Welcome to our new weekly feature, Wellbeing Wednesdays, where I will be sharing health and wellbeing information and support based on different themes each week. This could be anything from mindfulness, work-life balance and managing stress to sleep and nutrition.
We will use your feedback from the survey shared by Mark on Friday to inform some of the content we cover in the following weeks. If you haven’t already, please do complete the survey at your earliest convenience as it will be used to inform any additional guidance and support we may need to put in place, now and in the future.
This week we are focusing on caring for others.
Caring for children
Firstly, I think it’s really important to recognise that looking after children doesn’t come with a manual (I’m sure life would be easier if it did). The ‘right’ way to care for your children, particularly during this pandemic will be specific for everyone’s circumstances. Everyone's situation is different and different things will work for different families. Many parents are feeling overwhelmed right now, whether you’re a single parent juggling working and looking after the children or parents on furlough trying to keep a routine, with school work and entertainment. Whatever your situation, I’m sure you’re doing a great job under the circumstances. The things I find myself saying to my friends the most is; don’t put too much pressure on yourself and try not to compare yourself to others – you’re doing great.
That being said, if you are looking for a little advice, tips or support there are lots of resources out there to help:
- The Government published some guidance on supporting children with their mental health and wellbeing which includes some key steps to providing support.
- Coronavirus – A Book for Children - the Gruffalo illustrator, Axel Scheffler worked with consultant Professor Graham Medley, two head teachers and a psychologist to make sure the book got the message right, answering questions about quarantine, how you can catch the virus and what happens if you get ill.
- Mental Health UK Blog for looking after children and yourself while working from home.
- Childline - free confidential counselling and emotional support service for children and young people (freephone 0800 1111)
- Koothfree online support for young people by qualified counsellors via chat services
- Young Minds - UK’s leading charity for emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people (0808 802 5544)
- Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) portal – username: Growth, password: Company.
- Action for children – support for parents
If you are struggling with your own mental health, Mind UK guide to parenting with a mental health problem will give you some ideas of how to look after yourself and find support if you and your family need it. Remember, you won’t be the only parent struggling, the social distancing measures in place are to protect public health but it also impacts our personal networks which I know myself I rely so heavily on. Be kind to yourself.
Caring for young people
Being a parent or carer of a young person who seems to be struggling can be really worrying, and you might be feeling overwhelmed or unsure what you should do. But you're not alone, and there are places both of you can turn to for help:
- Mind UK are continuously developing information for parents and you can find ideas of help that's available in their useful contacts section
- The NeuroLove website was created to support young people who are between 8 – 25 years old, to stay emotionally and physically well and free resources including:
- A wide range of daily events to book online including baking, yoga and dance classes
- Social Therapists sessions offer 30-minute sessions of mentoring, which is a type of supportive relationship. They provide encouragement and inspiration to help young people to improve and maintain their emotional and physical wellbeing.
- A reccomended list of apps. With so many mental health and wellbeing apps out there, it can be difficult to know which ones are most helpful for young people and their different needs. Which is why the NeuroLove website has collated a list of apps that they think will help young people to improve, maintain and understand their mental health.
- One great app NeuroLove lists is The Worry Tree which aims to help take control of worry. Young people can use the app to record whatever they feel worried about. It uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help you notice and challenge your worries.
Caring for adults with care and support needs
Last month (8 April) the Government published some specific guidance for carers of friends or family during the coronavirus outbreak. If you are caring for someone who is deemed to be extremely vulnerable, take extra precautionary measures by only providing essential care and ensure you follow the NHS hygiene advice for people at higher risk.
For further advice and support about respite and any benefits carers may be entitled to visit the NHS website.
Dementia
We know that this is a worrying and challenging time for families looking after someone with dementia. But there are a few things you can do to look after yourself, and the person with dementia, during this time. Visit the Dementia UK website for advice of how to support people with Dementia and their families.
Caring for yourself
Supporting someone else can be tough and stressful so it's important to look after yourself too. Mind UK have provided more information on supporting someone else and helping someone else seek help will give you some ideas of how to look after yourself.
Look after yourself and others.