Newham Council is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week taking place from May 18 to 24 which this year has the theme of kindness. Support is available from different Council services and charities.
Newham Council is showing its support for Mental Health Awareness Week taking place from May 18 to 24 which this year has the theme of kindness.
The week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation with support available online and on social media from different Council services that are encouraging people to talk about mental health and wellbeing.
Council Zulfiqar Ali, Cabinet member for health and adult social care, said: “We are going through an extremely difficult and challenging time. Covid-19 is impacting on our mental health and wellbeing. The one thing we can do together is to support each other. Newham Council and our partners in the health services and the voluntary and community sectors are working exceptionally well together to help residents and there is a lot of advice available.
“The theme of Mental Health Week is kindness, which is particularly significant at this time. We have seen some truly inspiring examples of generosity and community spirit in Newham. We urge people to share their stories as well as sources of help for those that might be in need of support.”
For more information about looking after your mental wellbeing visit the council's webpage on Covid-19, mental health and well being, where you can find a factsheet of all the organisations that can help, fun home activities and physical workouts, and activities designed for younger children to support their wellbeing.
Jason Strelitz, Newham’s director of public health, said: “Small acts of kindness can have a positive impact on both the receiver as well as the giver, no matter the size of the act. Little things are just as important as the big ones. A quick phone call or checking on a neighbour, while observing social distancing, may not seem like much to you but it can boost a person’s self-esteem and make them feel connected.”
If you are feeling anxious, talk about it with people you trust. It’s likely they have experienced the same. Continue to stay in contact with family and friends over the phone or social media and help each other stay healthy.
Structure your day with a routine that includes exercise, eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. If you are continuing to work from home, ensure you take regular breaks. If the news is making you anxious, switch it off for a while or limit your exposure to headlines to once or twice a day.
Support is also available from:
The Every Mind Matters programme from the NHS has expert advice and tips on how to look after your mental wellbeing. It also has guidance on what you can do if you are feeling worried or anxious about the effects of Covid-19. For more information visit the Every Mind Matters, MentalHealth.org and Young Minds websites.
The free Newham Talking Therapies can help with anxiety, relationship issues, and low mood. Free and confidential appointments are provided by telephone or video. Newham residents can refer themselves. Visit the Talking Therapies website or call 020 8475 8080.
A range of e-books are available from Newham Libraries via the Library pages.
Headstart Newham had a range of support available for promoting wellbeing amongst young people aged to 16. This week they are looking for your random acts of kindness. Find out more on Headstart's Twitter page.
If you are dealing with bereavement, Newham Bereavement Service can help. It can be accessed through help group Mind's website.