Covid 19 and the health and wellbeing of BAME communities. @dycdudley @HWDudley @DudleyCVS @dudleymbc @DudleyCCG “

Recent government and health reports have highlighted that Covid-19 is disproportionately affecting the health and wellbeing of people from the BAME communities.

You have an opportunity to learn more about the reasons why and to get key health information, by listening to and putting questions to experts about your health, care and wellbeing.

 

To join one or all of the five Friday evening online seminars in July, just book in advance on Eventbrite at https://covid19-and-bame.eventbrite.co.uk.

The seminars have been prepared by Dudley Council’s Public Health, working together with Transforming Communities Together (with our Just Finance Black Country and Black Country Near Neighbours teams) and Cornerstone Community Church, to help BAME communities live longer, safe and healthier lives.

Covid-19 disproportionately affects the health and wellbeing of people from the BAME communities. ‘Friday Focus’ Zoom sessions are taking place during July, to offer key health information and insight. Sign up via Eventbrite at 📲 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/covid-19-and-the-health-and-wellbeing-of-bame-communities-tickets-110841491886

Online seminars are being held in July to help the borough’s BAME communities live longer, safer and healthier lives. Sign up for the Zoom sessions via Eventbrite at 📲 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/covid-19-and-the-health-and-wellbeing-of-bame-communities-tickets-110841491886

Little habits that add up….. By Ash

Hi all,

I thought I’d share some wisdom that I’ve only just come to realise. So over the years family would always tell me, it’s the little things you do that count, and then one day they can all add up to make one big positive thing.

I guess in a way, it’s similar to the saying “take care of the pennies and the pounds will take care of themselves.”

 

As someone who has spent the majority of their life in a “black and white” mentality- either I’m super productive or just completely lazy, this didn’t really make sense. I didn’t really see the point of having little daily positive habits when I wanted to just be lazy for the rest of the day.

However, over time and over many years I had unknowingly cultivated some positive habits that are now paying off. Some things that are second nature to me now, like going for a walk everyday or meditating for 5 minutes in the morning, is something that would have been out of the ordinary 5 years ago. But how much stronger I am now for my daily habits and how much pleasure they give me subconsciously. It’s these little things that make my overall life experience happier.

So, to come full circle, it really is the little micro-habits everyday that count. It’s the building up of these habits over time that will make a difference. Think about it, if you change 1% everyday for the better, then you’ve changed 365% over the course of the year. And that’s a lot.

 

Ash 🙂

YOUNG MINDS: We need action to limit the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on young people’s mental health”

 

The Covid-19 pandemic is the biggest health crisis for generations. Lockdown was a difficult but necessary step; however what happens now will have a lasting impact on young people’s mental health, for years to come. Services are working hard to continue providing support for young people, but they’re under huge pressure, and we need to prepare for more young people needing support for their mental health as restrictions lift campaign, calling on the Government to take urgent action to make sure that, as we emerge from this pandemic, all young people can get the help they need when they need it. Please sign our petition if you haven’t already and, if you have, please consider sharing it with people close to you. This is a critical moment in the fight for young people’s mental health, and we need your help.

More words from Ash ….. enjoying your own company

Mental health

Recently I’ve been taking myself on cute dates. Not a partner, not a friend, just myself. Because I want to be able to feel that same excitement in my own company that I feel when I am with others. It means 2 hours in the park listening to my favourite podcast, it means sitting outside with an iced coffee watching people walk by and it means taking myself out on long walks. And do you know what, it may have been just the thing I have needed to start loving myself more. With no distractions, the gentle hum of my thoughts kept me pleasantly entertained. One time I started waving my arms around like a lunatic when my favourite song came up on shuffle, forgetting that everyone could see me in an open park. I forgot how much fun I had with myself.

 If you are used to living a hectic life, these last few months may have been unusual for you. So much time! Don’t be afraid to invest that in yourself and treat yourself to your own company. 

 

Ash x

YHC Lauren gives suggestions for her top tips on how to maintain good mental health @laurenmariexo @dycdudley @DudleyCCG @DudleyCVS @dudleymbc

 

Lauren’s Top Tips for Mental Health and Well-being!

Here are some of my own personal tips, activities and strategies that I use to stay positive and keep my mind active.

  1. Exercise– this is great for both your physical and mental health, making exercise a win-win! Find something you enjoy to do, whether that be walking, running, jogging, skipping, dancing, aerobics etc. Remember to keep hydrated throughout any form of exercise and always warm up and cool down properly to avoid injury.
  2. Taking a walk– not only is walking a simple, yet great, form of exercise, fresh air is great for clearing your mind. You can even turn it into a nature walk and really appreciate your surroundings and the world today.
  3. Colouring– I love to colour in repetitive patterns using lots of different colours. This helps me to keep good focus on something and also gives a sense of accomplishment once you’ve completed a page.
  4. Reading a book– books, whether they be fiction or non-fiction, are great to keep your mind busy. I particularly enjoy fiction stories where I can delve into a new world and get completely lost in the characters and storyline. Likewise, non fiction books can be great if you want to learn new things, helping to keep your mind active.
  5. Listening to music– making a feel good playlist is key to bringing your mood up. Fill it with happy songs or songs that bring back happy memories to brighten your day.
  6. Watching a film or tv series– similar to reading, watching a gripping film or series can help you to focus on something different.
  7. Spending time with family– spending the day downstairs with your family is an easy mood booster. It’s easy to stay on your own in your room for hours on end but going to socialise with your family is great for your mental health. Play a board game or have a quiz (my personal favourite!) so that you can all be together and have plenty of fun!
  8. Text, call or video call a friend or relative– using either your own or a parents phone with their permission is a great way to stay in contact with those people who you haven’t seen for a while. Have a good catch up with them, send them photos of what you’ve been up to, even do a virtual quiz with them.
  9. Stretching or yoga– whenever I need a de-stress, I have a good stretch to some calming music that I like to listen to. I enjoy doing this before bed to calm down and unwind before sleeping. There are plenty of videos on YouTube for stretching and yoga that you can use. Just make sure to check with an adult that they are safe.
  10. Self-care– whether this be putting a face mask on, taking a long bath or shower, painting your nails, styling your hair, lighting a candle etc. There are plenty of hints you can use to loom after yourself, which will help contribute to good mental health and well-being.

    Lauren 🙂

DYHC project always aims to promote good mental health in the young people we work with – for more information please CLICK HERE for the five ways to well-being

Kindness is the theme for Mental Health Awareness week

This year the theme for Mental Health Awareness week is KINDNESS

Kindness can come in many forms and also included being kind to yourself as well as others.

The last few months have highlighted how important it is to look after ourselves and others in our community.

For more information please have a look at the LETS GET website

More info on the Five Ways to Well-being  can be found for 5-11 year olds 11-16 year olds and 16-19 year olds

Self care is so important!

Faye 🙂

Mental Health Awareness Week 18th -24th May

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week ….. 

It is so important to look after your mental health at the moment … being aware of your own feelings at the moment and being able to recognise you maybe need support is so important.  If you need to find some support services that are available to you please look at iZone for trusted organisations, websites and apps for your phone.

To find out more about the the week please look at the MIND website

Become a Street Champion during #clapforcarers and support your local Foodbank

Whilst the whole of the country is on lockdown foodbanks have been relied upon more than ever and are really struggling with supplies at present. You can make a real impact in your local area by becoming a Street Champion and what better time to collect your donations than during Thursday’s Clap for Carers?

How to organise donations

  • Make some space where you can store donations in a cool, dry place
  • Print off some of the street collection flyers to encourage your neighbours to support
  • You may wish to add a phone number or email address to the flyer, just in case they can’t leave their items on a Thursday at 8 and you need to arrange to collect them
  • Distribute these safely through the letterboxes of your neighbours
  • Join in your street’s ‘Clap for Carers’ on Thursday at 8pm
  • Collect in the donations afterwards
  • Drop them off at your local Foodbank Collection Point

For more information please click here