JANUARY IS FINALLY OVER - BRING ON FEEL GOOD FEBRUARY
January always feels like the longest month of the year. Everyone is back to work and school after the festive break, the weather is miserable, the TV is filled with adverts for holidays we can’t afford and we are either battling through Dry January, Veganuary, a diet and fitness regime or punishing ourselves for falling off the wagon and not managing to keep up those challenging New Year resolutions. In short, it can be a very tough month to focus on our mental health and wellbeing.
A great way to shake off the January blues is to embrace Feel Good February. After the excesses of December and the restraint of January it is time for a more reflective month to take stock of the things we appreciate and enjoy in our everyday lives in small quiet ways linked to the five ways of wellbeing: Learn new skills, practice mindfulness, connect with others, be physically active and give to others.
We hear from some local businesses who can help.
Dochas Carers’ Centre is an independent charity. They help and support unpaid carers by providing information and guidance which can make life better. There are many carers who live many miles from services and access can prove difficult or impossible. They have dedicated Outreach Workers who provide support to carers throughout Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Isles.
You can call in person, phone, request a home visit or make an appointment to speak with one of their staff during the opening hours of the centre.
Telephone 01546 600022.
Email: enquiries@dochas.scot
For more information, visit The Dochas Website
Oban Hospice Cairdeas and Dove Centre
Life-limiting illness can have many challenges for those affected and their relatives. Oban Hospice offers help through Cairdeas Befriending and Support Service and the Dove Centre. Their valued work continues thanks to the effort and commitment of many people, including a much-appreciated team of volunteers, staff, therapists, and Oban Hospice board. In partnership with Highland Hospice, Cairdeas offers a support service at home. Our dedicated team visits people where they live, to offer company, to make them feel part of their community again and live life to the full.
Telephone 01631 561315
Email: enquiries@obanhospice.co.uk
For more information, visit the Oban Hospice/Dove Centre website
Kintyre Link Club
Set up in 1999, the Kintyre Link Club is a mental health club run by members, for members, with the main aim being to promote the welfare of those who suffer or have suffered from mental ill health. Tracy Chambers, the manager, says the Link Club is a safe place to come and meet other people on an equal basis, learn and share new skills, become more active, gain work experience, be involved in interesting and stimulating activities and the local community and build up confidence, self-esteem and independence.
Telephone 07535 036953
Email tracyklc@gmail.com
For more information visit The Kintyre Link Club website
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, often through its telephone helpline. We are currently recruiting for home based volunteers living in the west highlands and Skye area for our email hub.
Email highlands@smaritans.org or click here
Lochaber Women’s Aid is a registered charity providing specialist and confidential domestic abuse support for women, children and young people in Lochaber. We are the only service in Lochaber that provides non-judgmental advice, information and support for those affected by domestic abuse. We use our expert knowledge to raise awareness in our community and provide education as a pathway for change.
Telephone 01397 705734
For more information and to connect, visit The Lochaber Women’s Aid Facebook Page
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