Think Self-Care

By taking small steps, you can help keep yourself and your loved ones well.

Here are some self-help and self-care tips for taking care of yourself and looking out for others:

• Think winter vaccinations. Get your COVID-19,  flu and RSV vaccinations if you are eligible.
• Think health.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet and keep hydrated to help you feel your best and keep your energy levels up.
  • Try to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting down during the day and be active, enjoy the outdoors if you can. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as it’s something you enjoy and keeps you moving.
  • Build your strength, balance, and coordination, and wear shoes or slippers with a good grip to help prevent falls. (See Elevate strength and balance classes in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin) Need help with your joint or muscle pain?  Download the free myrecovery app today!
  • Your local authority offers a range of support and services to keep you healthy and well: Healthy Shropshire | Shropshire Council Healthy Telford - Telford & Wrekin Council
• Think warmth

• • Keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Ideally, heat the rooms you use the most to at least 18c.
  • Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick one. For extra warmth, use a blanket or hot water bottle if needed.
  • If you are struggling to heat your home, you can visit a number of warm spaces such as libraries and leisure centres for support.
• Think cost of living support
  • Contact you local council if you are worried about money, struggling to pay bills or buy food: gov.uk/cost-of-living or telford.gov.uk/costofliving
• Think connection. Connect with others and check in on older or unwell neighbours, friends and family members
• Think preparedness. Keep your medicine cabinet stocked with painkillers, rehydration and indigestion treatments, anti-diarrhoea medicine, antiseptic cream and antihistamines, and a First Aid Kit. Always check that your medications are in date.

Visit the NHS website for a full medicine cabinet list.

Don’t keep or use medicines after their expiry date. Take them to your local community pharmacy where they can be disposed of safely.

• Think NHS 111. Contact NHS 111 online or by phone if you’re worried about any symptoms.

Think mental health services

It’s ok and normal for your mental health to change depending on how you are feeling and what is happening in your daily life.

• Looking after yourself

There are little thinks you can do to look after yourself your mental health. Just a few simple changes can help improve your mood and cope with life’s challenges.

With the Every Mind Matters online platform, you can get free expert advice and practical tips to help look after your mental health and wellbeing.

• NHS Talking Therapies (previously known as IAPT)

If you are feeling stress, anxious or depressed, you might struggle with work, life or relationships. NHS Talking therapies can help.

Your GP can refer you to your local NHS Talking Therapies service – or you can refer yourself online.

• Urgent Mental Health Support

If you are experiencing significant emotional or mental distress, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option (option 2).

The services offers 24/7 advice and support if you are:

• Experiencing worry, anxiety or fear that you can’t control
• Hearing voices and seeing things that others can’t
• Considering harming yourself
• Find yourself withdrawing from your friends and family

Or, text 'STW' to 85258 for free, confidential mental health support.

If someone’s life is at risk, call 999 or go to A&E (Emergency Department).