Croydon Council is urging residents to tap into the wealth of information on its website to keep them, and their family and friends, healthy and mentally and physically well during the covid-19 lockdown and beyond.
The self-care advice and guidance on the website www.croydon.gov.uk/wellbeing provides access to information such as exercise plans for all abilities to help keep our body moving as we limit our time outside. These actions can help us to maintain a healthy heart and boost our wellbeing.
Eating well is always important and the website has recipe ideas to help families and individuals make healthy meals and snacks, as planning what to eat and when can be more of a challenge while we are staying at home for longer.
Croydon Live Well advisors are now providing their service for residents on the phone giving one-to-one advice and support to those who still want to quit smoking, lose weight and make other healthy lifestyle improvements. They can be contacted on 0800 019 8570 or email livewell@croydon.gov.uk
Anyone feeling worried, anxious or lonely during the lockdown can seek help from guidance on the website offered by local organisations and nationally.
This includes ways to support your mental health through safely staying in touch with family and friends while adhering to social distancing rules, such as games nights or socialising through video apps.
Croydon Talking Therapies offers free NHS services and advice during times of stress and difficulties. Search for ‘Croydon Talking Therapies’ online or call 020 3228 4040.
Age UK and Croydon Voluntary Action (CVA) have set up a telephone befriending service for all ages, where volunteers give company through regular chats on the phone numbers 020 8686 0066 and 07540 720 102.
Karen Chillman, Head of volunteering at CVA, said: “There is a huge volunteering effort across Croydon helping people in the borough to feel less isolated. We are working in partnership with the council, Age UK and many other community groups offering friendly chats at least once a week, which can make a big difference to their lives. Keeping people connected in this way can be a lifeline for their wellbeing.”
The council website also signposts pregnant women and new parents to the support available from local maternity and health services at this time. Parents who are eligible, can still claim Healthy Start vouchers to buy milk, fruit, veg and vitamins for their family – the details are available at www.healthystart.nhs.uk Anyone needing help with applying for the vouchers can email healthystartsupport@croydon.gov.uk
People should also still contact their GP if they need help and advice. Anyone taking prescribed medication should continue and order repeat prescriptions in time by phone, websites or apps where available.
“We are working with partner organisations across the borough offering health and wellbeing support for residents. This is much needed as people navigate the changes to their daily routines from how we work, socialise and manage childcare to how and when we shop for food and maintaining vitamin D levels which may be lacking in our bodies from being inside more. These changes will be stressful and create difficulties for many and we are encouraging people to seek out the help and support on offer as early as they can.”
Councillor Jane Avis, cabinet member for families, health and social care
