This lockdown is a little less restrictive than the first one. For example, we can get outside and meet one individual from another household, keeping our social distance, in a public place, to exercise, and to have a conversation… But self-isolation isn’t easy, especially if you’re alone, feeling unwell or need help with something. During the first lockdown earlier this year, we had the benefit of evenings getting lighter and improving weather. This time, some may be finding it more difficult as the nights draw in and the weather turns for the worse. Remember, if you live alone or you’re a single parent who lives alone with your children, you can meet with one other household without social distancing. This is called a support bubble.
During this Lockdown, mental health will be a worry for some. There is helpful advice on the NHS Coronavirus (COVID19) website, including 10 tips to help if you are worried about Coronavirus. It’s worth a look, but I have summarised their advice at the bottom of this email.
The established team of volunteers in the village remain in place and are willing to assist those during this second COVID-19 emergency. They were each allocated a cluster of houses throughout the village to establish contact in the first lockdown. Each volunteer has maintained that contact as and when required. If you are new to the village or have not been contacted and would like assistance from a volunteer, please call me, Mandy Burns (contact details below). The village Support Group Volunteers are there to assist with
- urgent shopping needs
- a friendly chat.
- Prescriptions are being collected separately by a volunteer dedicated to do this for the village.
You may not feel you need help at this stage but if in the future you decide you do, just contact me and let me know.
Prescriptions
We have a dedicated volunteer who collects prescriptions each week
Wednesday – Faringdon White Horse Surgery
Thursday – Elm Surgery Shrivenham
I collect the names of those who wish prescriptions to be collected and pass a list each week to the volunteer.
Please provide:
- Name
- Address
- EMIS Number (if you have it)
- Surgery
- Date prescription due to be collected.
If there is a need for an emergency prescription, we should also be able to respond accordingly.
Please do not hesitate to contact me.
Volunteers
The current volunteers from the village have already agreed that they are willing to carry on in this next lockdown and able to assist where necessary. But we are always looking for more - If you have not already been in contact and are available to assist neighbours in the village who might need help with these things, again please contact me.
Bad weather may present other challenges whilst we are in lockdown. If you are able to assist and respond for snow clearance of paths etc, again please let me know.
Best wishes to everyone during these difficult times.
Stay safe,
Mandy xx
Please contact MANDY BURNS on 01367 240142 and leave a message, or mail her on: [email protected].
Ten tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus.
Tip 1 - Stay connected with people. Maintain healthy relationships with people you trust.
Tip2 - Talk about your worries. Its Ok to share your concerns with those you trust.
Tip 3 - Support and help others. Helping someone else can benefit you as well as them.
Tip 4 - Feel prepared. It can help to think through a typical week how will you continue to be affected and what will you do to solve any problems.
Tip 5 - Look after your body. Our physical health can have a big impact on how we feel.
Tip 6 - Stick to the facts. Find a credible source you can trust like GOV.UK or the NHS website.
Tip 7 - Stay on top of difficult feelings. Try to focus on the things you can control.
Tip 8 - Do things you enjoy. Focusing on your favourite hobby, relaxing or connecting with others can help with anxious thoughts and feelings.
Tip 9 - Focus on the present. Focusing on the present, rather than worrying about the future, can help with difficult emotions.
Tip 10 - Look after your sleep. Good quality sleep makes a big difference.