5 minute read
Ellie’s Safe House - Here to Listen
listen WE’RE HERE TO
By Alice Adamski
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It’s safe to say that we live in one of the most stunning places in the world, surrounded by masses of open space and incredible natural beauty. However, this doesn’t mean we are safe from problems like everyone else around the world and this can create an uncomfortable conundrum - are we allowed to have the feelings we have? It’s important to remember though, that life can be tough wherever you decide to call home.
The last two years have certainly taken their toll on our mental health and those of us that live here in the Portes du Soleil haven’t escaped that. Everyone has been affected by COVID-19 and the resulting lockdowns in some way, whether it be missing loved ones, dealing with financial struggles, managing health issues or simply working out how best to move forward after a global pandemic.
The pandemic has also had a bigger impact for some people and mental health charities are reporting a surge in the rise of anxiety and depressive disorders.
And it’s not just adults that have been affected. Our children and teenagers have found things particularly tough. Young Minds has conducted studies which show that COVID-19 has led to our youngsters feeling isolated, alone and anxious. Life without COVID-19 was tough enough, now with this added extra, it’s clear that mental health is taking a bit of a battering.
Ellie’s Safe House was originally set up to provide workshops, guidance and support for young people and parents in the valley, but over the last year it has really started to evolve into something slightly different. We have been contacted by adults AND children who live in the valley looking for help, asking where they can find support and generally needing that extra bit of guidance. Lots of us here at Safe House undertook Mental Health First Aid Training so that we can be that initial contact for anyone struggling or looking for a bit of advice and direction.
Here are some things you can do to help yourself.
• Take some time out for you • • Call or speak to someone you can trust • • Ask for help if you need it • • Do something that you love • • As daft as it sounds, focus on your breathing for a little while •
On the surface, it might look like we aren’t doing much, but in the background we have been trying our best to help a number of people navigate their way through some really difficult situations. We aren’t mental health professionals with the power to make your problems go away, but we do hope that we can point you in the right direction and give you some of the tools you might need to get through some of the toughest of times.
As we head towards winter, we are also faced with a host of new challenges. Businesses haven’t been operating properly for a while now and with everyone hoping for a “normal” season, workloads are increasing, anxiety about the impact of Brexit is ramping up and general fears for the future are taking their toll. We expect to see more people contacting us in the coming months so we are busy planning workshops and support groups to help navigate our way through this tricky season. We will also see lots of new faces in the valley as seasonal workers make their way into town. Although doing a season can be fun, it can also be tricky for some people. We want to equip workers and their employers with the tools to spot when someone is struggling and give them some of the tools they need to help make life a little better for that person.
We are still working to create a support network for parents and young people in the valley too and our original mantra hasn’t disappeared, but we are also focused on providing what is really needed at this particular moment. We hope that by being here for people, we can help you keep your heads above water. Mental health problems can creep up on you at any point and can affect anyone. It’s important to give yourself a break and to look for help if you need it.
If you’d rather speak to someone else, there are some great helplines:
SOS Helpline FRANCE (English speaking helpline) www.soshelpline.org operates 3pm-11pm +33 (0) 1 46 21 46 46
SOS Amitié (French speaking helpline) www.sos-amitie.com | +33(0) 9 72 39 40 50
Remember, if you feel alone in all of this, you are not. Send us an email, we’re here to listen. At the Spectrum IFA Group, our registered and authorised advisers live and work in France,
offering the highest quality of financial
advice and planning services. I’m Alan Watson, the Spectrum IFA Partner in the Rhone Alpes region.
If you’re considering joining us for the good life here in France, here are five financial considerations for new French residents.
• Local accountants are good - locally, but are they aware of your international tax situation? What are the implications of keeping your UK ISA investments, but living in France? • Brexit has changed many things, with more changes still to come. You need to be aware of your personal choices, wills, how to maximise your hard-earned savings to benefit your loved ones. • Pensions can be complex, and usually in GBP. What are your options? Can you benefit from the French pension system and what is the best route for you? • If your work is based in France, but you’re still contracted from your UK company, how can you best take advantage of this situation? How can you maximise your personal benefits? • Since 2016, the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) has been in place. You should be aware of your local reporting responsibilities, it’s just not worth the risk!
To discuss these important matters and others personal to your situation, please get in touch. Without charge I offer an introductory meeting, making you aware of the fiscal requirements of your new country and giving you the peace of mind to enjoy your fantastic new lifestyle.
The Spectrum IFA Group is a founder member of the Federation of European Independent Financial Advisers. www.feifa.eu • TSG Insurance Services S.A.R.L. • Siège Social: 34 Bd des Italiens, 75009 Paris • R.C.S. Paris B 447 609 108 (2003B04384) « Société de Courtage d’assurances » « Intermédiaire en opération de Banque et Services de Paiement » Numéro d’immatriculation 07 025 332 – www.orias.fr « Conseiller en investissements financiers », référencé sous le numéro E002440 par ANACOFI-CIF, association agréee par l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers »
