The excitement of December and New Year can leave many people feeling deflated in January.
We understand the importance in looking after your mental health. We want to reassure our tenants that if you are experiencing mental health problems it is important to know that you are not alone, and help can be found. Our teams are here for you and we can also signpost you to local services where you can go for help and support.
Any day of the year can be a challenge for people living with mental illness, and we want to spread a positive message to our Cobalt communities this Blue Monday. We want to encourage a conversation this January about mental health and are encouraging our tenants to take part and make a real difference in 2020.
In the winter months there are unfortunately increased reports of loneliness due to people not leaving the house due to weather or other difficulties. We’re asking our tenants to frequently check on their elderly neighbours or neighbours throughout the year. Popping in for a cup of tea or simply letting someone know you’re there for them can really brighten someone’s day.
We all get swept away by the hustle and bustle of Christmas and we can often lose touch with friends and family members. If you’re feeling disconnected from your loved ones, why not boost your mood by:
- Dropping them a text to see how they are
- Sitting and watching the tv with them
- Cooking your favourite meal together
Most importantly, we’re urging our tenants to look after themselves in 2020. If you’re feeling down its important to know that its ok, not to feel ok. Sometimes we all need a bit of ‘me’ time to switch off from the world for a moment. Here are our tips to improve your mental wellbeing in 2020:
- Have a bubble bath – it might be simple but submerging yourself in a mountain of bubbles with some candles can give you that much needed boost to kick start your week on a positive note. Bonus – it’s super relaxing!
- Improve your bedtime routine – it’s easy to be distracted by screens, but before you know it, it’s after midnight and your mind is still racing. Experts recommend turning off screens 1-2 hours before you go to sleep, so set yourself a bedtime target, switch off, and pick up a book instead. You’ll really see a difference in the way you feel after a good night’s sleep!
- Exercise more – this doesn’t mean hitting the gym! Making small changes to your routine such as walking to work, or getting off at the next bus stop to add a few steps can help. Doing some sort of exercise everyday can make you feel better in the long run.
- Improve your diet – try switching your food to healthier alternatives. Or why not try something new and give a cooking class a try? We are supporting Can Cook with their 12-week cooking classes at Ellergreen Community Centre in Norris Green. The course is completely FREE and starts on January 13th, 10.30-12.30pm. The course is currently BOOKED UP but to be put on a waiting list please call our community regeneration team on 0330 303 2222.
Seek help – There are a variety of local mental health charities in Liverpool, they include:
- Talk Liverpool
Newhall Campus
7 Clock Tower Park
Liverpool
L10 1LD
Telephone number: 0151 228 2300
Email: [email protected] - Chasing The Stigma
54 St James Street
Liverpool
L1 0AB
Email: [email protected] - Young Persons Advisory Service
Croxdale Road West
Liverpool
L14 8YA
Telephone number: [email protected]
Number: 0151 707 1252 - Liverpool North Addaction Recovery Centre (ARC)
83-93 Stonebridge Lane
Croxteth
Liverpool
L11 4SJ
Telephone: 0151 546 1141
There is also a fantastic free app called ‘Hub of Hope’ which will give you information of mental health support services close to your postcode. It’s definitely worth a download, and can be really useful for yourself, friends and family.