Tameside Oldham and Glossop Mind have launched an innovative new service to help people stay connected and manage their wellbeing during the coronavirus lockdown. Funded by the Community Safety Department of Tameside Council, the ‘Connect in the Community’ Online service offers live, interactive wellbeing sessions which people can access from home via their electronic device (through Zoom Video). Each session is run by an experienced facilitator and participants can connect with other local residents whilst learning skills to manage their wellbeing such as mindfulness, growing at home or arts and crafts.  

“We were just about to launch our Connect in the Community project at various community venues when the lock down hit” says Rebecca Stambridge, Wellbeing Hub Manager. “Obviously we could not offer the same service but we really wanted to deliver our project in a way which adapted to the new situation. If anything people are even more isolated and anxious at the moment so we feel these sessions are meeting a vital new need to increase connections and keep people active whilst staying at home”.

A local Tameside resident who took part in the very first session told us “Mindfulness via Zoom is perfect for helping me to keep focussed on finding time for me and reminding me to focus on the here and now.  There is still so much going on in lock down ... with home schooling, house work, missing family and friends ... getting together with others via Zoom is helping me to keep in touch and to remind me that mindful moments really do bring calm ... even over the Internet”.  

If you or someone you know would like to access these sessions please call the TOG Mind office on 0161 330 9223. Participants normally require a computer, tablet or smart phone with a camera but if you are unsure about the technological side TOG Mind may be able to help with that too.