As we all work to provide consistent communications and support to residents and colleagues alike, councils can help people adapt and maintain their health and wellbeing.
Public Health England has published guidance on supporting your mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.
A starting point for communications is to acknowledge the challenges being faced, emphasise that this is being experienced collectively, and share tips and support. Below are some ways to achieve this:
Provide a support line for those struggling with loneliness
Many residents, and particularly those aged over 70 or with underlying health conditions who are facing long periods of physical distancing, will likely be struggling with feelings of loneliness and social isolation. A helpline for residents referring them to voluntary or service support can assist.
Wellbeing support information and guidance
There is an abundance of high-quality online material across different channels that can support residents. Councils should regularly publicise tips and tools on social media channels, the website and online and off-line advertisements, as well as pointing residents in the direction of guidance from mental health charities and other relevant organisations. Mutual aid groups and partner agencies should be viewed as key channels to disseminate this information.
Manchester City Council’s guidance shows the essential information local authorities need to cover.
Provide support on how to talk about loneliness, wellbeing and mental health with members of the public
Councils should be offering guidance to their own staff, mutual aid groups and other voluntary organisations on how to talk about loneliness, wellbeing and mental health with members of the public. This could come in the form of an online training video or written guidance. High-quality guidance is available from the Mental Health Foundation on how to support someone with a mental health problem; Heads Together on talking about mental health and Mind on how to support someone else who wants to seek help.
Mental Health Foundation: How to support someone with a mental health problem
Heads Together: Talking Mental Health Guide
Mind: How can I help someone else seek help?
The LGA has produced guidance on wellbeing for frontline staff
Useful tips and tools
Public Health England guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus
Exercise
- NHS Get Fit For Free
- NHS Gym Free Workouts
- Evening Standard At Home Workouts
- PE with Joe Wicks live streamed on The Body Coach YouTube channel every morning at 9am
Social connections
- Maintaining social connections through video call or over the phone
- Using technology to stay social e.g. through the Netflix Party Google Chrome extension or apps such as Words with Friends
Learn
Be creative
Manage the amount of news and social media being consumed
Meditation and Mindfulness
- Apps such as Calm and Headspace
- Anxiety UK free Breathing and Relaxation Guide
- Online NHS-approved mindfulness course
Information about helplines and services if someone becomes concerned about their mental health
- Call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or email [email protected]
- Text the Shout Crisis Text line. Text Shout to 85258.
- Anxiety UK offers a helpline, online support groups and #Coronanxiety webinars to help manage anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic. Phone 03444 775774 (9.30am – 8pm weekdays; 10am – 8pm weekends) or email [email protected]