OXFORD City Council is urging people 'show kindness to themselves and others' this Mental Health Awareness Week.

In partnership with Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, the council is also promoting the range of support available – whether that is practical support to help with the challenges of coronavirus, activities to keep well in body and in mind, through to more specialist advice and help with mental health.

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Posters and leaflets are being distributed, including in all food parcels sent out by the council to those in need.

Oxford City Council continues to operate its single point of contact for those needing practical help – from emergency food supplies, prescription deliveries to shopping.

Also, the online Activity Hub provides links to advice on exercise, mental health, volunteering, learning and cultural activities. The links have been chosen to offer a range of activities to suit different age groups, physical fitness and abilities.

In addition, it is promoting a new mental health helpline launched by Oxford Health.

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This helpline makes it quicker and easier for people of all ages in Oxford to get the right advice they need for their mental health and emotional wellbeing.

The helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who need mental health care when their situation is not life threatening.

Louise Upton, Cabinet member for Healthy Oxford, said: “This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, a time to promote the range of support available. This is particularly relevant now when we have the additional anxieties caused by coronavirus, from isolation, job losses and new pressures on relationships."

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She added: “Given that the theme of this mental health awareness week is kindness, be kind to yourself – we all need to take care of ourselves at this time. Get out and enjoy nature, take a walk, take up a hobby – but also be kind to everybody else. Just a few kind words to somebody can make all the difference to how they’re feeling that day.”

The helpline number for adults is 01865 904997.

For children and young people the number is 01865 904998.