Coronavirus
Mental Wellbeing and keeping safe during the coronavirus outbreak: sources of advice and support
There is no doubt that we are currently living through a hugely difficult time, so it’s important that we take some time to reflect on how we are all feeling. It is completely normal to feel stressed and anxious in challenging times such as this and to feel this way does not mean we are failing. We have compiled some links to sources of support which we hope you find useful.
An A5 advice booklet has been produced for use across the Network by Cumbria-based charity Every Life Matters. You can access it online here [updated Feb 2021]: Wellbeing and mental health during COVID-19: a guide to looking after yourself and others
General mental wellbeing advice
Public Health England – COVID-19 Guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
Mind – Coronavirus and your wellbeing
Samaritans – If you’re worried about your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
Mental Health Foundation – Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
PHE Every Mind Matters – 10 tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus
World Health Organisation – Mental health and psychosocial considerations during COVID-19 outbreak
Recovery College Online – ‘Coping during the pandemic’ course
If you’re struggling
If your mental or emotional state quickly gets worse at any time during the coronavirus outbreak, or you’re worried about someone you know, you can seek urgent help or advice via the following links.
List of mental health helplines
Staying Safe – Staying safe from suicidal thoughts
Samaritans – Practical ways to help yourself cope
Shout – Crisis text support – Text Shout to 85258
If someone is at immediate risk of suicide or injury through self-harm, treat it as an emergency and call 999.
Children and young people
Public Health England – COVID-19 Guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing
Young Minds – Talking to your child about coronavirus
Mental Health Foundation – Talking to your children about the coronavirus pandemic
World Health Organisation – Helping children cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak
Anna Freud Centre – Supporting young people’s mental health during times of disruption
BBC Newsround – Advice if you’re upset by the news
BBC Newsround – Advice if you’re worried about the coronavirus
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health – Advice for parents during coronavirus (if your child is unwell or injured)
Staying at home and self-isolation
Mind – Plan for staying at home or indoors
Mental Health Foundation – Looking after your mental health and wellbeing if you are staying home
PHE Every Mind Matters – Mental wellbeing while staying at home
CALM – Putting the social into social distancing
Papyrus – Practising self-care during times of uncertainty
Working from home
Mental Health at Work – Coronavirus and isolation: supporting yourself and your colleagues
Mind – Supporting yourself and your team
BBC News – Five ways to work well from home
Key workers
Our Frontline – round-the-clock one-to-one support, by call or text, from trained volunteers
Mental Health UK – Managing your mental health as a key worker during the coronavirus outbreak
Headspace – Free access to Headspace meditation app for NHS staff for rest of the year
Support for NHS staff – Additional support available for NHS staff at this stressful time.
