‘Do one small thing a day to boost how you’re feeling’ is the message from Barnardo’s today.
The UK’s leading children’s charity is encouraging people to get together with family and friends over the next five days to take part in fun activities. To help everyone get involved it will be publishing ideas on its social media channels each day.
And there will also be content from mental health writer and Miss Lincoln GB 2022, Jasmine Foley.
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Monday: do something today with friends and family that makes you laugh. This could be sharing a joke with friends or watching a funny video or TV show.
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Tuesday: put on their favourite tune, share it with someone else, have a disco in the kitchen, or just sing it proudly in the shower.
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Wednesday: relax by enjoying a story: either by reading a book or watching a film.
- Thursday: talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling. It can be difficult for parents to have these conversations with their children so Barnardo’s has put together a list of five tips to make this easier: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/five-tips-talking-your-child-about-their-worries
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Friday: Getting outdoors can be beneficial for your wellbeing. Get outside together as a family for a walk, a run, or even just to watch the clouds and listen to the birds.
Barnardo’s Director of Health, Rukshana Kapasi said:
“For me, there is nothing better to lift my spirits than a walk in the countryside, listening to the birds and enjoying the beautiful flowers and scenery, or settling down on my sofa to read a chapter of a great book. They are all small things that boost how I’m feeling.
“All of the tips have been put together by Barnardo’s award-winning LINK service in Cumbria, and they have really helped the children and young people they support to manage how they are feeling.”
Mental health writer, and Miss Lincoln GB, Jasmine Foley said:
“As a parent, we are often thinking about everything and everyone other than ourselves, so a reminder to take care of your own wellbeing is so important. It can also help build healthy habits that are essential for a young person as they grow.
“On the days that I’m not at work, having a focus of something fun to do together really makes all the difference, and I know we’re always both happier for it. I can’t wait to see what other people get up to during the week and share our ideas!”
Barnardo’s LINK service in Cumbria works alongside GP practice teams in the county to support children and young people with their emotional health and wellbeing.
The service won the National Social Prescribing Children and Young People’s Award earlier this year.
In June it was named as the regional winner in the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2022, in the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care category and is now through to the national finals this summer.
In the past financial year Barnardo’s supported 48,500 children, young people and families with mental health issues.
Barnardo’s health work is partly funded by the generosity of the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery.