Wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak

Mental health 

These are unprecedented times. Taking care of our own health and wellbeing can be the first thing to slide when we're focused on taking care of patients, friends, family and loved ones.

Visit Essex Livewell for advice on mental wellbeing at home.

For adults

Public Health England has information about what can help your mental health and wellbeing during coronavirus (COVID-19).

You can also get advice and support from:

• Essex Livewell has a wide range of advice and support for mental wellbeing
• Mid and North Essex Mind
  • email enquiries@mnessexmind.org or call 01206 764600 for information about services, open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm
• The Samaritans, call 116 123, open 24 hours a day
• Essex Partnership University Foundation Trust (EPUT) Mental Health Services, call 0300 123 0808, open 24 hours a day
• The NHS One You website

Mental wellbeing support for young people

Essex County Council's Every Family Matters campaign to support children's mental health has been running since early in April and provides advice for supporting your child with social distancing, keeping children safe online and more.

Essex Livewell has a wide range of information on mental health support for young people.

Children and young people can get support from:

• Young Minds
• The Mix
• Off the Record: free confidential support for 11 to 25 year olds
• Kooth: free online counselling and support for 11 to 18 year olds
• Childline
   

Physical wellbeing 

Activity and exercise 

The NHS recommends you:

• get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week  (20 to 30 minutes a day)
• do strengthening and balance exercises at least 2 days a week

Indoor exercise 

Find ideas for being active at home on:

• 1Life are offering an online activity and coaching package to help you stay healthy at home.
• Keeping active from home provides guidance for people of all fitness levels and includes exercises for families and older people.
• NHS One You
• Sport England

Outdoor exercise

The government advice is to:

• Go outside for exercise no more than once a day
• Stay 2 metres from other people at all times

We've put together some advice on . You can also try:

• The Couch to 5k plan

Healthy eating 

While staying at home, try to:

• Eat healthy, well balanced meals
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day

Essex Livewell has advice on nutrition and weight management including sections about what's good to eat in season, tips to grow your own and how to keep a healthy diet.

Many local takeaway food businesses are still open. Those that have signed up to the offer a healthy alternative. 

Get guidance on healthy eating from:

• the NHS Eatwell Guide
• Mind: Food and mood
• the NHS One You Easy Meals app
• Unicef
• Local Flavours is an initiative of local food businesses
   

Relationships, domestic abuse and sexual violence 

The healthy relationships article on the Essex Livewell provides advice for people trying to find ways to deal with conflict resolutions at home

Vulnerable people

If you're worried about someone who might be vulnerable, you can report a concern by filling in an online safeguarding referral form.

Alcohol and drug use 

Get support for alcohol or drug use.

The NHS has information about accessing alcohol support during coronavirus.

The NHS also has information on how to get help for drug use.
 

Bereavement support

Essex County Council have put together some resources and local contacts to help anyone who has been bereaved find the support they need at this time.