''Let Us Make a Special Effort to Stop Communicating with Each Other, So We Can Have Some Conversation''. Mark Twain

COVID19 and the restrictions we need to follow to help us get through this, putting less strain on the NHS and helping save lives are so important. However, it's also important we know, social isolation doesn't mean we still can't connect.

The gestures of kindness which people have shown to each other since COVID19 challenged our lives, families, communities, countries, the world! Is inspiring. 

Not only in what people are doing helping others in their own community, or, city, but how countries across the world are pulling together.

This is a war where the human race is united against a common enemy, COVID19 and this is a war we are all doing our bit to help win.

For reliable information on COVID19 please use reputable sites, newspapers and news channels. Please be wary of misinformation, and it's really important when we are talking to others, we don't spread misinformation. 

If someone tries to share something with us sounds different from what we are hearing in official channels, ask them, 'where did you hear that as I don't know if that's accurate'. 

Check out, 'are government and NHS sources saying this? The following links offer official sites for information on COVID19.

1. www.gov.uk/coronavirus,
2. www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
3. www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/advice-for-people-at-high-risk/

We have made an editable version of our kinder conversation postcards. 

These can be downloaded and saved. 

Then, add your own message and email to someone to let them know you care. The postcard can be used as an invitation to start a conversation. 

You can edit the postcard and send to as many people as you like, even saying ''hi, I am thinking about you'', can make someone's day.

Here are some wee tips, may be helpful if you plan to have a blether with someone:

• Say something nice, it's lovely when someone pays you a compliment and can put us in a good mood if we receive one. Something as simple as 'speaking to you makes me smile', or 'I love the way you listen when I just need to share, I am hurting', Can make a person feel great. Giving a compliment can make us feel good too.
• Use the space when someone is talking to listen and really hear what they are saying. Too often we use the space to think about what we plan to say next, so miss what the other person was saying and meaning.
• Ask questions, show you are interested and let the person tell their story. Sometimes if it's similar to ours, we want to jump in and tell our story, but this is their time to chat, and yours to listen. You will get your turn to talk too, the conversation is two way.
• Most people are finding the current situation a challenge, and while there can be a temptation to dwell on how awful it is, this doesn't always make us feel better. It's okay to acknowledge the issues the situation is causing, but use the time talking to someone else, to offer a release from the challenges, a time to relax, keep it light, maybe even share a joke?
• Now there are many challenges people may need to talk to someone about as a result of COVID 19 e.g. money challenges, challenges to mental health. There are people to help at these times. Use conversation time with friends, family and others to remind ourselves of the simple pleasures in life. The good things that are happening and the hope we all share for the future while sharing what we appreciate is happening now. There is always something no matter how small to appreciate. While acknowledging its okay to feel sad, anxious or overwhelmed, these are sad times, these feelings are normal. We offer some tips and tools on our website can help manage these feelings, its all free so please use and share.

You matter, we all matter. Being kind to ourselves and each other will help more people get through this and when its over, we will know, each of us did our bit to help build a kinder world.

We know these are challenging times, here are some useful links which may also be helpful to be aware of:

• www.glasgowhelps.org
• www.viralkindness.scot
• covid-19.scvo.org.uk
• covidmutualaid.org/local groups
• Alcoholics anonymous T: 0800 9177 650
• Gamblers Anonymous Scotland T: 0370 050 8881
• NA T: 0300 999 1212
• The Samaritans Free Phone T: 116 123
• Silverline (older people) T: 0800 4 70 80 90
• Shout (an affiliate of crisis text line) Text: SHOUT to 85258 in the UK to text with a trained Crisis Volunteer
• Tenants rights during COVID 19 www.mygov.scot/housing-local-services/renting-property/
• Universal credit support line freephone: 0808 169 9901

Stay safe, know people care. 

Every single one of us has a part to play in beating COVID19.

Stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives and more of us will come through this. 

During the week, I am sending out wee daily tips on looking after your mental health. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this please contact us and I shall include you. 

Everyone in the email is BCC so others don't know who is on the list. Every day, I put in people's names individually. 

Each day, I am thinking of that person and wishing them well. This is one of the wee things I am doing to try and help us get through this and more of us can come through this when we are kind to ourselves and each other!

Hilda 😊