Coronavirus Support

We understand there are worries and concerns regarding the current development of the Coronavirus pandemic and potential lockdown across London in particular.

We know that this is an anxious time for everyone, and if we are all to be in isolation, we want to make sure that our clients, volunteers and staff have all the help that we can give. The following resources should be helpful to you, as the nation is being asked to stay at home and avoid social interaction for at least 14 days.

The amount of advice can be confusing, so please always make sure you are accessing a reputable site such as www.havering.gov.uk or https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19 for up to date information.

This might feel a difficult or stressful time but your wellbeing is important too. There are lots of things you can try that could help, and please remember that we are still here to support you and help you through this time as best as we possibly can.

If you are feeling anxious or worried about coronavirus or you’re staying at home or avoiding public places as part of social distancing please visit Coronavirus and your wellbeing on the National Mind Website

Online Communities

Many online communities exist, including mental health specific forums and communities like:

Elefriends [Side by Side Communities]

Elefriends [soon changing to Side by Side Communities] is a supportive online community where people can be themselves. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard

Bipolar UK eCommunity

Dedicated to support to support individuals and their families affected by bipolar

Here is some information regarding how to cope with Covid-19 and bipolar https://www.bipolaruk.org/blog/tips-for-staying-well

Beat Message Boards [Eating Disorders]

Chat hours Monday – Friday 12:00-20:00, Saturday – Sunday 16:00-20:00

SANE Support Forum

SANE offers emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health problems through their:

Helpline – SANEline 0300 304 7000 is open 365 days of the year 4.30-10.30pm

Textcare – Provides bespoke one-way messages based on submitted support needs

Online Support Forum – Available 24hrs a day

In addition, they have some really helpful audio-visual resources:

• Audio gallery – honest and moving songs and voice clips and a place to share your own songs
• Video gallery – informative videos about mental health and a place you can submit your own videos
• Image gallery – a selection of images that communicate experience of mental health and a place you can share your art, images and photos

Working from home

Mind Infoline and Legal line number and online chat forum:

• Supporting colleagues to stay menatlly healthy in unusual working conditions.
• Coronavirus and isolation: supporting yourself and your colleagues
• Working well from home under self-quarantine for coronavirus

Online Resources

Getting help in a crisis

Mind Space

offers guided Mindfulness videos for five minutes, ten minutes, fifteen minutes, twenty minutes

Mind info line

• Information on different types of mental health problems
• Info line 0300 123 3393 – Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm or text 86463
• Legal line 0300 466 6463 – Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm

[Rethink]

Getting help for yourself and others. Rethink is an advice and information service on community care, welfare, benefits and carers rights

Shout

24/7 texting service for anyone in a crisis, anywhere, anytime Text: 85258

Childline

0800 1111 confidential service for children/young people up to 19 years

The Mix

Info & support for young people 13-25 support via phone, email, web-chat peer to per and counselling services

• Crisis Messenger, text “THEMIX” to 85258
• Helpline 0808 808 4994 open every evening 4pm-11pm
• Email the helpline online form to start conversation
• The Mix counselling service – complete online form for access

Living with ADHD

Support for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

Personality disorders

Information disorders with great resources – Some amazing blogs and personal stories

Women’s Aid

Information and support on domestic abuse

Samaritans

Emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress

• Call for free 116 123 [24 hrs a day, 365 days of the year] 

Learning whilst at home

• Vision2learn – 13 accredited courses – Get qualified for free
• Free courses in England – 48 accredited courses
• Future learn – 407 Courses are free for up to 5 weeks for learning only. To get unlimited access and the certificate will cost £32 each course

Ways to entertain yourself whilst at home 

• BigScreen – VR [Virtual Reality] Entertainment – Virtual theatre to watch movies alongside other movie fans (represented by avatars) watching the same film in real time
• BEAT SABER – VR Rhythm game that really does help you drop calories
• Nextflix Party – Allow you to synchronise your video playback with friends wherever they are, including group chat while watching the movie
• Free Planet Fitness Personal Trainer – Live free 20 minute workouts via Facebook Live or via YouTube as recorded workouts
• Chatterpack – Lots of links to free museum and gallery tours and more!