Connecting with other people is really important for our mental wellbeing and has never been as important as it is now. Having someone to connect with can provide emotional support or gives you an opportunity to provide support to others.
Planning a certain time or day that you talk to a family member or friend, will give you something to look forward to and will make you more likely to reach out and make that connection.
- connect with someone everyday – having someone to talk to everyday can really help us get through the tough days
- make the most of technology – using video chat apps are a lovely way of staying connected with loved ones, especially those that live far away
- reconnect – look up some old friends that you have perhaps lost contact with and arrange a remote catch up
- offer help – it could be something as easy as checking in with a neighbour or you could volunteer in a more formal role. It is a great way to give back, help others, and meet new people
- connect with others who share an interest - whatever your interests are, there are likely to be many online groups that share your hobbies. Why not get involved with one and meet others with similar passions as yourself
- reach out – there are many people and services out there that are willing to talk, just reach out and you will find all the support you need
- it is also important to stay connected to those that share your home. Take some time each day to be with your family, for example dinner time, or arrange time to enjoy family activities together away from screens and technology. Maybe enjoy a family walk or games night
- download and print our weekly planner below to help you make your own plan to keep well
Week planner
Try this week planner to help you with some of the tips mentioned in the page above
DownloadThe Community Call programme was introduced in the spring through the Local Authorities, to provide practical supports, information and befriending. This programme will now be expanded, and work with the Gardai, HSE, Local Authorities, An Post, community groups, charities, residents associations, and so on, to reach out to any vulnerable person, or those in isolation all across the community, regardless of age, gender, nationality or geography. You can find contact details for your local authority here
It will ensure that everybody is given the opportunity to engage with the Community Call assistance programme to receive befriending services, practical supports and more complex supports where necessary.
Befriending supports will be rolled out at local and national level and will include phone outreach, access to expertise in the handling of anxiety, stress or mental health issues, linking with volunteers or local authority personnel for practical physical supports, one to one buddying with volunteers and neighbours, and development of virtual group chats between neighbours.
Go to gov.ie/communitycall for more details.
The government recently launched its Be Winter Ready campaign, which provides information for the public to ensure preparedness for the winter months. It is specifically of interest for those with older neighbours or relatives, or those who may be living with a disability.
The HSE has developed a Keeping Well this Winter booklet with useful contacts details, numbers and health information to help us get through these tough Winter months.
It is very important that social contact is maintained with people who are isolated in their homes at this time, even if it's a friendly phone call. Even if you are not a formal volunteer, checking in via call or text with a vulnerable person in your locality can make a huge difference.
There are also a range of initiatives that people can avail of during this time:
- ALONE is providing a telephone support line, seven days a week from 8am – 8pm, for all older people, their families, and those who are medically vulnerable. If you need any advice, reassurance or additional support call them at: 0818 222024
- Gardaí – if you have any safety concerns, or need any essential items brought to you, contact the Gardaí, they will be more than happy to assist you or direct you to relevant services
- Third Age Ireland have a Seniorline which is a confidential listening service for older people, with trained volunteers. Freephone 1800 804591
- Friends of the Elderly also run a friendly call service for those who just need a chat. Its available free and nationwide. Call 01 8731855
- to find contact details for your local authority click here
Those who have long term health conditions may be more at risk from serious illness related to COVID-19 and will need to take extra care to protect themselves.
Here are some simple tips for taking care of yourself during this time:
- continue to monitor your condition and make sure to call your GP if your condition worsens. GP's are still there for all those who need them
- continue to take your medications and make sure that you don't run out. Talk to your GP or your pharmacist if you have any concerns
- stress can worsen your condition. Make sure to look after your mental health by staying connected to loved ones, keeping active, and doing activities that you enjoy
Irish Cancer Society has many supports and resources available to help those living with or recently diagnosed with cancer and those who are caring for them. Visit their webpage here or call their helpline at 1800 200 700.
COVID – 19 has affected us all, but for some of us in our communities this year has been especially difficult. Amongst them are people with dementia and their families, who have felt increased loneliness and isolation, depression, anxiety and carer fatigue. Sometimes people with dementia may need a little bit of support to stay connected and active in social and physical activities, to access public spaces or to eat well.
If would like to find out how you can support a person with dementia and their families, resources and training opportunities, you can Freephone the Helpline provided by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland at 1800 341 341 or visit www.understandtogether.ie or their Facebook page
Dementia: Understand Together is a public support, awareness and information campaign led by the HSE, working with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Age Friendly Ireland, that aims to inspire people from all sections of society to stand together with the 500,000 Irish people whose families have been affected by dementia and to take actions to create inclusive communities.
