This month played host to World Mental Health Awareness Day (10 October) and in these challenging times it’s never been more important to look after your mental health and wellbeing.The Kind to Your Mind website is designed for people living and working in Cheshire and Merseyside and has lots of advice and useful resources to help you look after your mental health.
This includes ALMA, where you can access a range of free online therapy programmes which include short modules on dealing with stress, getting better sleep, improving resilience and coping with your emotions.
There’s also free approved health and wellbeing apps and some great podcasts to listen to with guests including Footballer Andy Cole and author and TV presenter Dr Chatterjee, providing tips and advice to support you.
Here are some simple ways to get started:
- Get active, just 10 minutes of activity every day can help reduce stress and boost your energy levels. Activities such as a brisk 10 minute daily walk, gardening or housework count. You don’t even need to leave home with these 10 minute home work out videos – https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/10-minute-workouts/
- Get in touch with someone you haven’t spoken to for a while – send a text, email or phone call to catch up and check that they are okay. A problem shared can be a problem halved.
- If you’re feeling anxious or worried it can help to gather your thoughts or feelings by writing them down in a diary or note pad.
Support for people of all ages
Young people in Knowsley aged between 10 and 19 years can access free counselling and wellbeing support with Kooth. The online support is free, safe and anonymous and provides advice on a range of topics. Young people can chat to the friendly Kooth community or speak to a member of the Kooth team.
Meanwhile, the Young Minds website has some really useful advice for children and young people and parents/ carers.
The Silver Line is a helpline which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year for anyone aged 55 and over. It is free to call on 0800 4 70 80 90 from a mobile or landline.
Check out our compilation of resources and mental health support for people of all ages.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Knowsley Council Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said:
“The coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for everyone in different ways which is why it is so important to look after your mental health at this time. While it’s vital we work to stop the spread of coronavirus it’s important we don’t neglect our mental health and wellbeing, as the theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day – ‘mental health for all’ – reminds us so well. You should never feel like you’re alone or have nowhere to turn because there is so much support available to you. Sometimes simple changes or advice can have a major impact on how you’re feeling and your health and wellbeing.”
There are also dedicated crisis helplines, including 24/7 support for people living in Knowsley. If you need immediate help, call 0800 051 1508.