Be in everyone's corner

Wellbeing support for you and others as we navigate the pandemic

Welcome to Everyone's Corner, a safe space for Borough residents and their loved ones to help wellbeing as we navigate the pandemic and approach the 'new norm'.

You might have a friend or family member who has been shielding or self isolating for the majority of 2020, or has additional anxieties due to existing or new mental health challenges. You might be experiencing anxieties yourself and have been uncomfortable carrying out your usual daily activities.

159183 Everyones Corner Second Wave Images

Local resident hopes we continue to be in Everyone’s Corner

This is the story of a local resident, mum, wife and community volunteer (throughout the first lockdown) who had been having cancer treatment and was therefore on the shielding list. Read her story

How to support others

You can be in everyone's corner in a number of ways. It could be as simple as following guidance so that others feel safer; being there for someone; or being kind and patient and giving someone space while out and about.

Everyone has felt differently about what they are comfortable with and for a whole host of reasons, but we all deal with change at different paces and will be happier at different stages. Can you help someone who is anxious about navigating the pandemic?

Time to be in everyone's corner:

Those vulnerable (e.g. Over 70s, pregnant or have existing moderate risk diseases) or clinically vulnerable (in the shielding group) are of all ages and many illnesses are invisible. They could be a mum going through cancer treatment, or a young person with a painful chronic illness which they are receiving medicine for to suppress their immune system. You may not see their struggles, but you can manage your actions and the space you give everyone to feel comfortable. An unkind word or a negative experience, where they haven't felt safe, can stay with them and set them back.

Feeling isolated or lonely has escalated whilst navigating lockdown. Fear and anxiety of venturing out and withdrawal from what you were accustomed to before, can be common. This is especially so for those who have been self isolating or shielding. Stay connected - it could be a text, a funny GIF/meme you send. Make that call, video or otherwise. Write that letter, make that card. The small things add up.

Eden Project reach out eCards

Eden Project Communities is funded by the National Lottery and has designed a number of eCards and social media cards with which to reach out to friends and family.

Sometimes just letting someone know you're thinking of them can brighten their day.

Use them to offer support, remind them to take care of themselves or simply say "Hi!".

How to find support

First thing - you are not alone in finding this a challenging time. It's OK to feel anxious and there's no normal way to react to such a sudden shift in so many aspects of life. Navigating the pandemic may have made existing conditions worse or you may be experiencing something new. As a minimum, maintain healthy habits, pace yourself and be kind to yourself. It's important to remember that you matter, so make sure you check in, find someone you trust and seek support.

Time to be in your own corner:

Elderly and feeling lonely?

There's also a wealth of national support and resources we have brought together for mental and physical wellbeing as well as eating well. Mental Wellbeing at Home also includes activities to keeping your mind busy safely and for young people and children.

Join the conversation #EveryonesCorner

If you find a resource you think would be useful to others, please share using the hashtag or email communications@eastleigh.gov.uk