We are living in strange times, no one would argue with that.
It s incredible to think that we are less than a month away from celebrating the first anniversary of the Covid lockdown – not that anyone would call it something to celebrate. There is no disguising the fact that Covid has taken its toll during this lengthy and difficult episode in all our lives. Worries for our children’s education, the health of our loved ones, finances and employment have gone through the roof. We humans just were not made to be isolated and cooped up – we thrive in community and in the fresh air with plenty of exercise. So do not be hard on yourself if you are feeling low right now or if there have been times when you might have neglected yourself or each other. There is plenty of help and good advice at hand, be that from the many organisations around the area or specialist teachers and practitioners.
ACUMEN
Most of us struggle with physical and mental health at some point during our lives. We plan for our physical health by making appointments with the dentist, going to the doctor, taking some exercise, but what about making time for our mental wellbeing? Creating a self-care plan could empower you to be more resilient during tough times when your mental health is under pressure. If you don’t know where to start or you’d like some support, contact ACUMEN on 01546 607210 or email sscp@acumennetwork.org to access a completely free service to help you create your personal mental health plan.
A SELF-CARE PLAN CAN HELP
Mental health charity ACUMEN is delivering this service, which has been funded by Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership’s Living Well Grant, with the charities Support in Mind Scotland and the Listening Service. Acumen can help you get started on your Self-Care Plan, refer you to a qualified counsellor if you need it and link you in with other groups and support services in your area if you want that. Find out more at: sscp. ramh.org Phone We Are With You or use their online chat to speak to one of their trained experts. They are there to help you – you can tell them as little or as much as you want – they will work with you to help you manage, reduce or stop your drug (including prescription drugs) or alcohol use. You can also talk to We Are With You if you’re worried about someone else’s drug or alcohol use, rather than your own.
HELP AND SUPPORT
We Are With You staff are working hard to make sure they continue to provide help and support to anyone experiencing issues with drugs or alcohol throughout the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. If you come into a service, they can provide masks. If you have any questions, please contact them by phone or chat to
We Are With You Argyll and Bute
them online. They will do their best to make sure you get the help you need. Need a prescription? The way you get prescriptions for methadone or buprenorphine may have changed during the coronavirus outbreak. Please contact your prescriber to check. WHO’ S THE SERVICE FOR ? This service is for you if: • you’re over 16 • living in Argyll and Bute • you’re worried about either your drug or alcohol use, or someone else’s.
Versus Arthritis
Versus Arthritis is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. It was launched in September 2018, following the legal merger of the two leading arthritis charities in the UK, Arthritis Research UK and Arthritis Care in November 2017. They are the 10 million people living with arthritis. They are the carers, researchers, healthcare professionals, friends, parents, runners and fundraisers all united in their ambition to ensure that one day, no one will have to live with the pain, fatigue and isolation that arthritis causes. Alongside volunteers, healthcare professionals, researchers and friends, they do everything they can to push back against arthritis. Together, they’ll continue to develop breakthrough treatments, campaign relentlessly for arthritis to be seen as a priority, and support each other whenever it’s needed.
Kintyre Link Club
Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives. It’s a deeply personal experience that in most cases will thankfully pass, but for a growing number of people, particularly those in later life, loneliness can define them and have a significant impact on their wellbeing. Set up in 1999, the Kintyre Link Club is a mental health club run by members, for members, with the main aim being to promote the welfare of those who suffer or have suffered from mental ill health. Tracy Chambers, the manager, says the Link Club is a safe place to come and meet other people on an equal basis, learn and share new skills, become more active, gain work experience, be involved in interesting and stimulating activities and the local community and build up confidence, self-esteem and independence.
Mairi Ireland Personal Trainer
If you are reading this and have said to yourself in the past ‘what I really need is a personal trainer’ then you have accepted the fact that you could do with some help and encouragement to take that next serious step towards being fitter, healthier, toned and perhaps a little lighter. It really can happen – and professional guidance is on your doorstep. A personal trainer will teach you everything you need to know about exercise, with one-2-one attention to create a plan that is tailored specifically to you. They will take into account your goals, daily routine, injuries or weaknesses, help you demonstrate correct posture, teach you how to eat well and make you accountable for your own success! Exercising can be a hassle and at times it may feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, or you might struggle with
staying consistent in a gym routine. Perhaps working with a trainer will give you the added motivation you need to help you on your path to whole-self health and fitness. It’s not just about how you look it’s also about your mindset and getting into an exercise routine will do wonders for your mental health and wellbeing. Mairi is a Campbeltown girl and believes everyone can live with a healthy life balance. Mairi is qualified to carry out training in different ways to suit her client’s needs; personal training, exercise classes, online coaching and pre/post natal training. Training can be or gym based (when restrictions allow) and there are a host of packages to choose from. As things currently stand, the support is carried out with social distance in mind, but imagine how great it would be to have a tailored eating plan to manage calories and macros, your own exercise plan designed just for you, weekly check-ins, access to a social media support group, all under the watchful eye of Mairi to help keep you on track. Mairi has a range of packages to suit every pocket and every lifestyle, from 4 weeks to 8 weeks and beyond. Become the best version of yourself that you can be – connect with Mairi: Tel:07367584339 mairiirelandpt@gmail.com Instagram- mairiirelandfitness Facebook MairiIrelandfitnesspt