Author: John Banks

Undoubtedly there will be many families where their normal ‘rules’ regarding children’s screen time will have been relaxed  or potentially gone completely out of the window as you wrestle with keeping them occupied. Amidst the wealth of amazing facts and experiences, however, there will still be some people using the situation for illegal and unsavoury activities.  There is a host of Internet Safety material available and two particularly useful sites/documents are:

Thinkuknow is the education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP. Thinkuknow aims to empowers children and young people aged 4-18 to identify the risks they may face online and know where they can go for support. They have created a package for children and their families over the coming weeks and months. www.thinkuknow.co.uk

The NSPCC have a whole host of really useful videos, very brief, often only a couple of minutes, regarding various areas of child safeguarding issues. www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety 

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk///media/32957798/keeping-children-safe-online-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic.pdf

The Silver Line is a  free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, they have now joined forces with Age UK. Together they are available 24 hrs a day. Some, including those who have taken up the mantle to provide additional support may wish to have someone  speak to, someone not connected with their parish. This may be a valuable resource. www.thesilverline.org.uk

The Libraries Team have set up phone support for people with problems getting online, accessing digital info etc.  Please note – they don’t cover technical issues with computer equipment.
 
We know that many residents are having difficulties getting to grips with online shopping, so they may find this useful.

Sessions can be arranged by contacting 01934 426834 or e-mail libraries@n-somerset.gov.uk

Many thanks and best wishes
Jane Goodison
North Somerset Together – Development and Environment – North Somerset Council

Email: together@n-somerset.gov.uk
Web: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/together

There have been so many practical difficulties to sort out during the early days of the lockdown that it’s been easy to forget about our mental health.  Here are some simple things that will help you stay balanced and calm.

• FOOD  Keep to your normal routine for meals and snacks.  Don’t skip meals as this will upset your blood sugar, which in turn can make you feel more anxious.
• SLEEP Keep to your normal bedtime and sleep routine.  Avoid checking the news before you go to bed, it will still be there in the morning.
• EXERCISE If possible keep to your normal exercise routine.  If that’s not possible, think about how you can still exercise in some way.  Try to get a little out of breath each time you exercise.
• CONTACT  Stay in touch with friends, family and the community.  Try to have a friendly phone call or online call at least once every day. Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp and other apps are free to use.  If you’re not sure how to access them, phone one of us and we’ll try to find someone to help you.
• BE AMUSED Read, watch or listen to something that you know you find entertaining and amusing.  It’s OK to laugh, in fact it’s good for you.
• OUTSIDE Spend as much time as possible outside in the fresh air.  If possible enjoy the long views that we have in Tickenham.  Looking into the distance relaxes your eye muscles which helps you to relax overall.
• RELAX  If you feel yourself becoming anxious, make a conscious effort to relax.  Sit or lie down and mentally check each part of your body for tension.  Allow your breathing to become slower and calmer.
• LET GO If your worries threaten to overwhelm you, write them down.  Put a tick against anything that you can do nothing about.  If you can do nothing, you might as well let go of the worry.
• REMEMBER YOU CAN PHONE ONE OF THE TICKENHAM CONTACTS, THEY WILL PUT YOU IN TOUCH WITH ONE OF THE VOLUNTEERS FOR A CHAT AND SUPPORT.