CLANG - how you can help your mental health during lockdown in Sheffield

Meg Munn, who was MP for Sheffield Heeley from 2001-15, is chairman of Peer Talk, which helps people suffering from depression and other associated conditions such as anxiety.

Ms Munn said: “Usually the groups meet once a week, everybody can come along and it's the talking to each other which really helps. We're an alternative to the NHS offering on-going support to stop people relapsing.

“Of course, during this time our groups can't meet so we thought about the alternative. We can't replicate the groups themselves because of the difficulty of doing that online due to people's individual circumstances so instead we are sending a weekly email with advice and guidance.

“It's really about keeping contact and giving advice. Without a light at the end of the tunnel it's hard for people so we want to remind people we are here.”

Ms Munn said the best mental health advice she has is CLANG - five things we should do to look after ourselves.

She said: “C is connect, to find a way to stay connected with people. L is learn something new, even if it is a poem.

“A is keep active, within limitations, whether that's your own health limitations or lockdown. N is notice and be aware of your environment. Simple things such as watching the birds or noticing how leaves are changing.

“And G is give time or support to others. This is especially important at this time.”

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