One Darlington May 2022

Tackling
loneliness
together
Feeling lonely can have a negative impact
on your mental health, especially if these
feelings have lasted a long time. Research
suggests that loneliness is associated
with an increased risk of depression,
anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems
and stress.
This year’s Mental Health Awareness
Week, which runs from 9 May, focuses on
loneliness and how we can help ourselves
and others to improve our mental health.
How can you help?
Knock on the door of someone you know who lives
alone for a chat or to offer them a helping hand
Visit www.darlingtoncares.co.uk for volunteering
opportunities
Join a club – see pages 24 and 25 for some ideas
Enjoy nature – a walk in the park or even a cuppa
in your backyard
Smile and be kind
For free anonymous support
www.darlington.gov.uk and search mental health support
www.mentalhealth.org.uk www.darlingtonmind.co.uk Kooth.com
www.samaritans.org; call 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Caring
Darlington
To mark Carers Week, between 6 and 12
June, the town clock will be lit in recognition
of the 10,000+ unpaid carers in the area who
regularly support relatives and friends.
Carers are continuing to face new challenges
as a result of the pandemic with many people
taking on more unpaid caring responsibilities.
Darlington Carers Support offers a range of
help, including group and one-to-one support.
They can help with counselling, training and
carer breaks.
For more information visit
Web: www.dccarers.org
Phone: 0300 030 1215
Email: admin@darlingtoncarers.org
one Darlington 33