Mental health campaign for COVID-19

South Tyneside Council is supporting a national campaign to help people look after their mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

With data showing one in four people are worried about the effect the virus is having on their mental health, new tips and advice are now being shared to help people through the lockdown.

Public Health England's Every Mind Matters website has been updated to include COVID-19 specific content around issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood and sleeping problems. People can also complete a personal 'Mind Plan' - a free, interactive tool  offering tailored mental well-being advice. To see the advice on offer visit www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

The campaign is being supported by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who have narrated a short film.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "These are unsettling times for everybody and it is perfectly normal to feel anxious from time to time.

"However, it has never been more important to take care of our mental health. We all know how important it is to stay home to save lives and protect the NHS, but it's also important to look after ourselves and each other."

She added: "There are lots of little things we can all do to improve our mood. Exercising, keeping in touch with family and friends by phone or video and learning something new can all help.

"The Every Mind Matters is full of helpful advice so I would encourage everyone to take a look."

In addition, there is an online service, www.kooth.com to support the mental wellbeing and resilience of young people.

The confidential support service available to young people aged 10-18 and to care leavers up to the age of 25.  

Kooth offers young people the opportunity to have a text-based conversation with a qualified counsellor. Counsellors are available from 12noon to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10pm at weekends. Young people can also access articles, forums and discussion boards which are all age appropriate, clinically approved and fully moderated.