Mental health
The charity Mind have lots of useful advice and tips about how to protect your mental health and reduce anxiety about Coronavirus.
The Conversations has an article on staying connected and reducing loneliness whilst you are in isolation.
Age UK Oxfordshire have launched a new telephone service for older people who need support if they are self-isolating. Call 01865 411 288 and leave your name and number, someone will call you weekly to see how you are, chat and offer practical support if needed.
If you have a diagnosis of dementia, or are a carer or relative of someone who has, Dementia Oxfordshire can provide advice and support. Contact them Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm on 01865 410210 or email info@dementiaoxfordshire.org.uk.
Oxford Health NHS Trust Mental Health Helpline is a 24/7 mental health helpline for people of all ages who need mental health advice. Call them on 01865 904 997 for adults or 01865 904 998 for children and young people.
Guideposts is an information Service offering free support to anyone currently struggling with stress, anxiety or fatigue. Free advice and support is available over the phone or by webchat, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Call them on 0800 048 7035 or email hereinfo@guideposts.org.uk.
Turning Point offer a drug and alcohol treatment and support service. You can contact them by calling 01993 849 405 or emailing oxfordshire@turning-point.co.uk
Staying active
One way you can help improve your mental health if you are self-isolating is by staying active. These organisations have produced tips and guides for people to stay active:
Active at Home
The Active at Home booklet (opens as a PDF) provides practical guidance to older adults on home-based activities to maintain their strength and balance.
It follows concerns that low levels of physical activity in older adults will lead to reduced fitness resulting in loss of independence and need for care in the future.
ElWell
ElWell is a local company who support people to stay active as they get older. As home visits are currently not permitted they have been busy offering virtual support to people during self-isolation focusing on physical and mental wellbeing. They are also offering virtual physiotherapy sessions to help people stay mobile.
Domestic abuse
Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Services offers free services to anybody aged 16+ experiencing domestic abuse. Their Abuse Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am to 7pm. Contact them by calling 0800 731 0055 or emailing das@a2dominion.co.uk.
You can also call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.