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9 October 2020
The challenges, loss and uncertainty of this year have had a huge impact on people’s mental health. As we mark World Mental Health Day on Saturday (10 October), I know we will all continue to look out for our family, friends and community at this difficult time.
If you are struggling or know someone who is, you are not alone and there is support out there – find out more below and on our website.
We’re all in this together, and I’d like to thank everyone in Camden who continues to support our community in so many ways. By continuing to follow public health guidance, helping our neighbours and being kind to ourselves, together we will get through this difficult time.
Lastly, please be aware that cases of coronavirus are rising in Camden and across all of London, and the number of new cases is increasing more rapidly now than in previous weeks.The rise in cases means that it is more important than ever that we all follow the current guidelines to keep each other safe. Read my statement on this here and see below for further information.
Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
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Coronavirus cases are rising
Cases of coronavirus are rising in Camden and across all of London, and the number of new cases is increasing more rapidly now than in previous weeks. It’s therefore more important than ever that everyone continues to follow public health advice.
Coronavirus usually spreads through the droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, or by touching an object or surface that has the virus on it and then touching our own mouth, nose or eyes. We can prevent it spreading and keep ourself and loved ones safe by:
- Washing our hands regularly with warm, soapy water
- Wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces, making sure it covers our nose and mouth. And consider wearing one if we are visiting a person with underlying health conditions, along with taking other precautions
- Staying 2 meters away from people we don’t live with
- Not socialising indoors or outdoors in groups of more than six people
Please also remember that coronavirus can spread wherever we are - including when we visit the homes of loved ones. By following the above advice wherever we go, we can keep ourself, loved ones and others in our community safe.
Got symptoms? Self-isolate and get tested
If you develop coronavirus symptoms, it’s really important to self-isolate and get tested via nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119. If you’re struggling to access a test, please keep trying.
If you need help to self-isolate, whether it be to access food or medicine, support to home-school your children, or a letter for your employer that explains you’re self-isolating, we are here to help. You can call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9) – the helpline is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, or visit camden.gov.uk/coronavirus. If your need is urgent and it cannot wait, you can also contact the helpline outside of these hours.
Prevent the spread of coronavirus at home
Preventing the spread of coronavirus when you live in close proximity to other people can be hard so we’ve developed a guide to help people living with others to stay safe and protect themselves from coronavirus. It includes general public health advice and what to do if you or someone you live with develops symptoms to prevent everybody in the household from catching it. Read the guide on our website.
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Have you booked an appointment to have your flu vaccine?
Flu season is coming and this year, it’s more important than ever to have the flu vaccine – including children who can spread it to people who are more vulnerable.
The flu vaccine won’t protect you from coronavirus, but having coronavirus and flu at the same time can make you seriously ill – particularly if you have underlying health conditions.
You can get a free flu vaccine if you’re over the age of 65, have underlying health conditions, are a carer of an older or disabled person, or live with someone who was previously shielding.
School-aged children will be vaccinated in school (please look out for the consent form), pregnant women through their midwifery service and adults at the pharmacy or GP surgery.
The adult flu vaccine does not contain pork gelatine, but the child vaccine, administered via a nasal spray, contains a tiny amount. If you’re uncomfortable with this, speak to your child’s school nurse or GP.
Please be aware that flu vaccine deliveries are staggered and flu vaccinations are prioritised for those who are most at risk. If you are eligible for a free vaccine, your GP (or, if you’re pregnant, your midwife) will invite you to make an appointment to have your vaccination when they receive their vaccine supply, which should be in the next few weeks. However, if you are aged 50-64 you will be able to make an appointment to have the vaccine in mid-November onwards once patients classed as being more at-risk have had theirs.
If you are not eligible for a free vaccination, you can pay to have it at a local pharmacy but this will be subject to availability. If you are having trouble booking an appointment, ask your local pharmacist for advice.
For more information visit londonflu.co.uk.
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Children’s emergency healthcare update
The children and young people’s emergency departments at the Royal Free Hospital and UCLH have temporarily closed. The Whittington Hospital and North Middlesex Hospital children’s emergency departments have expanded to meet demand. If your child needs urgent healthcare, please call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk so you can be directed to the best service for your child.
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NHS COVID-19 app
The NHS COVID-19 app prevents the spread of coronavirus by helping to identify people who’ve been in close recent contact with someone who’s tested positive for coronavirus by sending an alert to their mobile phone asking them to self-isolate.
Please consider downloading the app by searching ‘NHS COVID-19’ in your preferred app store. To find out more, visit covid19.nhs.uk
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 Looking after our mental health
Tomorrow (10 October) is World Mental Health Day. After an incredibly difficult past few months, you might be feeling overwhelmed, lonely, anxious or scared. While it’s a good reminder for us to prioritise our mental health and wellbeing, you might also need help to deal with the way you’re feeling.
If you’re struggling, feeling isolated or lonely please know that help is available. There are a number of ways you can reach out for support if you need it. Below is some advice to help you keep yourself mentally well, along with a list of support services.
Advice to keep yourself mentally well
Thrive LDN have compiled six things you can do to keep yourself well – this includes being kind to yourself, putting aside time to do things you enjoy, staying connected with loved ones, and keeping active. These tips are also available in 27 different languages here.
Getting help if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis
- Phone the 24-hour crisis line, based at St Pancras Hospital, on 020 3317 6333 to access round-the-clock specialist support
- Ask your GP for an emergency appointment
- Call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 – they're always open and are there to listen
- If it’s an emergency, call 999
- To find out about more about mental health services and support, visit camden.gov.uk/mental-health-and-wellbeing
Accessing mental health support
If you’re feeling anxious and/or worried about your mental health, call your GP. If you prefer, you can find help on the iCope website where there is a page with suggestions on how to keep as psychologically well as possible. iCope also offers a range of mental health services and support, including intercultural therapy in a number of languages.
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 Take the first step in the Camden Couch to 5k challenge
We’ve partnered with Holborn Community Association and Castlehaven Community Association to encourage Camden residents to get involved with the Couch to 5k challenge, as one way to stay as active and healthy as possible. Walking or running for just 20 minutes a day has a positive impact on your health. Not only can it improve your mental wellbeing, it also reduces your risk of chronic illness.
You can join the Camden Couch to 5k challenge right now by downloading the Couch to 5K app on your phone. The app is free, easy to follow and perfect for anyone who is either new to running or who needs some extra support and motivation.
It starts with a walk. If you decide to join, we’d love to hear how it’s going for you. Find others taking the challenge and share your experience using the hashtag #CamdenCouchto5k on Twitter.
For more information visit: holborncommunity.co.uk/couch-to-5k
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Tips to reduce air pollution in your home
Thursday 8 October was National Clean Air Day. Air pollution can have a significant impact on our health – particularly for people with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Air pollution can be found inside and outside our homes and with many of us spending much more time at home, you can improve air quality in your home by doing the following:
- Not smoking
- Ventilating your kitchen when using gas hobs or fryer by opening a window
- Dusting surfaces regularly
- Avoid burning paraffin candles or incense
- Using non-chemical essential oils to fragrance your home instead of chemical room sprays
For more information and tips visit camden.gov.uk/air-quality
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How to contact us
To stay updated and to find out more information on services and support, you can:
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