A selection of free resources and things to do at home from theatre to museums to free online courses, ideas and resources for home exercising and where to turn if you are NOT coping.
Activities for children from the Tate (including some you can do with stuff that you are likely to have at home):
The National Theatre is streaming plays for free every THUR from 2 April: National Theatre
Free audio books: Audible are offering free listening to hundreds of books during the lockdown Audible
Shakespeare’s Globe – streaming of plays
Free courses now available
Creative things to do – especially for maintaining good mental health:
Have a virtual visit of 12 museums (there may well be more):
Enjoy a performance by the world-famous Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra:
Take a free online course with an Ivy League University (scroll down for humanities and arts courses):
SPACE offers online streaming of performances:
Chatter Pack list a massive collection of things to do online:
Staying active at home
- Local walk – Sometimes a breath of fresh of air is just what we need. If you are well, you can still go outside to exercise once a day. Take a stroll near your home or with a member of your household and be mindful of keeping your distance from others. (2m or 6ft)
- Gardening – If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, now is the time to tackle those bigger jobs you may have been avoiding. Heaving gardening – including pushing, bending, squatting, carrying, digging and shovelling can provide a great workout.
- Cooking – This is a great opportunity to try out some new recipes and test your culinary skills. Baking bread can provide a great workout and is tasty too.
- Dancing – Dance in front of the TV or play some music. All you need are some great tunes and you can have fun dancing anywhere – and burn calories at the same time.
- Strength and Flex – The NHS have developed an equipment free 5-week exercise plan to increase strength and flexibility for beginners.
- Yoga – This is suitable for all ability levels. It combines a series of poses with breathing, and is good for building strength, flexibility and balance.
- Tai chi – This is an ancient Chinese art that builds strength, flexibility and balance through slow and controlled movements.
- Pilates – Focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and posture.
The NHS also provides full advice for staying active.
and where to call if you are struggling to cope.
If you know anyone who is struggling to cope with staying at home and feeling overwhelmed, isolated or worried, here are some helpful services you might want to access;
Anxiety UK
Charity providing support if you have been diagnosed with an anxiety condition.
Phone: 03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
Website: www.anxietyuk.org.uk
CALM
CALM is the Campaign Against Living Miserably, for men aged 15 to 35.
Phone: 0800 58 58 58 (daily, 5pm to midnight)
Website: www.thecalmzone.net
Mental Health Foundation
Provides information and support for anyone with mental health problems or learning disabilities.
Website: www.mentalhealth.org.uk
Mind
Promotes the views and needs of people with mental health problems.
Phone: 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm)
Website: www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
Confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Phone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Website: www.samaritans.org.uk
Bereavement
Cruse Bereavement Care
Phone: 0808 808 1677 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)
Website: www.cruse.org.uk