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THREAD: what happens when "self isolating" becomes social isolation? We may all be isolating, but social isolation (lack of contact with others) can seriously harm your mental health. This thread is for getting support for social isolation in Central West London #Coronaviruswatch
Some groups were at risk of #socialisolation before the lockdown started, and are “extra vulnerable” now. These include people with long term physical and mental illnesses or disabilities, people who experience financial struggles and those who experience domestic abuse.
Firstly, if you are someone who is “extra vulnerable” to #Covid19 (have an underlying condition that might make you particularly susceptible) please register for support if you have not already (someone else can also do this for you): https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable
If you are self isolating, and need help in #Westminster (or know someone else who is) you can complete this quick form or email [email protected] form: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/ask-help
If you are a vulnerable person who needs to self isolate in Kensington & Chelsea, @RBKC has a great signposting and advice page for people who are clinically vulnerable and people in care homes. https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-advice-care-homes-clinically-vulnerable-and
The @RBKC page also links to mental health and wellbeing support services, including Community Living Well: https://communitylivingwell.co.uk/
If you are a carer for someone, and you are worried about how to maintain a safe distance, without putting them at risk for social isolation, @CarersNetwork have some useful info: https://carers-network.org.uk/local-help-and-support/
If you are someone who needs help with shopping, medicine, or even just a friendly face, you can also join one of many Mutual Aid Groups in your local area: https://covidmutualaid.org/ can find your closest one when you enter your postcode.
If you want to chat to someone when you’re feeling isolated, The Listening Place are ready to talk from 9am-9pm on 020 3906 7676
If you feel isolated and want to help another person who is at extra risk of social isolation, consider volunteering! @MentalHealthUK have this lovely blog on helping others while isolating https://mentalhealth-uk.org/blog/how-you-can-help-others-during-self-isolation/
If you are someone who is at risk of experiencing domestic abuse during this lockdown, or you’re worried about someone who is, the @NationalDomestic National Domestic Abuse Hotline @ndvh are available all day on 0800 2000 247.
If you are disabled and worried about social isolation, @DisRightsUK RightsUK has been a wonderful resource for us and has great #Covid19 guidance: https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/coronavirus
This is the part where we mention self care - this is not a fad or a buzzword, it is effective and keeping yourself mentally well while you’re isolating. We like this “self care menu” and @YoungMinds have this lovely “self soothe box” https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/looking-after-yourself/coronavirus-and-mental-health/
This isn't a full list: we also want to hear about more local services that can help our neighbours who are struggling with social isolation. We made this thread because 50% of people who replied to us about the outbreak have said that they are worried about social isolation.
We hope this thread is helpful, and you can find much more information about dealing with the lockdown in your local area in our resource pack: https://healthwatchcwl.co.uk/coronavirus/ #Coronaviruswatch
