Self-care project hands out free first aid kits and mental health guides
We’re working with Barnsley Council to support individuals and families with their self-care this summer. The programme will provide first aid kits and mental health wellbeing guides to families across Barnsley.
We are providing 500 free first aid kits and ‘choose well’ mental health wellbeing guides which will be distributed throughout the summer by Barnsley family centres. The packs contain useful items to help people self-administer basic first aid and treat minor ailments at home. We hope that this will reduce unnecessary visits made to the busy A&E department and other places that offer emergency treatment. The packs also contain handy guides that will help direct people to the right care if they need support for their mental health. The leaflet, called ‘choose well for mental health’, is also on our website.
Gill Stansfield, the Trust’s deputy director of operations in Barnsley, said: “We want to share the positive message within our community that many minor injuries can be treated at home. We are really glad to be working with Barnsley Council so that we can directly reach local residents. These first aid kits will give people basic items that will help them look after themselves at home. We also want to support those who have been hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, both physically and emotionally. We encourage anyone who is struggling with their mental health to look at the ‘choose well’ guidance so that they can find help which most suits their needs.”
Cllr Jim Andrews, cabinet spokesperson for public health at Barnsley Council, said: “We’re pleased to be supporting this project so that families in Barnsley can take charge of their wellbeing, whether that be minor ailments or mental health. We know that people have had a challenging year and a half, and we want to support our communities look after their health. If you need support for your mental health, search #AlrightPal Barnsley, and there is help available.”
Further self-help information can be found on Barnsley CCG’s website.
