This week is Mental Health Awareness week, the theme this year is Loneliness.

Loneliness affects millions of people and can contribute to poor mental health. Research conducted by the Mental Health Foundation has found that since the pandemic loneliness has worsened and young people have been most affected. Many young people said that they felt really lonely and isolated during the lockdown and this had an impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

We can all feel lonely at times. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be hard and uncomfortable, particularly if they carry on for a long time, but there are ways to help manage these feelings

Here are some tips to help

• Being kind to yourself- doing things you enjoy

• Being outdoors

• Spending time with people who are supportive

• Being part of a group or club (chess club, running club, gardening etc

• Volunteering or looking after others

• Keeping in contact with friends and relatives (via phone call, messaging, video call or even arranging to meet up)

By Kirsty Tison - Wellbeing Lead