Issue 1118 Thursday 18 June 2020

Page 6

6

Issue 1118

Call 0114 283 1100

18th June 2020

www.looklocal.org.uk

Local News

LOCAL AUTHOR PUBLISHES A MENTAL HEALTH BESTSELLER A local author has launched a book to help people struggling with anxiety and it has gone straight to an Amazon Best Seller. Ged Jenkins-Omar, who lives in Oughtibridge and is an ambassador for the mental health charity Mind has written the book following a personal battle with anxiety and panic. Having fought with anxiety since his late teens Ged Jenkins-Omar has tried and tested lots of coping strategies as the years have passed by. Having been on the edge and stared into the abyss with the depression that resulted from it. Ged is now married with two children, a Fundraising Manager at Thornberry Animal Sanctuary and wants to help others who are struggling, to manage their anxiety better. Research suggests that around 1 in 6 people in the UK will suffer from anxiety in any given week and 1 in 4 will suffer from a mental health problem in any given year. This is something that has significantly increased since the

Coronavirus lockdown with existing sufferers feeling worse and people who haven’t suffered before experiencing negative symptoms, thoughts and feelings. On releasing the book ‘Help with Anxiety’ in May, the book now tops the Amazon charts for the Mental Diseases & Disorders category. The book is aimed at both men and women and is suitable for teenagers and adults. There are 150 tips and strategies focussing on relaxation techniques, distraction techniques, strategies to take control, tips around diet and nutrition and much more. There are paperback and Ebook versions available on Amazon and there is an audiobook in the pipeline for the start of July. If you would like to purchase the book please visit Amazon.co.uk and type in ‘Help with Anxiety Ged Jenkins-Omar’. Ged Jenkins-Omar, said “I started writing this book around 8 months ago, long before Coronavirus decided to take over

the UK. It has been challenging as I have had to write it around working full time and being the best dad and husband, I can be. Having battled with anxiety and panic on and off since my late teens I wanted to write the book I wish I was given to me at the start of my journey with it. Anxiety is not a one size fits all mental health illness and neither is coping with it. You need to try lots of different strategies that suit you and your life and see what works for you. I can still have difficult days and symptoms like everyone does but I put my strategies in place and manage my thoughts, symptoms and feelings the best I can.” Ryan Ridgway (Former NHS 111 Manager and Mental Health First Aid England Trainer), said: “Help with Anxiety has been written by a fellow sufferer and I have no doubt that within this book you will find some relief from your troublesome symptoms of anxiety.”

Respect shopworkers says Usdaw Shopworkers’ trade union Usdaw is urging customers to respect staff and employers to ensure safety in stores, as shops are allowed to reopen, if safe to do so.

assessments and implement robust safety measures before they reopen and we urge employers to work with the union to ensure their staff have a proper say in that process.

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “The safety of our members and the public is our top priority, so Usdaw worked with the British Retail Consortium on joint safety guidance for shops. Retailers have to publish risk

“Importantly shops should not be allowed to remain open if retailers do not follow the guidance and operate safely. We will continually monitor the situation and support our members as they return to work.

“However, safety in stores needs customer co-operation and I am shocked that abuse of shopworkers has doubled during the Coronavirus emergency. It is a disgrace that a minority behave this way, at a time when we should be pulling together to get through this appalling pandemic. At no time should abuse be a part of the job. Shopworkers deserve respect.”

Sporting chance... Sporting Chance Sheffield have had to adapt from face to face support and engagement to on line activities. Previously sessions ran in Stocksbridge Leisure Centre and other venues in North Sheffield and Rotherham. They are now launching a weekly quiz which can be accessed by anyone, which will run every Tuesday at 2-30pm and on Thursday at 2-30pm (The Thursday quiz is specifically for ex Servicemen and as is being run in Partnership with Sporting Chance Birmingham.

These can be accessed via zoom on lap top I pad etc or by dialling in. Volunteering Matters are a National Organisation and also run on line activities such as yoga , Pilates, learn Spanish, sing a long, book groups and many others. All our on line activities are free of charge If you or any family member would like information on any of the above activities please contact Mark.hible@volunteeringmatters. org.uk or call 07841 430171.


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