18th – 24th May 2020 is Mental Health Awareness Week, hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, the theme this year is kindness #kindnessmatters
‘At times like these, when the world feels upside down, kindness can be the key to turning things around’
This year’s campaign, highlighting kindness, feels more important than ever during this difficult time. Focusing on little acts of kindness, the campaign states that being kind is linked to increased feelings of happiness, wellbeing and life satisfaction! A small act of kindness can have a big effect on everyone involved.
At Cura Care we are proud to support mental health awareness week, as we want our clients and staff to know, that throughout this period and beyond they are fully supported.
The Mental Health Foundation shares a few ideas of little acts of kindness that we can all try;
*Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while
*Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them
*Arrange to have a cup of tea and virtual catch up with someone you know
*Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them
*Send a motivational text to a friend who is struggling
*Send someone you know a joke to cheer them up
*Send someone you know a picture of a cute animal
*Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a virtual catch up
We know it has been incredibly difficult for everyone affected by coronavirus, especially with families being unable to visit their loved ones. Staying connected during this trying time, is more important than ever – regular phone or video calls can help you stay connected with family and friends. Where this isn’t always possible, sending cards, letters or care packages to your loved ones can be a great way to show you are thinking of someone.
Care workers are currently under immense pressure, and it can be hard to try and prioritise your own mental health when you’re caring for others under such difficult circumstances. Our Frontline is a round the clock one to one support network for carers. To talk text FRONTLINE to 85258 or call 0300 131 7000 from 7am to 11pm, everything is said in confidence with trained volunteers at hand. Click here for more information.
To help manage your health during the outbreak, Mental Health UK also have various blog posts that have information and useful tips available here
This blog on how you can help others during self-isolation, is particularly useful in giving you ideas on how to help those most in need.
Coronavirus has bought change to all of us in some way, we will all be feeling different during this unusual time, but it is important to recognise when it may be more than just feeling down. There is help out there if you are worried, have any questions or just need someone to talk to. The following websites have lots of useful information and guidance if you are unsure;
If you or a loved one needs additional support at home, to help with day to day tasks, or as companionship to help tackle loneliness or isolation, please contact us at Cura Care where one of our specialised staff will be able to answer any questions. You can either call 020 8892 9222 or email info@curacare.co.uk and we would be happy to talk through options available.
