It’s safe to say, COVID-19 has had such an immense impact on our planet. In most cases, this has been a detrimental effect, especially for mental health. We know how incredible hard it has been for everyone. We want to share with you below some tips, resources, and support for everyone in Dorking and the surrounding area.
This is NOT in place of medical advice. Please consult with your medical professional.
Helplines and listening services (provided by Mind)
- Samaritans. To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone), email jo@samaritans.org or visit some branches in person.
- SANEline. If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).
- The Mix. If you’re under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service.
- Papyrus HOPELINEUK. If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697.
- Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service.
- Nightline. If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.
- Switchboard. If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+.
Apps for mental health (recommended by the NHS)
You may not wish or be able to speak over the phone. An App is a great way to support your mental health. The below link goes through to many different Apps recommended by the NHS which will hopefully provide you with some help and headspace during this unprecedented time.
Visiting the Surrey Hills AONB
Nature continues to play a vital role in supporting us during the pandemic crisis. More people than ever are taking to nature for fresh air. Visiting our wonderful Surrey Hills is a great way to exercise and experience our beautiful surroundings.
However, tourist hotspots such as Box Hill Viewpoint and Leith Hill Tower are experiencing high numbers of visitors. New advice is to explore the countryside closer to your home to maintain social distancing and help prevent the spread of the virus.
You can read more information, with great walking trails and Surrey Hills news, here
Dorking Resources Available to You
Mole Valley District Council have put together a webpage to provide Surrey residents support and guidance during COVID-19. Their web page provides you with government official information from current health guidance to health and wellbeing support. See more in the link below
Mole Valley District Council and Coronavirus
#LiveBreatheDorking
We’re running a campaign to help bring a sense of mindfulness to your social media feeds. Mindfulness meditation is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety which may be heightened for you during this pandemic.
This meditation is to bring focus back on one’s self and one’s surroundings. We’ll be releasing short clips and images which will help you focus and bring you back to the present moment. Try this quick 1minute meditation exercise provided by Mind here!
Follow along with our #BreatheDorking campaign on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
