How do we get through the next months?

We know the next few months are going to be hard in many different ways. Not all people will be hit in the same ways, but everyone will be affected.

There are different elements on the road ahead, such as those related to work – for those lucky enough still to have jobs – and childcare/school. What can we do over the next months in terms of childcare? workingmums.co.uk has a background article on your rights and Government support at this time. It covers childcare bubbles, extended bubbles, unpaid parental leave and other forms of support.

What about support for those not able to work due to Covid or only able to work reduced hours? This article includes information the furlough scheme. This feature outlines your rights under the new Job Support Scheme, both the open and closed version, which will follow the furlough scheme in April 2021. The furlough scheme is UK-wide.

For the self-employed, the Government has extended its support under the Self Employed Income Support Scheme and increased the amount of trading profits covered to 80% until the end of January when another grant will cover the February to April period, but many freelances and others are exempt.

For those in need of financial support, there is guidance on everything from Universal Credit to food banks and help with energy bills here.

Then there is mental health – not just yours, but that of your children or parents. It’s not just support for children and teenagers that is important, but also for yourself as their carers.

Mental health has been and continues to be a huge issue during Covid – whether linked to isolation, anxiety or other issues. Focusing on what you can do, rather than what you can’t can also help. Several of the leading employers are focusing on positive psychology and the art of focusing on what you can control rather than the things you can’t.

Allowing time for rest and recuperation is vital as is being active, both physically and creatively. Talking to people about how you are feeling and checking in with others regularly can provide an outlet for your worries and stress.

Giving yourself small things to look forward to, whether a bath or a walk or something that breaks the routine.

And volunteering can break isolation and help others. Furlonteer offers opportunities for skilled professionals who are unable to work or on reduced hours to make a difference – https://www.furlonteer.com/

The important thing is to take every day step by step in the knowledge that mass vaccination will have an impact.

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