Mental health and wellbeing

There are many things you, and those around you, can do to stay well.

Check out the healthy eating tips on the JustBe Croydon website to help you to be healthy and eat well.

If you're struggling with your emotions and it is affecting your daily life, please contact NHS 111 online. For help with a mental health crisis, call the South London and Maudsley (SLAM) NHS Trust on 0800 731 2864.

5 ways to wellbeing

Evidence suggests these 5 steps can help improve your mental health and wellbeing.

1. Connect

Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. You can:

• stay connected with those around you such as family, friends and your neighbours or colleagues
• reach out and support people who need help, you can contact Croydon Voluntary Action for ideas on how you can help others
• become a Mental Health First Aider
• Join the Men’s Shed at New Addington

2. Keep learning

Learning new skills can also improve your mental wellbeing. You can:

• find many opportunities to broaden your knowledge through Croydon Libraries’ services and Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) which has face to face and online learning
• visit events and exhibitions in Croydon for example at the Museum of Croydon or at Fairfield Halls
• try new hobbies like learning to cook something new and healthy

3. Be active

Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. it can also improve your mental wellbeing. You can:

• aim to be active every day
• get some fresh air every day, you could walk or run, go outside for a few minutes
• still be active while at home, if getting active away from home is not for you, check out  Better health: Keep Active for ideas
• if you are working at a desk, remember to step away regularly throughout the day

4. Take notice

Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. You can:

• pay attention to how you're feeling and check on those around you as well
• take notice of what you are eating, healthy eating tips can be found on the Eatwell Guide to help you make better choices
• help lift your mood by sharing things that have made you happy with friends, family or colleagues 
• create a wind-down routine to reflect on your day
• write a short and simple to do list for tomorrow to stay focused and to look forward to the week ahead

5. Give

We have seen some amazing generosity over the past two years with people freely offering their time, resources and expertise. If you want to help people in your community, you can:

• sign up to Croydon Voluntary Action
• support those who are elderly or alone through Age UK Croydon

Free online tools, advice and guidance

A number of organisations have helpful advice about looking after your emotional health and mental wellbeing.

• Anxiety UK
• Doctors of the world have produced wellbeing guidance for migrants, available in 26 languages
• Good Thinking
• Mind
• NHS - helplines and support groups
• NHS mental health and wellbeing advice
• Samaritans
• The Every Mind Matters sleep page
• Thrive LDN