Coronavirus Doncaster: Update
Introduction
Hi, my name is Dr Rupert Suckling and I am the Director of Public Health in Doncaster.
Yesterday, the Government announced that it has extended the UK lockdown for at least another three weeks. This means that we must all continue to stick to the guidelines to stay at home, other than for essential reasons, and to practice physical distancing outside of our homes.
In this edition of our weekly newsletter, our main focus will be on health and wellbeing during this challenging period, which we should all be prioritising just as much as our physical health.
We’ll be highlighting the services offered by our partners in health and our voluntary and community groups to help support you and your loved ones’ well-being.
We also wanted to share the newly launched 5 ways to wellbeing webpage, packed full of some of the best resources out there to support you to stay well, stay active and to help you to look after your mental health.
Rupert Suckling,
Director of Public Health
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5 ways to wellbeing during the Coronavirus outbreak
Being unable to see our families and friends at the moment is tough.
Staying connected is key and WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype and Zoom are handy ways for us to stay in touch – through these, you can still read your grandchildren bed time stories or pit your wits in quiz nights.
Our local community groups are also online or just a phone call away. You may also wish to volunteer by registering to call someone in isolation and help them stay connected too – visit the 5 ways to wellbeing webpage for details.
Local Healthwatch launches daily playlist to help combat isolation
Rick Astley, Kenny Rogers, Pharrell Williams – these are just some of the music legends who feature on Healthwatch Doncaster’s daily playlist.
“We wanted to help people have a soundtrack as they went about their daily tasks at home, whether working, home schooling or completing their one period of exercise per day,” said Andrew Goodall, Healthwatch Doncaster Chief Operating Officer.
“It has been great to read people’s varied entries and we hope that a song may resonate with an individual at this testing time.”
Share your favourite tune by emailing info@healthwatchdoncaster.org.uk
Visit Daily Playlist to browse the playlist and listen to it here - Songs
Dust off your guitar, learn a new language, paint or sew…use this time to master a new skill or reignite your passion for an old one.
Not only are you adding a new string to your bow but this can boost good mental health too. From a massive choice of online courses to virtual tours of art galleries or museums, there’s plenty to spark your interest and offer a break from routine.
And here’s a fantastic example…
Doncaster Connects is an exciting new online platform to provide entertainment from Doncaster, for the people of Doncaster, until such time as the bans on social gatherings are lifted. Doncaster’s vibrant creative sector are sharing their online content to help keep people feeling connected - you can learn new skills, listen to live music or take an online exercise class.
Also, if you want to entertain or teach, why not send Doncaster Connects your video?
It is massively important to take notice of the signs associated with your own mental health and wellbeing and take steps to stay mentally well.
If you feel you need support, please reach out.
The teams at Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) are on hand to help. These include the Talking Shop and the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies Long Term Conditions Team.
Although staff are not currently seeing clients face-to-face, they are providing telephone and video consultations and signposting people to internet therapy sessions.
“We’re very much in business and want people to contact us if they are experiencing common mental health problems like stress, anxiety and depression,” said Tim Godley, Team Manager at Doncaster’s IAPT Service.
“In addition to telephone and video calls, we recently launched an online support programme, called Mind District, which offers strategies, skills and techniques to help people manage their psychological difficulties. Anyone with a smartphone, tablet or computer can access it immediately after talking to us.”
Self referrals to the Doncaster Talking Shop and IAPT service can be made on 01302 565556.
There is also a separate IAPT service for Doncaster people who live with long-term health conditions. Contact 01302 566999. Team Manager Joanne Goulding said: “One of our care pathways is for patients with on-going chest problems and, as the current Coronavirus pandemic is a virus that affects the respiratory system, we want those people to know we can help.”
Visit the RDaSH website, for top tips to protect your mental health
Voluntary sector and other support
- The Samaritans free of charge on 116 123
- Rethink helpline – 0808 801 0442
- Safe Space - if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 01302 566999.
 Sessions in the gym or Sunday league footy matches may be on hold right now, but local sports clubs and groups have gone online to share fitness activities – visit Get Doncaster Moving on Facebook or Get Doncaster Moving.
There’s also the national Sport England Campaign #StayInWorkOut – their website has helpful information on keeping active within the home.
It’s ok to go outside once a day to exercise, so head out on a walk, run or cycle close to your home (whilst being sure to stay two metres from others and not exercising in groups).
 In times like this, many of us want to roll up our sleeves and help others but it can be hard to know how.
If you want to volunteer, Doncaster Community Hub and Voluntary Action Doncaster are looking for volunteers to work with local organisations and support vulnerable residents – Voluntary Action Hub
Rethink your drink
As the world deals with coronavirus, Doncaster’s Public Health experts are urging residents not to increase their drinking and to think about the possible impact not only on their health but also on the health service, as many A&E attendances are alcohol related.
Doncaster Public Health is part of the borough’s Alcohol Alliance, a consortium of agencies who are working together to tackle issues caused by drinking too much alcohol. The Alliance has launched a Rethink Your Drink campaign via a website and social media. The website offers support and advice around safer drinking levels and the help available should residents want to cut or stop drinking.
Residents can sign up for support by completing an anonymous online self-assessment to gauge their drinking levels. Visit Rethink Your Drink or facebook, twitter and Instagram and search RYD_Doncaster
Think twice about journeys
With more sunny weather forecast, please continue to follow the STAY AT HOME guidance and THINK TWICE about travelling further afield to exercise when you can do this closer to home.
And finally…
Sew fantastic! Doncaster College tutor joins campaign to make scrubs for NHS
Doncaster College tutor Noreen Nasim is supporting a national campaign to help address the shortage of scrubs within the NHS.
Noreen is spending much of her free time in her sewing room and is encouraging others to do the same, Noreen first heard of the shortage on a Facebook group called ‘For The Love Of Scrubs’. Initially starting with just a few in the group, the word soon spread and it now comprises of thousands of volunteers, sharing patterns, suppliers and taking orders from NHS workers.
Noreen said: “This is a fab way to keep busy for all those who have machines whilst helping towards such a worthy cause.”
For more details on how to get involved, visit the Facebook group For The Love Of Scrubs - Our NHS Needs You or view Noreen’s video For the Love of Scrubs
Service suspensions
To check which services are currently suspended, please visit - List of services
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