How can I fundraise for Sheffield Mind? Expand Anyone can raise funds for Sheffield Mind and we are hugely grateful to the support we get from the local community. We're very happy to support our fundraisers and can help with information, advice and guidance. if you are interested in raising funds for us you can get in touch with details of your event/activity and we can help with information and advice about how best to generate funds and can help promote your activities via social media. We have a pack that we can send which has information and guidance on how to organise events and you can also call and discuss options with staff. if you are interested in what others have done or would like to find out how you can get involved you can do so here
How can I increase my levels of exercise when I lack motivation? Expand Evidence proves that physical and mental wellbeing are directly linked and regular exercise can have a positive impact on our mental health. We cannot all run marathons or climb Ben Nevis, but we can all try a little harder to move more and engage with activities that exercise and test our bodies and mind.The NHS suggests that adults aged 19 and over should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as fast walking or cycling, a week. However, if you've been demotivated and you aren't used to exercising, you will need to build up to this. The cheapest and most accessible exercise is walking. Try a short walk - to the shops, to the bus stop. Build it up slowly. Congratulate yourself when you walk somewhere rather than taking the bus or the car or not going at all. You can also try stretching. Try a few minutes when you get up and a few minutes before you go to bed. Build this up slowly. Put your favourite music on and dance! In the kitchen, in your bedroom - you might feel exhausted at first (depending on what type of music you like!) but you'll build up strength and stamina over time. Find something you enjoy! If you would like to find out more about what activities are taking part in the city check the links below should be a good place to start Sheffield Move More Sheffield 50+ activities Sheffield International Venues
how do I donate to Sheffield Mind Expand We value and rely on the generosity of supporters and are grateful for all donations made to us. If you would like to donate you can full details of where and how to do so here
Can I interview a staff member / can you answer the following questions for my essay / dissertation? Expand Sheffield Mind is really keen to spread awareness about mental health issues, so we’ll do our best to help you out, but please be aware that sometimes we’re just too busy and we won’t have any available staff to do this. Try to give us as much notice as possible and if you are able to submit questions in writing in advance, we can be sure to allocate to the most appropriate member of staff. if we are unable to help with the interview we may be able to signpost you to other sources of information
I’m concerned about my relative / friend / colleague - what can I do? Expand It can be difficult when a friend or relative is struggling with their mental health. Let them know you’re there to help, talk about what they feel would help. Offer practical help such as making a telephone call to access support. Keep yourself, and the person, focused on positive things and day-to-day realities. If they are willing to access services, support them to make and maybe attend appointments or help them search for and identify the support that would be most appropriate for them - eg do they need one-to-one help or might they be willing to attend a group? Encourage them to see their GPso that an assessment can be made of what medical attention might be required. If you are concerned about their safety, or it is an emergency, please refer to our 'Need urgent help?' section.
Can Sheffield Mind come and talk to my organisation about mental health? Expand Yes we can - and we can provide your organisation with mental health training. We charge for this service – for more details click here. If you are interested in finding out more about mental health in general, we can provide leaflets and guides and, on occasion, attend events and meetings but please note that we generally ask for a donation to cover the costs to the organisation. Its a nice way for organisations to show their support for the work we do and also their commitment to greater mental health awareness in their group or place of business.
Can you help me fill out my PIP form / help me with my benefit claim? Expand Unfortunately we don’t offer this service and advise you to contact Citizens Advice
Tips for a good nights sleep Expand How to get a better night’s sleepTry and establish a bedtime routine and try not to get distracted by a late night movie, extra episode in a box set – one leads to another – eating and drinking to excess or at a late hour which may leave you feeling uncomfortable or a little the worse for wear – all of the above can make it that bit harder to get a restful night. Sleep at regular times Sleeping at regular times helps programme the body to wind down at a certain hour. Most adults need between six and nine hours of sleep every night. By working out what time you need to wake up, you can set a regular bedtime schedule. Make sure you wind down Winding down is a critical stage in preparing for bed. We all have our own ways to relax: A warm bath will help you feel relaxed and calm, soothed and rested and reach a temperature that's ideal for rest. Writing "to do" lists for the next day can organise your thoughts and clear your mind of any distractions. Relaxation exercises, such as light yoga stretches, help to relax the muscles. Don't exercise vigorously, as it will have the opposite effect. Relaxation CD’s and Soothing music – listening to a story or a relaxing and soothing melody can be very relaxing and help the mind wander to a restful place Reading a book or listening to the radio relaxes the mind by distracting it. Make your bedroom sleep-friendly Your bedroom should be a relaxing environment, ideally dark, quiet, tidy and be kept at a temperature of between 18C and 24C Fit some thick curtains so as not to let in street light and if you live in a noisy area, consider ear plugs