Self care tips for a challenging winter

A leaflet aimed at encouraging local people to pay special attention to their mental wellbeing this winter is launching this week.

The leaflet will appear as an insert in every The Orcadian newspaper on 17 December, as well as in local shops and GP surgeries.

It contains some simple self-care tips as well as contact details for local and national sources of help and support.

It’s been put together by Caring for People, a task force of local public sector and voluntary organisations charged with helping the Orkney community recover and build resilience in challenging times.

Chair of the group, and Interim Head of Health and Community Care for Orkney Health and Care, Lynda Bradford, said: “In the run up to Christmas it became apparent that the festive season will be very different this year. For many folk this is not only disappointing after so many months of restrictions already, but upsetting - and for some it’s news that might compound feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.

“We felt compelled to both reassure people that it is normal to feel flat or anxious, and also to share some self-care tips that can help ease those feelings.

“Many of the local support services included in the leaflet are part of our Caring for People task force and have helped develop the leaflet – they are ready and keen to help anyone who feels they could do with added support right now. We’d urge people who are struggling to tap into that support - they are here to serve you and help you enjoy life to the fullest.”

Starting 14 December, some of the wellbeing tips in the leaflet will also be highlighted on social media, on the Council’s OIC Updates Facebook page.

Read the leaflet online or to request a copy of the leaflet in an alternative format, email Orkney Health and Care.