This is a very challenging time for parent carers, so we thought we’d put a few thoughts together for what you can do if you get a moment to yourself. There are links to more practical information at the end. This guide is written for parent carers of children and young people with additional needs by the *Compass Card Team at Amaze. If there are things you’d like to see included, email compass@amazesussex.org.uk
*The Compass Card is a free leisure discount card run by the Sussex-based charity Amaze for disabled 0 to 25s living or going to school in Brighton & Hove or West Sussex. To find out more about the card and how to apply, click here. To find out more about Amaze, click here.
The Compass Team is still processing Compass Cards! Find out more here.
For parent carers juggling so many challenges at the moment, it can be difficult to take time for yourself. But if you can, it will help you come back into the ring better able to focus on what you need to.
For a short message about looking after yourself, this two and a half minute video from Carers Trust East Midlands pretty much sums it up.
Yoga, meditation or mindfulness, or just focusing on your own breathing, can all help in times of crisis.
Well, this is weird. Who knew there were so many apps that meant you actually didn’t need to see family and friends in the flesh?!
Some people will already be familiar with Skype and Facetime, but we’re also discovering apps like Houseparty (free, but with in-app add-ons if you want them) and Zoom. By the way, there was some controversy about Houseparty being hacked. The company behind the app has said there’s no evidence of a hack and that if you use a unique, secure password you should be safe, but you might want to check. There’s also Messenger and WhatsApp where you can exchange messages, call or video call.
Keeping good relationships with people in the home can be challenging, so if you need some useful tips, the national charity Relate has information here.
You’re probably being driven mad by all the media talk about people having loads of time on their hands for exotic hobbies, learning a new language or starting to read ‘War and Peace’. So we won’t overdo this. But if you’ve always wanted to knit, crochet, cross-stitch or play the ukulele for example, the distraction could provide a welcome escape. YouTube is an absolute treasure trove for ‘how-to’ videos; just search for what you fancy and see how you get on. Here are a few ideas in case you’re looking for inspiration.
Compass Card Partner Komedia Brighton is trying to raise a smile if you want a break from the Covid 19 chatter. Well known for its Krater Komedy club, Komedia launched livestreams of the iconic club in April and is also streaming its monthly Comic Boom comedy club. There are also some great ‘Komedia Kompilations’ with some of the very best Komedia comedy moments. You can watch on YouTube on your phone, tablet, PC or Smart-TV here. Don’t forget to subscribe to Komedia’s YouTube channel while you are there for the latest Komedia Live! videos. You can also follow Komedia on Facebook here.
We also found some other great ways to relax and have fun.
Free exercise support if you live in Brighton & Hove. Part of a pilot project, Brighton & Hove City Council’s Healthy Lifestyles team is offering adults free one to one help to get you motivated and ready for physical activity. The support on offer can include: access to up to 10 free online activity sessions per week; one to one phone chat; help to access the Healthwalks Lockdown Challenge; sharing of useful health information and resources; and information about other Healthy Lifestyles services. Register here.
Exercise with the NHS. You’ll find lots of exercise videos on the NHS website including aerobic exercise, strength and resistance, pilates and yoga and more. There’s even belly dancing for beginners!
Get inspired with Sport England. Sport England’s new campaign, ‘Stay in, work out,’ is provides a full range of ideas about getting active at home and outdoors.
Exercising outdoors. If you want to get out in the big outdoors, a local park might provide the answer. Take a walk, go for a run, or cycle when you can. You can go by yourself, with members of your household or support bubble, or one other person from outside your household. You still need to keep a safe distance from anyone you see who you don’t live with or who isn’t part of your support bubble.
If you want to see where your local parks are, click this link for information about spaces in Brighton & Hove, this link for East Sussex and this link for information about spaces in West Sussex.
Amaze
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