A CAMPAIGN has been launched to keep people in Warrington talking during lockdown.

Spearheaded by Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington Cares aims to showcase the help available within Warrington so residents

support and get through this together while staying at home.

Ian Cox, centre manager, said: "Being social doesn’t need to be physical. There are plenty of ways to keep in contact with friends and family through social media, video calls, text and email and it’s important we keep in contact with each other during difficult times."

The centre has pulled together a directory of organisations that are on hand and available with help and support if needed.

Time to Change

Time To Change will be offering an online group each Thursday afternoon via zoom for residents of Warrington and surrounding areas. The group which will begin at 2pm is mixed gender and will consist of a check-in, short topic-based well-being session, group conversation, and action planning. Everyone is welcome! Find out more by emailing timetochange@warringtonspeakup.org.uk

Lymm Wellness and Mental Fitness

Lymm Wellness & Mental Fitness is a voluntary led, non-profit organisation, designed to support people living in the local community, who have complex mental health difficulties. Their aim is to provide group and one to one support, offering guidance through a range of guest speakers covering areas such as mindfulness, stress management, coping strategies, health and wellbeing and more. Follow their Social Media accounts on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to keep updated on their Zoom sessions.

Papyrus

Papyrus HOPELINEUK is a specialist telephone service staffed by trained professionals who give non-judgemental support, practical advice and information to children, teenagers and young people up to the age of 35 who are worried about how they are feeling or anyone who is concerned about a young person. Their aim is to prevent suicide in young people. HOPELINEUK is free to call and free to text 9am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 2pm to 10pm over weekends and bank holidays. Call: 0800 068 41 41 | Text: 07786 209697

Offload

Offload (delivered by the Warrington Wolves Foundation) uses the experiences of real people to encourage conversations whilst providing a toolkit of self-management skills to help overcome challenges and adversity. Every Tuesday (6:30pm – 8:00pm) via the online Zoom platform (https://zoom.us/j/719699930), a Head Coach will provide a facilitated session focusing on a particular topic (e.g. relaxation, goal setting, coping & managing, dealing with conflict etc) and is open to anyone over the age of 18 years old.

Creative Remedies

Creative Remedies is a programme of arts activities (ran by Warrington Borough Council) that aim to improve the health and wellbeing of Warrington residents over the age of 18. They're currently uploading new videos each weekday, which include music, performing arts, visual arts, relaxation (something I'm sure we could all do with!), photography and reading to relax. Best of all, the videos are all free to access! A note from Creative Remedies: “Please continue to practise selfcare and compassion to yourselves and take time out of every day (even if it’s only 20 minutes) to do something that’s just for you.” Find them on facebook.com/creativeremedies or youtube.com/creativeremedies

Supporting Factors

Supporting Factors offers a safe space for ladies to explore and discuss anxieties and barriers that may impact on their positive mental health and wellbeing. They are available via Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Find them on Facebook @supportingfactorscic and Twitter @Supporting_factors They are also contactable via 07837010854

Connect2

Connect2 is here to connect you with an advocate, someone who is happy to check in and chat with you whilst you have to stay at home. If you need any specific help they will make sure you are put it in touch with the right services. Connect2 is available Monday to Friday from 11am to 3pm. Call: 01925 246938 | 01925 248472 Email: connect2@warringtonspeak.org.uk

Directions for Men

Directions For Men run groups for men who are feeling lost, struggling emotionally with stress, anxiety or depression or feeling lonely. For more information call them on 07894 971434, like their page on Facebook at Directions For Men or follow them on Twitter @Directions4Men.