Tips for your health

Looking after yourself

Throughout the pandemic, many of us have had to self-isolate to prevent catching or

Other helpline services include Independent or Friends of the Elderly on 0300 332 1110 where you can receive a weekly or fortnightly friendship call from a volunteer who enjoys talking to older people. Community Network brings people together on the phone each week. To join or start a telephone group, call 020 7923 5250.

Looking after your body

When self-isolating at home, it can be difficult to

spreading the coronavirus. For older and

activity levels.

vulnerable people in particular this may have caused or increased anxiety and feelings of loneliness or isolation.

If you live in a tower block or supported housing we would like your ideas on what could be done to support you if there are more lockdowns or further

communications@harlow.gov.uk

Stay in touch with others

Keeping in contact with family and friends over the phone is the next best thing to being with them. You can also call The Silver Line, a helpline for older people on 0800 470 8090. Age on 0800 319 6789, Age UK on 0800 055 6112,

get out for some exercise, but there are ways you can keep active at home.

Social.Active.Strong offer a free 12-week programme of activity to help you build strength, improve mobility and help sustain your day-to-day restrictions. Please call 01279 446655 or email

Classes take place in a socially distanced setting, with an option for people to take part online.

To register for free classes call 01992 564561 or email csreception@eppingforestdc.gov.uk

Further support

If you are concerned about your mental health, talking to your GP is a good place to start, or you can call 111 for further advice.

Getting the help and treatment you need

While everyone is being told to stay at home, it can be hard to know what to do if you are unwell.

• For help from a GP – use your GP surgery’s website, or call the surgery

• For urgent medical help – use the NHS 111 online service, www.nhs.uk or call 111 if you are unable to get help online

• For life-threatening emergencies – call 999 for an ambulance

If you are advised to go to hospital, it’s important to go. You can use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service at https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 if:

• you are worried about your symptoms

• you are not sure what to do

Call 111 if you cannot get help online. Do not go to places like a GP surgery, hospital or pharmacy.