Health, Mental Health and Well-being have become topical areas for us all in recent months. Our physical health and mental health are firmly linked.

Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (Covid -19), have in recent days begun to change the way we live our lives, to affect our personal and social choices, and created a different way of going about our everyday activity. Uncertain times can be scary and can affect our mental health. There are many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such times.

Mental Health First Aid England and The mental Health Foundation have recently published some useful tips which may help you, your friends and family look after your mental health.

The advice from Public Health is to avoid all but essential social contact, which may involve working from home. Many of our regular activities will not be available to us for a while. It will help to try and see this as a different period in your life and not necessarily a bad one, even if you didn’t choose it.

Staying at home will mean a different rhythm of life and a chance to be in touch with others using social media, the phone and email. Being connected to the people who matter to us, when we are unable to physically gather, can be a wonderful way to uplift mood.

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Useful links to support and information

• Click here to access a list of the mental health services available to adults, children and young people in Haringey
• Click to access poster, leaflet and website for the new bereavement service for residents across North Central London
• Click here for more information about local Mental Health provision

Samaritans

Tel: 116123 (free24 hours a day) Email: [email protected] | samaritans.org.uk 

NHS Direct

Non-emergency service Tel: 111 | nhsdirect.nhs.uk
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/

Mind in Haringey

Emotional and wellbeing support service, which will be delivered over the phone.

Tel: 0208 340 2474 or 07508 511 128 | Email [email protected] or [email protected] (9-5pm, Monday to Friday). www.mindinharingey.org.uk | www.mind.org.uk

Sane

Tel: 03003047000 (4.30pm-10.30pm daily) | 

Anxiety UK

Info line: 08444775774 (9.30-5.30, Monday to Friday) | www.anxietyuk.org.uk

You are not alone: talk to someone you trust. Sharing a problem is often the first step to support

This article has been compiled by The Bridge Renewal Trust and Mind in Haringey. Sources include Mental Health First Aid England, The Mental Health Foundation and Mind UK

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Blood donation is considered essential travel 
If you are feeling well, please continue donating

Everyday thousands of people’s lives are saved or improved thanks to the generosity of blood donors. But, sadly, there are still lots of patients who can’t be treated because there aren’t enough supplies. There’s an urgent need for donations. We need new blood donors from all backgrounds to ensure there is the right blood available for patients who need it.

You can still give blood during the coronavirus pandemic, however please do not donate if you feel unwell. 

If you are an existing blood donor, please continue to donate. New donors must be aged between 17-65. New or existing blood donors can use an online service to book an appointment to give blood.
For more information on how to donate, go to: https://www.blood.co.uk or call 0300 123 23 23.

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