Coronavirus - give & get help
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” Barack Obama
"There can be no greater gift than that of giving one's time and energy to helping others without expecting anything in return." Nelson Mandela
We have the opportunity to pull together as a community and help those who really need help. Many are lonely, isolated, hungry and scared. Many are worried about money and where to find the next meal. Could you help out and give some time or donate some money to the food bank?
And here's some links you may find helpful, including some from from Hannah our Social Prescriber:
Physical health
Mental health (see also our extensive resources in our main "Anxiety, Stress & Depression" section)
- Phone 01803 217433 for Torbay's "Emotional Wellbeing" Helpine, run by the Rowcroft Hospice Team.
- How to look after your mental health during the outbreak (Mental Health Foundation)
- Mental wellbeing while at home (MIND)
- Mindful self-care courses for troubling times at home (Breathworks)
- Every Mind Matters - includes tips for your mental wellbeing whilst at home and 10 things to do if you are worrying about coronavirus
- Young Minds (for young people) - things to do if you're anxious about Coronavirus
- Digital HOPE Course to enhance resilience, increase ability to cope (Torbay / South Devon NHS)
- Ant & Dec "Apart but never alone - Britain get talking" (ITV, Mind, Young MInds)
- Free Online Courses to boost your mental & physical health (Eat That Frog)
- Mental Health Helplines and Support Groups - national phone numbers if you're concerned about yourself or a loved one, plus the following:
- Moorings Torbay - 07483 991848 - 6pm-midnight every day including weekends and bank holidays
- Mindline - 0300 330 5464 - Tue,Wed,Fri, Sat & Sunday 8-11pm
- Samaritans - 116123 (freephone) - 24hrs per day, 7 days a week
- Headspace - Mental Health Support in Plymouth - 07890 257614 - 6-10pm 7 days a week
- Plus more advice on these websites - Healthwatch, Rethink
Simple things you can do to stay mentally and physically active during this time
- don't overexpose yourself to the news (perhaps just one brief bulletin per day?)
- make plans to video chat, phone or text, watch a show/read a book then talk about it,
- keep moving - look for ideas of things to do at home on Hannah's links above, NHS website and Every Mind Matters
- spend time doing things you enjoy – reading, cooking and other indoor hobbies
- try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, drink enough water and try to avoid smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs
- try spending time with the windows open to let in fresh air, arranging space to sit and see a nice view (if possible) and get some natural sunlight. Get out into the garden or sit on your doorstep if you can, keeping a distance of at least 2 metres from others.
Children - Click here for a fun booklet explaining Coronavirus to children
Homeless? - Click here for who to contact if you are homeless, fear you may become homeless or are worried about someone else. (More info in the homeless section under "Welfare")
Your Business - Click here for advice and financial help from the government.
Money Advice Service - Click here for a guide about your rights to sick pay and what benefits you can claim if you're self employed or not entitled to SSP.
Money Saving Expert - Click here for advice to help you manage your finances including your mortgage, rent and other bills.
(Plus more general info on housing, benefits, debt, employment and relationships under "Welfare")