Feature

Struggling to cope because of COVID-19? Help is at hand

Hampshire County Council is reminding residents they are not alone, and help is at hand if they are having a difficult time due to COVID-19 or because they are self-isolating

The Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline can signpost to information, advice and relevant services that can assist with a range of issues; from where to find help in the community and money worries to emotional support and practical help when self-isolating.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Adult Services and Public Health, said: “There are many daily errands we all take for granted under normal circumstances, such as buying groceries at the shops, collecting prescriptions and walking the dog, however, these tasks are not so simple if you are self-isolating. While it is always best to turn to friends, family or neighbours for assistance, if this is not possible, remember, help is at hand. The Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline is there for you, so I urge residents – especially those who are especially vulnerable – to get in touch when help is needed.”

Telephone helpline

If Coronavirus has had an impact on you or any aspect of your life, including anyone who is self-isolating, please call the helpline for advice and support.

The Hampshire Coronavirus Support and Helpline can be contacted on 0333 370 4000. (Calls charged at local rate.) Or you can request a call-back from the helpline by completing the call-back request form: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/ coronavirus/volunteer-welfare

We can signpost you to information, advice and relevant services to support you with a range of issues

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday: 9am to 6pm Sunday and bank holidays: 9am to 4pm

Christmas Opening hours

Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day: Closed Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December: 9am to 4pm Wednesday 29, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 December: 9am to 6pm

Councillor Liz Fairhurst added: “As well as signposting callers to practical services, the helpline offers a referral to the mental health charity MIND for people who need emotional support. This makes it quicker and easier for people to get the help they need with just one phone call.”

For more information visit: www.hants.gov.uk/ socialcareandhealth/coronavirus/volunteer-welfare

This service is for people who live within the Hampshire County Council local authority area. Calls from Southampton, Portsmouth or Isle of Wight residents will be signposted to their local support numbers.

Camilonthehill - Personal Trainer

Hello, my name is Camilla. I am a 44 year old mum to two gorgeous children. I am a qualified Personal Trainer who is hugely passionate about motivating, inspiring, guiding and supporting others to get healthy through regular exercise.

I believe incorporating exercise into our daily routine quite simply makes life easier and more enjoyable.

We all know how tough life can be, juggling work, children, friends, family and social life, but by spending as little as 30 minutes a day on ourselves, exercising and moving our body, we can guarantee a happier, healthier, stronger and fitter you. Through the power of exercise you can be a better friend, work colleague, parent, and partner!

Exercise is great but as we get older, maintaining good strength and flexibility is also crucial.

As we reach our 30's, our bone density and muscle mass decrease but strength training can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis which women are susceptible to, particularly around the menopause. It can also help us feel strong in body and in mind. Improve productivity levels, sleep, anxiety, co-ordination, weight management as well as reducing the risk of injury, it can improve immune system, digestion, blood pressure, bone density, as well as lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It also helps avoid diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers…. the list goes on! My classes therefore, are a combination of cardio and strength work. I offer local group sessions, remote classes and individual Personal Training for women who prefer the additional support of one-to-one sessions - a fantastic way to get started.

Getting started is often the hardest part, but once you get used to that exhilarating ‘post workout’ feeling, exercise will soon become part of your lifestyle. Just setting aside a little ‘me time’ each day in 2022 could transform your whole life.

If you’re ready, but feel you could do with some support with your fitness journey, drop me a line. I would love to hear from you.

Instagram @camilonthehill FB @camil_on_the_hill email: camillacasey@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 07966 158117 www.camilonthehill.com

Clarendon Therapy Centre, Stockbridge

January is often a time of reflection and hope. At the Clarendon Therapy Centre, we believe resilience is an important part of enjoying this life. Resilience is a capability to absorb the things that happen to us not by denying or avoiding them but through acceptance, helping to develop and strengthen our wellbeing. That which can be described can also be made harmless. Talking about our lives can reduce the power that some of our emotions hold over us. And yet, it can be counter intuitive to talk about ourselves and bring things into the open believing that keeping them hidden is the safer option. Both Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy are ways of looking at how our patterns of thinking and behaviour may no longer be of use to us and often may be causing us harm or, at the very least, keeping us stuck.

Humans adopt ways of thinking to help with survival and avoidance of difficult emotions, but as time goes on these ways may be more detrimental than helpful. Just as physical exertion promises us stronger muscles, talking with a trained professional can bring a liberation from old patterns and behaviours. If you’d like to learn more about yourself or need support with anxiety, depression or trouble sleeping please get in touch. We can offer a warm, safe and confidential place in which to talk and begin the chance of change.

For more information, please visit our website www.clarendontherapycentre.co.uk 2 Clarendon Terrace on Stockbridge High Street

Kirsty Coltart – Integrative Psychotherapist Tracey Jesney – Hypnotherapist