coronavirus
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The following websites have up to date information on mental health matters focusing on the current situation
Click a title to view the corresponding website
Help and Kindness
For all organisations who are able to help. You can substitute your town and put in a distance around it in miles or kilometres for information.
Every Mind Matters
“Public Health England has updated its world-leading Every Mind Matters platform with specific advice on maintaining good mental wellbeing during the outbreak. People can also complete a ‘Mind Plan’, a quick and free tool that has already been completed over 1.8 million times.”
MentalHealth.co.uk
Includes “Living with the pandemic if you already have mental health problems” which is neglected a little on some of the other sites.
Self Injury Support
Some good advice here if you already had a mental health problem before the pandemic even if self-harm wasn’t part of it.
See also:
www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/blog/coping-with-coronavirus-lockdown-when-your-mental-health-is-already-not-great
Saneline
“Although our previous SANEline number cannot operate at the moment, you can leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and a contact number, and one of our professionals or senior volunteers will call you back as soon as practicable.” You can also email us at [email protected], and we will respond as soon as possible.
Help for young people
Young Minds
“If you’re worried about the impact of coronavirus on your mental health, you are not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic is a new and uncertain time for all of us and will affect our mental health in different ways. However you are feeling right now is valid. With the right help and support, we can get through this. Here is our advice on things you can do to keep mentally healthy during this time”.
Help for parents
Young Minds
Lots of great advice
community helplines

Local community groups are offering help and support across our area. From shopping to dog walking, the collection of medications from the pharmacy, or just a friendly voice to talk to.
Sturminster Newton Covid 19 Action Team
Tel – 01258 471359
Call Andy 07849 618522, Chris 07771517913, Carole 07968348481
Email – [email protected]
Shaftesbury Support Group
Brie Logan (Shaftesbury Town Council) – 01747 859342 Zoe Moxham (Shaftesbury Town Council) – 01747 852420
Marnhull Village Helpline
Tel – 01305 490000 (local call to Marnhull)
Email – [email protected]
Fontmell Magna
Barry Roberts – 01747 811906
Gillingham Cares
Tel – 07739 973147
Gillingham Town Council
Tel – 01747 823588
Somerset Coronavirus Helpline
Tel – 0300 790 6275 – 8 am – 6 pm including weekends.
If deaf, hard of hearing or speech-impaired text 07781 482858.
Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub
Tel – 0300 003 4576
Email – [email protected]

coronavirus news

HELP AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST Dorset Council’s Educational Psychology Service has a helpline to support those who are worried about their child or teenager during the lockdown. The helpline number is: 01258 474036. It is open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.45pm. Callers need to ring and make an appointment for a 30 minute phone consultation. https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/2021/01/12/coronavirus-helpline-for-parents-and-carers-2/ The Maudsley

Dorset Libraries
Online Activities https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/libraries-history-culture/libraries/contact-dorset-libraries.aspx Shared Reading for Adults. Four online sessions a week (Mon-Thurs). Facebook Groups – conversation, connection and community. Facilitated by local library staff, each group has their own unique voice. Expect to find book recommendations, arts and crafts, staff picks and information about library services. Group members can also post their own content,

Living with Chronic Illness?
CHRONICALLY AWESOME https://chronicallyawesome.org.uk/about/ “The goal of Chronically Awesome is to support people living with incurable chronic illness, helping them in their journeys through life so that they can live up to their true potential. It is a safe space that is supportive and understanding of the challenges they face in their everyday lives. We also

Vaccinations and Mental Illness
New NHS guidance states “JCVI also determined that those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, or any mental illness that causes severe functional impairment are within cohort 6, and we would encourage GPs to takea similar approach for this group of people, to that being proposed for learning disability, working in partnership with secondary care mental

Dementia Courses for Carers
Carer Support Dorset has a arranged limited free places for registered carers. Please only sign up if you can definitely attend all 3 sessions on a course. Course 1: Wed 24th Feb, 3rd and 10th March, 10-11 am Course 2: Tues 2nd, 9th, and 16th March 10-11 am. Call 0800 368 8349 to book your

Online Search Facility
The Government has set up an online search facility for people to find out what help and advice they can get from the government and other organisations. You can find support with: Paying bills, rent or mortgage Getting Food Being made redundant or unemployed, or not having any work. What to do if you’re worried

GLAD Study
https://gladstudy.org.uk/login/ GLAD stands for Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression. Since the launch of GLAD in the Autumn of 2018 nearly 37,000 people across the UK have completed the sign-up questionnaire. The study recruits individuals who have experienced any depressive or anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Out of 36,888 participants the majority

HEADROOM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/YfRzhXDKSZQxFVn30TlXBj/your-mental-health-toolkit The BBC recently launched Headroom: A Toolkit for the Mind. If you haven’t found it yet it is definitely worth a look, there is a wealth of information, help and support for everyone. There are practical tips, uplifting personal stories, as well as activities and music to take your mind of things. The BBC

Government reports on Covid-19 and Mental Health
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-surveillance-report/2-important-findings-so-far ‘Highlights’ There is evidence that self-reported mental health and wellbeing worsened during the first national lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms appeared to peak in April 2020. There is evidence of some recovery since April, but not yet to pre-pandemic levels. Data from the UK Biobank suggests that people

ZOOMING TOMORROW 18TH FEB
PEER SUPPORT GROUP – 2 pm – 3 pm Email or contact via the website for details and link.