February focus

Hello to all of our lovely teams and customers,
Who would have thought that we’d be here in February 2021 with nonessential retail closed and the country still battling a pandemic?
We know that the lockdown can be tough on so many people, those living alone, those living with big families all under one roof, those home schooling while working from home and those still going out every day to do essential jobs that keep the country running.
I want to say to all of you – you are doing a great job – it might not always feel like it but you are. Little by little we are all playing our part in bringing the figures down and helping us edge closer to the restrictions being lifted.
You might be doing your bit by staying at home and by not seeing loved ones and we know how hard that is, we’re in the same position.  Some people are volunteering to help out at testing sites and vaccination sites, two of our management team have volunteered at the vaccine sites and are helping people who are invited to get their Covid-19 vaccination. What a great thing to be able to do.
Don’t let the dark nights and the cold weather make you feel gloomy. February’s neighbour is March, which brings spring, brighter days, and fresh shoots and that is something we are all looking forward to.
We’ll be waiting for the government’s announcement in the week of the 22 of February where they will be setting out their road map out of lockdown. As soon as we know when we might be able to fully reopen the centre we’ll be putting an action plan in place to welcome you all back in a safe and socially distanced way.
In the meantime, here are a few things you can do to fight the February blues:
Check in on your own mental health
Each morning or night take the time to think about how you are feeling and what might be making you feel that way. Try and keep a gratitude diary and write down three things that you are grateful for each day or three things that have made you smile, this might be as simple as a phone call from a friend, a robin visiting your garden or a walk that you managed to take.
Take a walk
The current restrictions allow us to take some exercise outside once a day so make the most of it. Walking is free and you can change your route daily so that you are seeing and experiencing different things. Taking a walk, even for ten minutes, is being kind to yourself. Taking in some fresh air and making sure that you are moving your body will give you a boost. You could set yourself a challenge and try and work up to a 30 minute a day walk.
Don’t forget to talk
We know that this one might not always be easy and we also know that these periods of isolation have increased loneliness across our communities. If you are lucky enough to have family and friends that you can talk to, give them a call and see how they are, if you know that a neighbour doesn’t have anyone to talk to see if you can get them some support there are great local services like B:Friend who work to tackle loneliness and never forget the difference a smile can make to someone’s day.
Come back for more updates soon.
Thanks, Di
Di Rodgers, Centre Manager at Lakeside Village