There are lots of ways to help improve your overall wellbeing as a carer.
Here we have compiled some local organisations and support groups that can help with your wellbeing, as well as some nationally available services, phone apps and useful websites.
Total Wellbeing Luton
Total Wellbeing in Luton “is a service that supports people living in Luton who want to improve their physical and emotional health.
There are many ways that talking therapies can help you to improve your wellbeing. Everyone who refers themselves for help will receive a screening assessment. This is normally 30-40 minutes and can take place over the telephone or face-to-face. After this screening assessment the clinician will discuss with you which options they feel would best meet your needs.” Source: Total Wellbeing Luton
Telling your GP
Tell your GP that you have caring responsibilities as soon as possible. They can then record this on your medical records.
Contact the Carers Central team for help with wellbeing and contacting GPs on 0300 3030201 or email us at carercentral@drcbeds.org.uk
GPs in England are being urged to adopt new measures dedicated to ensuring all carers, including young carers, are offered flu vaccinations, regular health check ups and routine mental health screening.
According to Carers UK “These checks may include:
- Provide information and advice on medical conditions and treatments for the person you care for, to help you feel more confident in your caring role
- Referrals to services provided by the NHS such as continence services and patient transport to hospital appointment
- Other sources of support and advice which could include the social services department and local voluntary agencies
- Arrange home visits to you or the person you care for if your caring responsibilities make it difficult to attend appointments at the surgery
- Arrange ‘double’ appointments for both you and the person you care for at the same time to avoid having to visit the surgery twice
- Arrange for repeat prescriptions to be delivered by your local pharmacy to save you picking them up
- Provide supporting letters and information to enable you and the person you care for to access benefits such as Attendance Allowance or the blue badge car parking scheme”
Source: Carers UK
Self-help guides
There are a range of self-help guides produced by the NHS in Bedfordshire. They cover topics like depression, anxiety, controlling anger, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and many more.
Online mental health support
NHS Choices have a useful page of links helping people to get online support for their mental health.
The Gov.uk website recommends these websites:
Rise Above is a social marketing programme which aims to equip 11 to 16-year-olds with the skills they need to withstand social pressures and build their resilience.
One You is a nationwide programme that supports adults in making simple changes that can have a huge influence on their health, such as through eating well, moving more, drinking less and quitting smoking.
Every Mind Matters is a national campaign and digital platform which launched in October 2019 with the aim of equipping people to take simple, early steps to look after their mental health, improve their mental wellbeing and support others.
NHS.UK is the UK’s biggest health information service which provides advice, tips and tools to help you make the best choices about your health and wellbeing.
Equally Well UK is an initiative which seeks to promote – and support – collaborative action to improve physical health among people with a mental illness.
MindEd is a free educational resource on children and young people’s mental health, that is aimed at parents, carers and anyone who volunteers or works with young people.
Fitness and Nutrition
Active Luton are providing a service on Facebook to keep people active, these include activities such as yoga, pilates and zumba.
Joe Wicks is hosting a free workout on his YouTube Channel. Aimed at children these exercises can also be fun for the whole family who are now spending more time at home. It’s more important than ever that people keep moving and stay healthy and positive, Joe provides exercises to help people feel happier, more energised and optimistic.
The NHS has a section on their website dedicated to physical activity for adults. They suggest that any type of activity that you do is good for you and the more you do the better.
The NHS gives advice an tips on health and wellbeing. This includes eating well,weight and exercise.
NHS – Exercise for the over 60’s
Aged 60+ and don’t want to miss out on exercise? Check out the NHS website.
BBC Sports has a list of useful resources in their ‘in the gym’ area with section including workouts, the mind gym and features that anyone can access from home.
TED have some short and informative videos about nutrition.
Want to know a bit more about food and mood? Watch this video from Mind
Want to know more about mindful eating? Have a look at the Bupa website
Addiction
This NHS provide advice and support if you feel you are drinking too much and would like help.
If you would like help to quit smoking the NHS give useful tips to help you.
Relationship support
The website Helpguide has lots of interesting articles relating to mental health and wellness including relationships.
Mindtools have more information and advice about managing work-based relationships.
Relationship support for everyone at Relate.
Mentalhealth.org.uk have a range of info and support.
The University of Minnesota has some great advice about relationships.
Friendship & mental health information and advice at mentalhealth.org.uk
Training Courses
Employment support for carers
The Disability Resource Centre has just launched a free support programme for carers to help manage your wellbeing, learn new skills and/or gain paid work.
- Learn how to relax, de-stress and find balance in your life with a range of wellbeing support, online courses and workshops
- Keep learning during the coronavirus crisis with our recently improved online training programmes that you can access on your PC, tablet or phone
- We provide 1-2-1 support for unpaid carers living in Luton or Central Bedfordshire
Read full details of the free employment support programme for carers on The Disability Resource Centre’s website.
Meditation and relaxation
For mediation try Headspace. Or try the new and free, Medito app, for your phone or tablet.
Relaxation techniques for stress relief at helpguide.org.
If you would like to invest in a book we recommend “Happy” by Fearne Cotton.
