Looking after mental and physical health at home
For many of us, self-isolation during the COVID-19 outbreak can present significant challenges for our mental and physical wellbeing.
These times of uncertainty can cause additional stress and anxiety, particularly around money worries, while the lack of our regular activities can impact negatively on our physical wellbeing.
To help support both your wellbeing at this time, and the wellbeing of your family, Shropshire Council have put together a list of useful resources which include activities and support for children, to help you stay active, healthy and calm while you’re staying at home.
Resources to Support Mental Wellbeing
Shropshire Council’s Mental Health & Wellbeing Support
Shropshire Council’s website carries a range of useful information about mental health and wellbeing, including contacts, links and therapies.
Every Mind Matters
The NHS Every Mind Matters website is regularly updated with tips and advice on protecting your mental wellbeing during self-isolation, and dealing with anxiety around coronavirus.
The Calm Zone
CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably) have some fantastic tips on how to stay connected while self-isolating, such as having a Netflix party or playing video games together. They also have a helpline – 0800 585858 – open every day from 5pm to midnight for anyone needing support.
Shropshire Mind
Local mental health charity Shropshire Mind offers a wide range of support and services for people and their families affected by mental and emotional distress. Call 01743 368647 or email manager.shropshiremind@gmail.com to speak to someone.
BACP Coronavirus Anxiety Support
The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy has lots of useful advice from counsellors to help those dealing with anxiety during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Samaritans
National charity The Samaritans provide confidential listening and a safe place to talk, whether you’re feeling distressed or are concerned about someone else. Call 116 123.
Shout Crisis Text Line
Shout is a free text service for anyone concerned about their mental health and seeking immediate support at any time of the day or night. Text 85258.
Young Minds Parents’ Hotline
Young Minds offer free, confidential online and telephone support for adults worried about the emotional, behavioural or mental health of a child or young person aged up to 25. Call 0808 8025544 between 9.30am and 4pm.
MIND Coronavirus Wellbeing Support
The national charity MIND has some excellent resources to support mental wellbeing while staying indoors, including nutritional advice, building a routine and staying active.
Recovery College Online Learning
The Recovery College offers a free online learning course which provides easy-to-understand summaries of current guidance around coronavirus and links to the latest advice.
Guidance for Carers
Carers UK have put together FAQs and advice for carers, as well as a Wellbeing Action Plan with tailored tips on staying positive.
Resources for Physical Health
Energise Fitness Resources
Energise have put together some useful resources for staying fit and healthy during the pandemic, including active learning and a list of sites to help families stay active.
Les Mills At-Home Workouts
Personal trainer Les Mills has set up a temporary free fitness website with over 100 workouts to do at home, including exercise classes ranging from Body Combat and High Intensity Training to Dance Fitness and Mindfulness.
Sport England’s ‘Stay In, Work Out’
Sport England have put together a new campaign called Stay In, Work Out which is packed with tips, advice and guidance on getting active around your home during self-isolation.
AOC Sport Resources
The AOC has some fantastic resources for keeping active during self-isolation, including links to workout videos, health advice and guidance.
Resources for Children
Kids PE Sessions with Joe Wicks
Body coach Joe Wicks is running daily workouts from home for kids. Tune into his channel, The Body Coach TV, on Youtube at 9am from Monday to Friday.
Answering Children’s Questions about COVID-19
The Place2Be website has some helpful information to support parents in answering questions from their children around the coronavirus.
Cosmic Kids Yoga Video
The Cosmic Kids Youtube channel offers a fantastic session on yoga, mindfulness and relaxation aimed at children aged 3 and above, which is used in schools and homes across the world.
Helping Children Cope with Stress
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have tips and advice to help children cope with stress and uncertainty during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Go Noodle Videos & Games
Online resource Go Noodle has lots of interactive games and videos aimed at getting kids moving and having fun, including dance parties and yoga sessions.
Covibook Interactive Support
This interactive resource is designed to support and reassure children aged 7 and under, to help them understand and process emotions during the pandemic.
BBC Super Movers
The BBC’s Super Movers website is full of easy-to-follow advice on fitness for all ages of children, as well as a wealth of learning resources covering everything from Maths to English.
Young Minds Anxiety Advice
The Young Minds charity has put together some useful advice for young people to help deal with anxiety over the pandemic, to help them feel calm and support mental health while self-isolating.
Anna Freud Mental Health & Wellbeing
Anna Freud’s website offers a range of videos and FAQs on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils and students during periods of disruption.
Resources for Money Worries
Paying Bills During Coronavirus
Citizens Advice offers the latest guidance on paying bills and rent during the coronavirus, as well as information on scams and advice for employed or self-employed workers, and for those claiming benefits.
Shropshire Council’s Money Matters
The Shropshire Council website has a range of useful advice and information on money management, including a benefits calculator and links to further support.
Rights to Sick Pay & Benefits
The Money Advice Service lists information on your rights to sick pay and benefits during the coronavirus outbreak, including what you can claim if you’re self-employed or not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.
Debt & Coronavirus
Step Change provides advice on what to do if you’re worried about how coronavirus could affect your finances, or is already having an impact, as well as advice if you have an upcoming court hearing and information if you’re worried about how school closures could affect your finances.
Stop Loan Sharks
The England Illegal Money Lending Team has advice on ensuring that loan sharks don’t take advantage and profit from other people’s hardship, including contacts if you’re being harassed or threatened by an illegal money lender. Their helpline is 0300 555 2222.