Ideas to help yourself and your community during COVID-19 self-isolation. By Emily Lee

At the time of going to print, everyone with a fever and/or persistent dry coughhas been asked to self-isolate, with their household, for 14 days. Those in at-risk groups have also been advised to stay at home for 12weeks. We are all being asked to comply with social distancing restrictions. This might have changed by the time you receive this magazine, so please check for updates at www.gov.uk

In these strange and confusing times, there are suddenly a huge number of us with a lot of time on our hands. Many will be spending that time alone, which can be difficult and leave us feeling lonely. We wanted to give anyone in self-isolation a useful list of ideas to keep busy, creative, calm and connected in the weeks ahead.

Occupy the mind and body in self-isolation

Whilst some of us are used to keeping occupied by ourselves, it can be hard to get used to. We’ve gathered a few of our favourite suggestions for solo activities at home. Follow our hashtag #positiveconnections on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram and feel free to add your own suggestions!

Keep busy:

• If you have work you need to do, create a daily list and take regular breaks.

• Do some gardening.

• Remind yourself of some fun card or board games.

• Learn a new skill like knitting or baking.

• Read a book. Make sure you read our article on page 60 for ideas!

• Binge watch a box set or watch a film.

• Review your finances to keep a healthy budget.

• Make a project of decluttering a room.

Get creative:

• Keep a diary of your experience of the illness or time in isolation.

• Pick up a pencil, paintbrush or needle and create something.

• Take the extra time to slow-cook meals.

• Play or learn a musical instrument.

Feel calm:

• Write a poem, blog, short story or start your memoirs.

• Practice mindfulness techniques.

• Do some light exercise or yoga. You will be able to find useful YouTube videos to follow and you may be able to access online classes via your local gym. Bidford's GYMIT are offering live classes. Visit their Facebook page for more information.

• Stick to a routine so you can relax in the evening and sleep well.

• If you can access fresh fruit and veg, make sure you eat some daily.

• Pamper yourself. Try a facemask, do your nails or take a long bath.

Stay connected:

• Make regular phone or video calls to relatives and friends, or start a WhatsApp group.

• Check in with elderly or vulnerable relatives.

• Play online games such as Scrabble.

• Catch up on overdue correspondence.

Support local businesses

Without footfall, businesses – especially smaller, family-run companies – will be looking for ways to keep going in the most challenging circumstances. There are a few things we can do as customers to lighten their load –why not get in touch online and see what they can offer?

1. Pay your invoices! If you have any outstanding payments due to local services or trades, please make sure you pay them without delay.

2. Buy a voucher. If you have a birthday or special event coming up, why not buy a gift voucher from a local shop, café, restaurant or pub to be used once we are all back to normal? You could mark Father’s Day with the promise of a slap-up meal and help a local venue with their cashflow.

3. Shop local. Use smaller, independent stores and food delivery services if possible, instead of larger supermarkets. Everything seems to be telling us that they are the best stocked!

4. Offer sponsorship. You could support a local business by offering to sponsor them if they are not eligible to claim government help/insurance.

Help vulnerable people in the community

If you’ve got the ability to support people in need in our area, there are a few different ways you can offer help. Volunteering is a great way to boost your mood and help prevent people getting isolated.

There are several community groups that are offering support and asking for volunteers for collecting shopping, posting mail, and making phone calls.

If you require assistance due to self-isolation, here are some details of groups in your area: Please note that this might require minimal sharing of your contact details with volunteers in the relevant groups.

Bidford: ‘Project Community Mobilisation’

To volunteer, email Elisabeth Uggerløse at Bidford Parish Council: info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk and for assistance as a Bidford parish resident, phone 01789 778653 or 07718 628925.

Alcester (and Kinwarton, Great Alne,Arrow and Weethley): ‘Alcester Community Resilience’

(see Facebook page for updates).

Email: amfoster@live.co.uk to volunteer assistance. If you need practical help and you live in this area, call 07707 598379.

Salford Priors: St Matthew's Church & Parish Council

If self-isolating and you live in Salford Priors, phone 01386 872758 or email: admin@ stmatthewssalfordpriors.org.uk for help.

Harvington: ‘Harvington Pastoral Support Network’

Call 07591 377367 for assistance if you live in Harvington.

Honeybourne: 'Honeybourne Community Response Team’

Follow on Facebook for updates.

Honeybourne residents in need of support whilst in self-isolation should contact 07957 785829 or honeybournecommunityresponseteam@outlook.com

Welford on Avon: Welford on Avon Parish Council Community Support Network

Further details via the Welford Matters Facebook page.

For Welford residents only. To volunteer, email: welfordpc@yahoo.co.uk or call 07715 211340.

If you know someone who does not have access to the internet or Facebook, please feel free to pass on our phone number and we'd be happy to help direct them to the best group for their area. Please contact 01789 491005. Do be patient though as, if we’re out delivering our magazines, you may need to leave an answerphone message.