, young people, and families.
Find out what support is available to children and families during lockdown below:
Families and young people support contacts
National Autistic SocietyFor impartial, confidential information along with advice and support for autistic people and their families and carers.
0808 800 4104
www.autism.org.uk/
CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Help and support online to help against suicide.
0800 585858
www.thecalmzone.net
Change Grow Live (CGL)
A confidential drug and alcohol service for young people using drugs and/or alcohol as a way to cope.
0808 169 8711
www.changegrowlive.org
ChildLine
Free, anytime, day or night for help with any worry (under 19's).
0800 1111. If you're worried about a child
Call 0808 800 5000.
www.childline.org.uk
Combined Minds
A useful app to provide help for families and friends to support young people with their mental health. Available on your app store.
www.combinedminds.co.uk
Doc Ready
Discover information and advice to help you prepare to talk to somebody about mental health, including a doctor.
www.docready.org
Elefriends
A safe place to listen, share and be heard.
www.elefriends.org.uk
Family Action
Providing practical, emotional and financial support to those who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation across the country.
0808 802 6666 or text 07537 404 282
www.family-action.org.uk/
Family Lives
Providing help and support to families who are struggling.
0808 800 2222
www.familylives.org.uk/
Galop
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk/domesticabuse
Heads Above the Waves
Online advice, support, and coping strategies for young people suffering from depression and self-harm.
www.hatw.co.uk
Karma Nirvana
Supporting victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
0800 5999 247
www.karmanirvana.org.uk/
Kooth
Free, safe, and anonymous online support for 11 to 19 year olds.
www.kooth.com
Lone Parent Helpline
Information and advice on the key issues faced by lone parents, including maintenance, benefits, legal rights, and childcare.
0800 018 502
ManKind Initiative
Support for male victims of domestic abuse.
01823 334244
www.mankind.org.uk/
Meetwo
A safe and secure forum for teenagers to discuss any issues that are affecting their lives.
www.meetwo.co.uk
Mindout
An anonymous online instant message service to support and improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities.
www.mindout.org.uk
NCDV (National Centre for Domestic Violence)
Providing information, advice, and help for speedy protection against domestic violence.
0800 970 2070 or text NCDV to 60777
www.ncdv.org.uk/
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)
Offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters for patients, families, and carers.
0800 587 2108
Information and contact details for support services surrounding mental health and wellbeing for children, young people, and families.
Papyrus
Providing confidential suicide prevention advice.
0800 0684141or text 0786 0039967
www.papyrus-uk.org
Prisoners' Families Helpline
Providing advice and support to the families of people in prison.
0808 808 2003
Refuge
For confidential, non-judgemental information and support on domestic abuse.
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
Relate
Advice, tips, and counselling services to help your relationship stay healthy.
Telephone: 0300 100 1234
www.relate.org.uk/
Runaway
Support for if you are thinking about running away, if you have already run away, or if you have been away and come back.
116 000 (or free text)
Samaritans
Free, anytime support. Providing a listening ear, and emotional support.
116 123
www.samaritans.org/branches/wakefield/
SelfharmUK
Peer-to-peer communications for young people aged 14-19. A space for them to share their encouraging experiences through the use of blogs, stories, poetry and art.
www.selfharm.co.uk
Shout
Available for UK residents of any age, in need of crisis support.
Text Shout to 85258
www.giveusashout.org
Star Bereavement
Providing support for children and young people who have been bereaved.
01924 787384
www.starwakefield.org.uk
Stay Alive
An app available to support those at risk of suicide or those worried about someone.
www.prevent-suicide.org.uk
Stop It Now!
Access confidential advice and guidance on an appropriate course of action for those unsure or worried about their thoughts or behaviour towards children, or the behaviour of someone you know – adult or child.
0808 1000 900
www.stopitnow.org.uk
Talking Therapies
Support and psychological services for young people aged 16 years or older who are registered with a GP surgery in the Wakefield District.
01924 234860
www.talking.turning-point.co.uk/wakefield
The Mix
Offers young people under 25, 1-2-1 chat plus advice and support on a range of issues.
0808 808 4994 or text THEMIX to 85258 for crisis support.
www.themix.org.uk
The Money Advice Service
Free and impartial money advice.
0800 138 7777
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Victim Support
Emotional and practical support to anyone under 18 who has been affected by a crime
0300 303 1971
www.victimsupport.org.uk
Wakefield Social Services
03458 503 503
Wakefield Council Coronavirus Helpline
For information or support related to coronavirus.
0345 8 506 506 (choose option 3)
bit.ly/CoronaWFD
Wakefield & District Domestic Abuse Service
Support for people who are experiencing abuse, and also for those who recognise that they are using abusive behaviours and want to make changes.
0800 915 1561 / 07899717771 /07876395460
Well Women Centre
Online support for young women aged 16 years or older for their health and wellbeing.
www.wellwomenwakefield.org.uk
WF–I–Can
A new Wakefield district website to connect young people to activities and support to help them develop resilience, and manage life events and changes.
www.wf-i-can.co.uk
Winston's Wish
Giving hope to grieving children and supporting families through their support and advice.
08088 020021
www.winstonswish.org
Young Minds
Information and resources for children and young people, parents, and professionals about looking mental health and wellbeing.
Text YM to 85258 for urgent help. Parents can call the helpline on 0808 802
www.youngminds.org.uk
Supporting vulnerable people in your community
Sometimes just a small kindness can make a big difference. We're all working hard to play our part to follow social distancing and reduce transmission of coronavirus. For some people, the additional restrictions can make them feel anxious or vulnerable.
Here are some ways you can safely offer your support:
Additional support is available for anyone who does not have a network of friends, family or neighbours around them and who needs help with things like shopping and picking up medicines.
Below you’ll find information, resources, and a list of key contacts, which we hope you can share with your community to support each other as much as possible during this time.
Please always refer to the latest official government information on social distancing.
I'm worried about being isolated and on my own
How can I get assistance with foods and medicines if I am reducing my social contacts?
Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services.
It’s important to speak to others and ask them to help you to make arrangements for the delivery of food, medicines and essential services and supplies, and look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example, if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected.
How can I stay connected with family and friends during this time?
Draw on support you might have through your friends, family and other networks during this time.
Try to stay in touch with those around you over the phone, by post, or online using social media. Let people know how you would like to stay in touch and build that into your routine.
This is also important in looking after your mental wellbeing and you may find it helpful to talk to them about how you are feeling.
Remember it is okay to share your concerns with others you trust and in doing so you may end up providing support to them too.
You might want to use a NHS recommended helpline.
You can also follow Wakefield Council on
Facebook and
Twitter where we'll be sharing tips and advice on staying connected.
How can I get assistance with foods and medicines?
Ask family, friends and neighbours to support you and use online services wherever possible.
It's important to speak to others and ask them to help you to make arrangements for the delivery of food, medicines and essential services and supplies, and look after your physical and mental health and wellbeing.
If you receive support from health and social care organisations, for example if you have care provided for you through the local authority or health care system, this will continue as normal. Your health or social care provider will be asked to take additional precautions to make sure that you are protected.
If you can afford to pay for your food then please see a
list of companies providing food deliveries
district wide.
If you can’t ring up/order online yourself please ask a family member or neighbour to help. If you are still struggling the then please see the list of community hubs in your area where you will be able to get some further support.
Where can I get official information about coronavirus?
Which social media should I look at for official news and updates?
Social media is a valuable tool at a time like this, but it can also contain misinformation and rumour, which isn’t helpful.
The following Twitter (www.twitter.com) accounts will be regularly posting out the latest factual advice and information related to coronavirus (COVID-19):
• Public Health England – @PHE_UK
• Department of Health and Social Care – @DHSCgovuk
• NHS England – @NHSEngland
• Wakefield Council – @MyWakefield
I’m self-isolating and I cannot cope with my symptoms at home
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
• you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
• your condition gets worse
• your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Use the 111 coronavirus service>
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
There isn't anyone I can ask for support, can the council help me?
If you can’t get out for things you need and you don’t have any friends, family or support available within the community, we can help.
You can contact your local Community Hub for assistance (see below).
Or, if you’re not sure which Community Hub to contact, we have also set up a dedicated helpline for anyone who is alone and needs help with essentials like shopping and medication.
Call 0345 8 506 506 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. Choose option 3 to make a request for support and help will be arranged.
Community Hubs
If you need help in your local area you can contact your Community Hub.
They have volunteers and a range of support to help you and they are working with the Council to support communities during this crisis. We will add to this list as more Hubs are set up.
Please only contact the Hub in your area as they are going to be very busy. You can ring or email.
If you’re interested in volunteering in your area, see ‘Volunteering’ below.
Community Hubs
I'm worried about someone else who is vulnerable and isolated
What is the advice for informal carers?
If you are caring for someone who is vulnerable, there are some simple steps that you can take to protect them and to reduce their risk at the current time:
Always follow good hand hygiene guidance
Try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell
Do not visit them if you are unwell and make alternative arrangements for their care
Provide information on who they should call if they feel unwell, and how to use
NHS111 online coronavirus service if they become unwell and cannot cope with symptoms at home.
Find out about different sources of support that could be used and access further advice on creating a contingency plan is available from Carers UK
Look after your own well-being and physical health during this time
I know someone who is self-isolating and needs help
In the first instance, can you or can someone you know help them?
If not, and they don't have any other friends, family or support available within the community, we can help.
You can contact your local Community Hub for assistance (see above).
Or, if you’re not sure which Community Hub to contact, we have also set up a dedicated helpline for anyone who is alone and needs help with essentials like shopping and medication.
Call 0345 8 506 506 between 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, and choose option 3 to make a request for support on their behalf and we will arrange for help to be provided to them.
I feel fit and well and would like to help others in the community. How can I do this?
See the #WakefieldCares section below for how to get involved as a good neighbour or community volunteer.
Here's a list of useful organisations in the Wakefield district
Age UK Wakefield District
Age UK Wakefield District is a local independent charity working with and for older people across Wakefield District.
Call: 01977 552114
Website: www.ageuk.org.uk/wakefielddistrict/
Live Well Wakefield
Supporting healthy living for the people of Wakefield District, providing information, advice and support in coping with everyday life.
Call: 01924 255363
Website:
www.livewellwakefield.nhs.uk/
Volunteer Wakefield
Find out about opportunities for volunteering in your community.
https://volunteerwakefield.org/
Wakefield Samaritans
Offering a safe place to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever's getting to you.
Call: 116 123 (this number is free to call)
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans-wakefield-and-district
If you're a local organisation that is able to offer help during this time and would like adding to this list, please contact us.
#WakefieldCares – looking out for your neighbours
Many people want to know if they can volunteer to help others and show that #WakefieldCares during this challenging time.
If you're able to give help to people in your community, we're encouraging you to start by being a good neighbour in your own streets and offering support to others.
We've prepared some contact cards that you can print and post through letter boxes to help you find out who needs help. It's up to you where and how quickly you can offer help.
Printable #WakefieldCares card
You could also encourage other neighbours who are able to join you in supporting people and form a small team to spread the load, provide back-up and do everything safely.
Please
always check the latest government guidance on social distancing and self-isolation, to keep everyone safe and protected
here.
• Print out some contact cards, enter your contact details (be willing to share your information and able to respond before dropping any cards)
• Use a calendar to note agreed times to visit each person with items or for assistance
• Find out which local cafés, restaurants or pubs are offering food for take-away or delivery
• Call local shops to see if they can take phone orders and payment from the person self-isolating for you to collect
• Look out for special shopping times or privileges for older or vulnerable people
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, with soap, for twenty seconds
• Drop the cards through letterboxes in your street and keep a note of which houses you have covered each time
• Create a log and note all calls asking for help and what help is required e.g. shopping list, pharmacy for prescription collection, activity needed – e.g. dog walking or help setting up mobiles for social media
• Keep a list of people offering to support you; refer them to this information
• Make sure you ask people to consent to you keeping their contact details safe, using them to provide assistance required and that you can share with other neighbours who are offering to join you to help
• Where you can, keep in touch by text, app or phone with the people you are helping so you can be aware of any changes e.g. feeling ill, moving to another location, getting alternative support
Keeping yourself and others safe
• Always check the latest government guidance on social distancing and self-isolation, to keep everyone safe and protected
here.
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, with soap, for twenty seconds
• Do not visit anyone if you are unwell; please make alternative arrangements for their care
• If someone you visit is unwell with coronavirus symptoms, provide information on how to use
NHS111 online coronavirus service if they become more unwell and can’t cope with symptoms at home
• Look after your own wellbeing and physical health during this time and don’t put yourself at risk
• Always check the latest government guidance on social distancing and self-isolation, to keep everyone safe and protected here.
• Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, with soap, for twenty seconds
• Do not visit anyone if you are unwell; please make alternative arrangements for their care
• If someone you visit is unwell with coronavirus symptoms, provide information on how to use NHS111 online coronavirus service if they become more unwell and can’t cope with symptoms at home
• Look after your own wellbeing and physical health during this time and don’t put yourself at risk
#WakefieldCares - Volunteering
The Council, NOVA and many partner organisations across the district are working hard to keep services running and give needed support to older and vulnerable people.
There are some community volunteering opportunities available for anyone who is fit, well and able to offer an amount of time, large or small to helping others.
NOVA Wakefield District has experience of supporting volunteers in a range of roles, and teams are on hand to match people's skills and experience to a range of voluntary roles during this challenging time.
Examples of support that might be required include:
Chatting to people on the phone who may be self-isolating so that they don't get lonely
Doing shopping or dropping off other supplies
Dog walking
Making food parcels
Delivery drivers
Administrative or support work
View current opportunities and register your interest online.
Volunteer in WakefieldCovid 19 Community Champions
Covid 19 Community Champions Wakefield
A Covid 19 Community Champion is someone who is keen to help us in the fight against Covid 19. We are looking for volunteers who have a network of people they can work with (simply share messages with via email, WhatsApp or whatever method works best). If you can answer 'yes' to the following, we would like to hear from you:
- Do have an interest in helping to reduce the rates of Covid 19 in the Wakefield District?
- Do you have a network of family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, group members that you are happy to share information with?
- Are you happy to feed back to us any questions or concerns your network of friends and family or community group members may have about keeping safe during Covid-19?
Are you able to access Zoom meetings on alternate Wednesdays between 12:45 and 1:45 to chat with Anna Hartley, our Director of Public Health or alternatively are you able to listen to recordings of the meetings after the event? You will be invited to them all, and we hope you will attend as many as you are able
If you answered 'yes' we would like you to register with us so that we can send you meeting invitations, records of meetings (if you're unable to attend) and any resources that we can share, such as infographics, picture messages or posters.
In turn, we will
- invite you to bi-weekly meetings with Anna Hartley, our Director of Public Health or a deputy
- We will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback
- Supply you with resources
- Seek regular feedback from you and
- Listen and act on your questions and concerns
Read the COVID-19 Community Champion code of conduct
here.
Covid 19 Community Champions Zoom Meeting Invitations
Please could you complete our survey to Register as a Champion
Contact us on ccc@wakefield.gov.uk
Watch our latest meeting: