Volunteering to reduce social isolation in Portsmouth
Many elderly, vulnerable and at risk people will be self-isolating and social distancing in the coming weeks and months due to the Coronavirus outbreak. One way you can support these people is by becoming a volunteer with HIVE Portsmouth. As well as helping with delivering food and medication, they need volunteers to make regular telephone calls to vulnerable residents – for a chat and to check on their welfare. If you think this role would suit you, sign up HERE.
The Benefits of Volunteering
This report was commissioned by the Social Exclusion Unit from the Institute for Volunteering Research. It reviews the available literature on adult mental health and volunteering, to identify benefits gained through volunteering activity.
Big Fat Quiz of the Week
Missing your usual pub quiz? All Call Signs, the Portsmouth based veteran organisation, are holding a weekly online quiz to help people feeling socially isolated. You can just play along for fun every Friday evening on their Facebook page HERE or for the chance to win a prize you can buy a quiz ticket for £5, which gets donated to All Call Signs to continue their support for veterans.
Campaign Against Living Miserably (C.A.L.M.)
Leading a movement against suicide, the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK and the cause of 18 deaths every day. Join the campaign to take a stand against suicide.
Blurt It Out
Increasing awareness and understanding of depression.
Action For Happiness
A movement of people committed to building a happier and more caring society. Take a look at their ’10 keys to happier living’ and their monthly ‘Coping Calendars’.
The Big White Wall
A safe online community of people who are anxious, down or not coping who support and help each other by sharing what’s troubling them, guided by trained professionals.
Available 24/7, Big White Wall is completely anonymous so you can express yourself freely and openly. Professionally trained Wall Guides ensure the safety and anonymity of all members.
Let’s Talk about Mental Health
The Time to Change campaign is about challenging stigma and discrimination against people experiencing mental health problems and mental ill-health. Time to Change say that talking about mental health can strengthen friendships, aid recovery, break down stereotypes and take the taboo out of something that affects us all. Why not connect with over 38,000 other people who’ve signed the Time to Change pledge to start a conversation about mental health. Click here to find out more and sign the pledge
The Mystery and Magic of Smiling
The perfect gift: a new publication from TED Books examining the benefits of smiling for our health and wellbeing. How can something as simple as a smile be so deceptively complex?
Moodscope
Moodscope is based on the idea that you can measure your mood daily to improve your overall mental health. By registering on the website, you can track your mood and if you want, nominate someone to act as your ‘buddy’. The added bonus to registering is that you receive a daily email which I’ve found both thoughtful and uplifting. Well worth looking into.
