Help To Keep Minds Healthy

A number of self-help packs have been developed to support adults, children and young people and their parents and carers in South Tyneside as they self-isolate to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

The packs have been tailored to provide age-appropriate advice for adults, parents, primary school children and young people at secondary school.

The packs, developed by the Lifecycle service and the Healthy Minds team, provide practical advice to support residents to cope with changes due to the lockdown.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "It is incredibly important that we all stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS but this period of lockdown understandably creates stress and worry for many people.

"These are challenging times. Parents suddenly find themselves taking on the role of teachers while children and young people will undoubtedly be missing their friends and the routine of school.

"However, it is important that we all look after each other and are kind to each other and to ourselves. These guides contain practical tips such as breathing exercises and schedule planning to help people through these unprecedented times and are well worth a look."

The self-help guides are available online at Coronavirus: Mental health and emotional wellbeing.