In response to the recent changes in government advice for containing the Covid-19 virus, we will be joining other organisations and services in restricting social contact to help keep staff and clients as safe as possible.
In North Somerset, for example, our support groups and services are now postponed until at least the end of March, with clients having an option to book telephone appointments with the North Somerset Wellbeing Service team .
Supporting clients
We know that Coronavirus and its impact is worrying many of you. We want to reassure you that we are currently in the process of delivering a plan of action to support our clients during this time of change. Our clients are our priority and the whole staff team is working together to provide reassurance and support.
Alongside this, the Second Step communications team will be publishing a series of personal blogs, articles and valuable information on our website and social media platforms.
As a team we are now working from home and connecting to each other regularly online and virtually.
The key new government measures as of 17 March 2020 are:
• Everyone should avoid gatherings and crowded places, such as pubs, clubs and theatres
• Everyone who can should work from home
• All “unnecessary” visits to friends and relatives in care homes should cease
• People should only use the NHS where we really need to, and can reduce the burden on workers by getting advice on the NHS website where possible
• People with symptoms need to self-isolate for seven days, families for 14 days if there is a second person who contracts the illness
Your mental health and wellbeing is important too
• Take some space from social media and news updates. Very few of us need to be checking in constantly
• Practice some mindfulness techniques, as simple as having a mindful hot drink
• Explore some meditation and tranquil music
• Create a work/school/college work from home schedule
• Explore thoughts and feelings in a journal
• Have a cup of tea with your friends and family via face time/video message
• Spend time in the garden, or on a solo walk alone in nature
• Use the extra time to do the things you don’t have time for usually…dusting off board games from the back of the cupboard or an online quiz game
• Create some active time, dancing to lively music or learn basic yoga from YouTube
• Explore some new recipes
• Join an online book club and explore new novels with others
• Creative expression – drawing, painting or colour by numbers. Our STAR Communications Assistant Kara recently bought and painted a little wooden phone box and found it really relaxing.
• Write for our new campaign – stories of #HopeAndCourage. Tell us yours? Email to jane.edmonds@second-step.co.uk
To everyone reading this, do take good care of yourself and others.
Some useful links for further information on keeping well:
https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/