We thought it might be helpful to put together a list of resources:

If you can, please support the North Somerset Dementia Friends 3000 Challenge April 3-5^th. It is now an online challenge – people are asked to join an online Dementia Friends session at: https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/register-digital-friend and then let them know on the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/North.Somerset.DF.3000.Challenge so that numbers can be counted.

Get local updates from HealthwatchBristol

In light of the latest developments with Coronavirus,  ACORN is organising local volunteers to support people in the community who need shopping, prescription collection, post and anything else they may need if they are stuck at home. acorntheunion.org.uk/corona 

This Facebook group is for people who want to help each other in Bristol in response to the situation with covid19. Bristol Community Care (via Bristol Mutual Aid)

Natasha from Musica sends the following information: I am getting in touch to let you know that whilst we are continuing to offer our interactive musical workshops face to face in homes that are open, we also have our online training programme – Press Play to Rewind – to support care staff with the skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver meaningful music within your care homes.

The course is split into 4 modules, normally completed in 12 weeks, but the learning can be practised with your residents immediately. This is supported by an online community and fortnightly coaching webinars (which are recorded for future access). During the current period of uncertainty the coaching sessions will be weekly to ensure staff are being supported in fully embedding music in this way. You can find more information about the course here https://musicamusicandwellbeing.thinkific.com/courses/musica-press-play-to-rewind

We are currently offering a 20% discount for the course – £400 for one learner or £1,200 for whole home access. To sign up to the online course either use the code Spring2020 at the checkout or contact us for an invoice.

If you are self isolating and need food please contact Bristol City Councils Emergency Payment Scheme. Email: lcpf@bristol.gov (include your full name and address). Phone: 0117 9224500 Mon-Fri 9am until 12 midday.

kingswood: ebfoodbank@inhope.uk

eastbristol.foodbank.org.uk, https://www.trusselltrust.org

We Care and Repair are still there to support you with any repairs or adaptations: https://www.wecr.org.uk/ This blog is very helpful: https://www.wecr.org.uk/coping-with-the-coronavirus-situation/

If you need support and information you can contact Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line – 0333 150 3456

Zion Community Café is offering takeaway food or will deliver food to their local community. We highly recommend their cake!  http://zionbristol.co.uk/

Why not start your own Playlist for Life for yourself and loved ones. Support is available at www.playlistforlife.org.uk

Here are some fantastic online resources:

A big list of resources: https://chatterpack.net/blogs/blog/list-of-online-resources-for-anyone-who-is-isolated-at-home

Missing your music sessions? Join this online choir and sing like no one is listening – starts at 7.30pm every Friday night: https://www.thesofasingers.net/

Free Audible titles: https://www.radiotimes.com/news/radio/2020-03-20/audible-just-made-hundreds-of-titles-completely-free-to-help-during-coronavirus-crisis/

NASA resources: https://www.nasa.gov/stem

Get moving with Sport England! Online exercise – variety of classes including a 10 minute session for older people, Disney dancing, yoga and pilates.

Please share any resources you have that you think others would be interested in. Either email us or share on our Facebook page. Many thanks

Smiling is infectious,

you catch it like the flu,

When someone smiled at me today,

I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner

and someone saw my grin.

When he smiled I realized

I’d passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,

then I realized its worth.

A single smile, just like mine

could travel round the earth.

So, if you feel a smile begin,

don’t leave it undetected.

Let’s start an epidemic quick,

and get the world infected!

Thanks to the wonderful Spike Milligan.