Self Isolation & Social Distancing Useful Tips

For the digital novices

digital novice

A ‘how-to’ guide for getting on Facetime.
Introduction to Skype.
Guide to WhatsApp
Some good tips for getting on social media for older adults.
A good guide from Age UK with lots of info on the basics of getting online. From setting up an email to making phone calls online.
Age UK Facebook group
Good explanation of podcasts and how to access them. Recommendations are included.

There are some great resources on NHS One You. They are categorised into- cardio, strengthening and stretching. You are given alternatives and adaptations depending on intensity during each session.
10 Minute Shake Ups – Great one to do with if stuck in with the children. Kids will love the familiar Disney Characters.

YouTube is a treasure trove of exercise videos that you can do at home. We like the following:

Low impact- British Heart Foundation- strength and flexibility exercises.
Medium impact- British Heart Foundation- 10-minute living room workout.
High impact- Primal Flow- A series of bodyweight workouts, all less than 15 minutes long.
Get your dancing shoes on and learn the dance to your favourite tune.
Virtual PE – “PE WITH JOE” starting Monday at 9 am The Body Coach TV 📺
If you are well enough, here are some tips in staying fit at home
Free meditation, yoga and pilates

It’s never too late to learn a new language or brush up on your linguistic skills.
Open Learn is the Open University’s online free learning site. There are loads of different courses covering a diverse range of areas including science, history and health.
Good instructional videos on drawing techniques
If gaming is your thing, check out this course which teaches you the basics of building your own mobile game.
Are you a budding author? This free course is a good place to learn the basics of creative writing.
If you have a garden that hasn’t been getting much attention, then check out this site with lots of hints and tips to getting started.
Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks from the BorrowBox page or via Android/Apple Appstore
If you are missing your cultural/artistic experiences you can join friends across the world for a virtual social sing-along

Really useful tips on getting a good night’s sleep.
Mindfulness – Paying more attention to the present moment, to our thoughts and feelings and the world around us can improve our mental health
Practising mindfulness and meditation can help with overall stress levels. The Headspace app is a good place to start.
A useful guide from Mind on coronavirus and your wellbeing.
If you’re struggling and need to speak to someone, the Samaritans are there to listen.

NHS Volunteers
United Nations online volunteering allows organisations and volunteers to team up to address sustainable development challenges – anywhere in the world, from any device.
Help fight cancer by taking part in groundbreaking research.
Micro volunteering is a brilliant way to get started with helping others without making a massive commitment of time. This site has volunteer opportunities that can take just 1 minute!
Oakham/Tividale Covid-19 Community Support
Sandwell (Tipton) COVID-19 Mutual Aid Group
Covid19 mutual aid Bearwood Sandwell (West Midlands) UK
**Please remember when using Facebook groups, they are still public forums even if they are closed groups, therefore, please be careful what information you choose to share

Carol Vorderman’s maths lessons
Harry Potter digital escape room
Free activity books for early years, KS1 and KS2:
Celebrities reading some of our favourite storybooks
Edinburgh live zoo cams
Dudley live zoo cams
DIY activities and experiments from the Met Office
Let’s Play Sandwell are putting out creative activities to do in the home every day
Get the children cooking a range of healthy recipes
Virtual Tour of the Black Country Living Museum
Free fun activities based on the work of David Walliams
Everything your child needs to learn about computer coding
If you have a child who wants to be creative, you can find craft activities here
Got a child who is missing science lessons?
Ever wondered what we can learn about history from bird vomit? All the weird and wonderful
You won’t feel stuck in your house if you’re learning about places around the world
Explore the Great Indoors with Bear Grylls
David Walliams audiobooks
Myleene’s Music Klass
Oti Mabuse Dance Classes
Learn how to draw
Step-by-step lessons to learn to play the guitar or the ukulele

Write to a resident in a care home in your area:

Physical and Mental Health Advice Support Services for Students.

School Nurse Services: ChatHealth is a confidential text messaging service that enables children and young people (11 year olds plus) to contact their local Public Health nursing (school nursing) team and is available on 07480 635486
Kooth: Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people (11-19 years plus) available at all times and includes accessing online counselling support (Monday – Friday: noon – 10pm: Saturday – Sunday 6pm – 10pm)
Beam Drop in-service (anyone under 19): All face-to-face services have been cancelled; updates will be placed on Twitter @beamsandwell
Health For Teens: For general health advice
DECCA: Sandwell Drug and Alcohol Services are still available as and when needed. Please phone 0121 5692201 or email decca_team@sandwellchildrenstrust.org.uk
Brook (Sexual Health Support: 11 years old plus): Are contacting young people on their caseload directly to discuss the appropriate mode of support for their personal circumstance. Referrals are still being taken.
Childline: Website is operating and the counselling service is still available; please call 0800 1111
Papyrus (Youth Suicide Prevention charity): Still operating. Please call 0800 0684141 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org