Loneliness is something we have all experienced at some point in our lives, and it can have a large impact on our wellbeing. The last few years have been difficult for everyone but the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the vast amount of people experiencing loneliness or taking steps to support others who are.

It is important to remember that as restrictions are lifted people will feel comfortable with different things and may also still feel disconnected. No one should compare themselves to how others act or feel, and we should all take the time to go at our own pace.

For some people, helping someone experiencing loneliness may be a bigger motivation than doing things to help themselves. There are many simple ideas and actions on how you can reach out to offer help and support to someone, including:

• Reaching out to someone, why not suggest meeting for a catch up over a tea or coffee?
• Checking in, why not send a text or call to a family member, friend or neighbour to check in on how they are doing?
• Inviting, why not invite someone for a walk or to grab some fresh air?

Taking one of these actions could help someone in feeling less lonely and may also help you feel less lonely too.

PCN Walk and talk Group

Our PCN Health and Wellbeing coach runs a walking group every Wednesday morning. Meet up point is outside Moreton Methodist Church, Pasture Road at 10am.

The walk is a good way to encourage a more active lifestyle, you can also chat with our Health coach, meet new people and enjoy a cuppa at the end of the walk!

Resources:

There are so many resources available to help tackle loneliness, including:

• Every Mind Matters wellbeing tips
• advice for loneliness
• NHS tips for loneliness
• Mind Charity 

Self-care week offers opportunity to reflect on the importance of self-care to promote our well-being.

We have an amazing team of Social Prescribers who can assist you on a journey to better health. To speak to a member of our Social Prescribing team get in touch via your GP surgery.

“Move it Monday!”

‘Move it Monday’ highlights the importance of making time in our daily routine to enjoy a form of movement outdoors in the fresh air. Including exercise in your self-care routine can help boost mental and physical well-being.

Our Social Prescribing team & Health and Well-being coaches can assist in finding local activities you can involve yourself in on a journey to better health and well-being. Make an appointment with a member of the team via your GP reception team today!

for more information follow the link below

Exercise – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

 

“Treat yourself it’s Tuesday”

Many people view treats as the sugary kind but real treats come from giving our body health foods. Maintaining a nutritious and balanced diet is an important part of our mental and physical well-being.

If you are unsure where to start, our Social Prescribing team are on hand to help with information on healthier choices including cookery classes, allotment groups and more. Call your GP surgery to make an appointment with one of the team.

for more information follow the links below

Eat well – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Eat Well to Keep Well at Home | www.wirral.gov.uk

 

“Wellness Wednesday”

Taking medication appropriately and safely is an important part of helping improve our wellness. Medication is aimed to improve wellness but this may not be the case if you are taking medication incorrectly. Taking medication incorrectly can cause more harm than good.

Taking medications as prescribed can help improve your health outcomes. Being responsible and informed on medication use assures the maximum beneficial impacts of a medication you take.

Please speak to our team of GP’s and Pharmacists who can offer support and medication reviews to ensure you receive maximum benefits and minimal side effects to your medication.

 

“Talk it out Thursday”

Social interaction is an important part of maintaining our health and well-being. Keeping on top of difficult worries is easier when you talk them  over with someone.

For some people it may be easier to discuss personal worries and struggles with a professional who is impartial and will not judge. Our Social Prescribing team are available to talk to those needing extra support.

Offering your own time to help others is also another rewarding way to boost well-being. The ‘Spare 5’ campaign is supporting Wirral to reduce feelings of isolation and promote inclusion.

For more information follow the link below

Information – Healthwatch Wirral

 

“Feel good Friday”

Engaging in spiritual self-care such as meditation and yoga has been shown to improve different aspects of our well-being including sleep, relationships and lower anxiety levels.

Youtube has many free meditation and yoga videos at varying lengths to suit your time limits. There are also useful mobile apps such as Headspace, Calm and Medito.

Our team of Social Prescribers can offer support in finding ways to use self care. Ask your GP surgery for an appointment with one of our Social Prescribers today!

For more information on ways to manage anxiety, low mood, stress, and reducing pressure follow the link below

Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

To speak to someone from Talking Together please call 0151 649 1859

Urgent Mental Health Crisis Line

Urgent Mental Health Crisis Line: 24/7 mental health phone line, self referral for Adults and Young people

If you need urgent support for your mental health, please call our mental health helpline on 0800 145 6485 and our dedicated local staff will support you to access the help you need. The phone line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people.

The phone line is now the first port of call for mental health help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be re-directed to this local service – so call 0800 145 6485.

Please note, A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems – call 0800 145 6485 to be directed to the best local service to support you. You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring mental or physical health assistance.

For non-urgent help

If you feel that you do not require urgent help, but you would like more information and resources about anxiety, low mood, and the current situation.

Visit the advice about wellbeing at home webpage or Visit the website for children and young people

If you are over the age of 16 and a resident of Cheshire West or Central and South Cheshire, you can also self-refer into our IAPT (Improving Access to Talking Therapies) services via the following links:

• West Cheshire IAPT
• The Wellbeing Hub

Compañeros – Spider Project

In crisis? Feeling distressed? Need to talk? Are you 18+? Compañeros can help. 365 days a year. 

Compañeros is Wirral’s new mental health crisis café it is open to adults aged 18 and over. We have created a safe space, offering support and building resilience in a crisis. The café is a safe community space for anyone struggling to cope with a crisis. It is run by professionals and volunteers. Compañeros has experienced staff members who are on hand to support and offer 1:1 crisis intervention, wellbeing recovery projects, creative arts and other essential social and emotional support.

They provide: Listening, care and support, help to work through challenges, help to access other support and advice and creative recovery through social and educational activities.

Who is this aimed at? The service provides immediate support to people aged 18+ in a mental health crisis, in a non-clinical, welcoming, safe place.

Where is it? 2A Price Street, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 6JN

Opening hours: 10am – 10pm, 365 days of year (including bank holidays)

Cost: Free

Samaritans

If you need someone to talk to, Samaritans will listen. They won’t judge or tell you what to do. They offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. Whatever you’re going through, you can call them any time, from any phone for FREE. Call 116 123 to speak to a volunteer. Sometimes writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you understand them better. You can also email them (but it may take several days to receive a response via email): jo@samaritans.org

For more information and additional resources, please visit there website by clicking here.

Wirral Mind Foundation Project

Wirral Mind Charity currently fund the Foundation Project, an innovative mental health centre open to people across Merseyside.

The project offers a community cafe and lounge area set up as a safe space for those experiencing mental health problems to visit and connect with others, seek support and find out more about the services offered at Wirral Mind.

Mind currently offer weekly group activities to allow individuals to meet with others sharing similar experiences and interests in a supportive and friendly environment.

For more information and the full timetable follow the link here 

How are you?

NHS England have created the ‘How are you’ quiz as a non medical assessment to offer basic information about your lifestyle and offer help in making better choices if you wish to.

If you feel worried about your health, you should speak to a health professional. Follow the link below to complete the quiz:

How Are You? quiz – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Talking Therapy

Talking Together Wirral are able to offer free talking therapy for those feeling low or stressed and wanting to make positive changes.

please call 0151 649 1859

Get your mind plan

The Get your mind plan quiz with 5 quick questions designed to offer a free plan with tips to help manage with stress and anxiety, improve sleep and boost mood levels to feel more in control.

To find out more or complete the quiz follow the link below

Get Your Mind Plan – Every Mind Matters – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Working from home?

For some of us, working remotely has not stopped as the world starts to return to normal. For many people working from home has had a large impact on wellbeing and motivation. For those missing the office environment but have no end date to working remotely, there are simple changes that can help look after your own mental wellbeing while still working efficiently from home.

More information is available here