Mental wellbeing and loneliness over Christmas

We know that times are hard at the moment and it is really important for us all to stay connected and look after our wellbeing. You can find some tips and advice below.

Stay connected and keep in touch

• Call a family member of friend  
• Organise a video call over Zoom, Skype or Facetime 
• Join a group on Facebook – but make sure you participate and join in with the conversation 

Keep active and your mind entertained 

• Go for a walk 
• Bake or make something 
• Learn a new skill (Youtube has lots of tutorials)  

Health and wellbeing 

• Visit Healthy Surrey for tips on health and wellbeing to keep you well. 
• Active Surrey also have ideas for keeping active whilst being at home. 

Mental health support 

If you feel like you're struggling on your own there is no need to feel alone. There is help and advice on hand visit the Healthy Surrey Mental Wellbeing web page. 

Every Mind Matters provides practical self-care tips and guidance and has a free NHS-approved online tool which helps people build an action plan to deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, improve their sleep and help them feel more in control. It also has advice on Coronavirus and wellbeing. 

Mental health helplines

• Silverline is open 24 hours a day every day https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/  
• The Mental Health Crisis Helpline is there for adults 0800 915 4644 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
• For children and young people the Children and Young People's Havens are offering a phone service available every week day from 4pm - 8.30pm and weekends 12pm - 6pm. Call  01483 519436  
• The Samaritans are available to call for free 116 123. 
• CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably have a 5pm - Midnight helpline 0800 58 58 58 and also a web chat if you need to talk to someone. 
• The Brigitte Trust is expanding its telephone support service to offer emotional support to any adult in the Surrey area who is vulnerable, lonely, isolated, bereaved or a carer who needs someone to chat to. For more information please contact the Service Co-ordinator Sarah Pattenden on: 07469 932192 or email: sarah.pattenden@brigittetrust.com  
• Text SMS contact for the Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust crisis line – 07717 989 024 
• Text SMS contact for Give Us A Shout – 85258 

Welfare helplines 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, help is still there for you during Coronavirus. There are helplines and apps and ways of communicating to someone even when you are unable to speak. 

• Your Sanctuary Helpline 01483 77 68 22 is available from 9am till 9pm 7 days a week.
• Silent Solution if you need urgent police help but can't speak call 999 and then text 55. 

• South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Services: 01483 898884 (Serving Guildford and Waverley) 
• Respect Phone line  - call 0808 8024040. A confidential helpline, email and web chat service with support for potential perpetrators of domestic violence looking for help to stop. 
• Childline - you can speak to a counsellor by calling 0800 1111 or via 1-2-1 chat between 7.30am and 3.30am every day.