Information on mental health locally and nationally

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Welcome to the Summer Edition of Nottingham Time to Change's E-Bulletin

Coronavirus has inevitably affected many people?s mental health and the easing of lockdown brings its own anxieties.?

Loneliness and isolation can be an issue at the best of times and not being able to see friends, family and work colleagues has made that worse for many people.? Though things have started to re-open, many of us feel less positive about those changes as we feel unprepared and stressed by the new rules. The infection rate is still a source of anxiety for many who may feel frustrated when people seem to not be following the guidance correctly.? Rethink Mental Health have some great tips for managing anxiety at this time.

Many Time to Change Champions have shared their experiences of the last few months.

Talking and listening does make a difference

Lots of us have felt worried about the coronavirus pandemic, and everyone will feel differently about the changes to lockdown restrictions.

If someone?s feeling anxious or worried, you don?t need to be an expert on mental health to support them.?Think about using the Time to Change three top tips:

Check in

If someone doesn?t feel ready to meet face-to-face, picking up the phone, having a video call, starting a group chat or messaging someone on social media lets them know you are there to talk and ready to listen.

Listen and reflect

Whether you have a mental health problem or not, this will be a challenging time for our mental health and wellbeing.?If someone opens up to you, remember that you don't need to fix things or offer advice. Often just listening, and showing you take them seriously, can help someone to manage.

Ask questions ?

Ask how people are managing, and ask again if you are worried they aren't sharing the full picture. Asking again, with interest, can help someone to open up and explore what they are feeling.

Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) 5-10 October 2020

Nottingham MHAW was started by a small group of people with lived experience and carers in 1992 and was timed to mark the 1^st World Mental Health Day (held on 10 October annually).? Thanks to the enthusiastic support of many individuals and organisations over the years, the event grew from one week to two and is now an embedded part of the local calendar.?

This year has seen unexpected and challenging times, alongside new ways of communicating and connecting with each other.? MHAW 2020 will reflect these changes.? We are looking to have a week of interactive and digital ?events?, starting on 5 October, where people can connect together through a variety of creative and informative sessions and we would like you to help us as we put our creative hats on to design the programme!

We are hoping that the week will be a combination of small, medium and large sessions created by people who are enthusiastic about connecting others in discussions and activities.? Basically, we?re asking you to come up with ideas and if you need assistance, we will try and work with you to try and make things happen.

If you want to be involved in the week and help others to connect around mental health, please email Pam Abbott at?[email protected].

Nottingham Time to Change Resources

At Nottingham Time to Change (NTTC), we know that many champions and groups are finding it more difficult to stay in touch and talk to their communities when they are less able to meet in person.? However, please get in touch if you run a group/ would like to run a session and would like some resources to help you during Mental Health Awareness Week.? We have:

A few FREE three month licences for Zoom to deliver virtual sessions
T-shirts
Sashes
Tablecloths
Pull up banners

For more information, email [email protected]?

Reading Well Books

This issue's?book is from the Reading Well for Children collection which is aimed at children aged 7 -11 and features information, stories and advice to support children?s mental health and wellbeing.

Something Bad Happened by Dawn Huebner is full of advice for children who may be worried about events in the news. The book offers advice for having tough conversations about world events and addresses common questions and provides tools to calm fears.

You can find this book in the library along with other similar titles and explore the full collection of Reading Well books, including mental health for teenagers and adults.

You can also listen to Dawn Huebner read her book on You Tube

Mental health support in Nottingham

Sometimes it can be tricky to know where to go for support:

Every Mind Matters is a great starting point
Nottingham's Ask LiON Directory has dedicated mental health pages that include the contact details for local services
The new Nottingham Mental Health Helpline - for emotional support and information about mental health
Wellness in Mind - for information, advice and support for Nottingham residents
The Grief Line -?for those who need immediate support following bereavement
Mental Health CRISIS Helpline - for people in mental health crisis (support available 24/7)
Harmless Tomorrow Project?- offers support for those in suicide crisis.? For support email?[email protected] or phone?0115 880 0282

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