Surrey County Council (SCC) have shared tips with residents to help them get through the lockdown measures imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus.

SCC also directed residennts towards a number of services available to all residents that are easily accessible from home like mental health support services or E-books from the county's libraries.

"With many people working from home, children not at school and many in self isolation it's important to keep in touch with the outside world and keep yourself entertained," advice on the SCC website reads.

"Some people may struggle with being on their own for periods of time so it's important to look after yours and other people's mental health."

In that regard, SCC pointed residents towards its remote mental health services:

"If you feel like you're struggling on your own there is no need to feel alone.

"There is help and advice on hand visit the Healthy Surrey Mental Wellbeing web page:

  • Every Mind Matters provides practical self-care tips and guidance and has a free NHS-approved online tool which helps people build an action plan to deal with stress and anxiety, boost their mood, improve their sleep and help them feel more in control.
  • The Mental Health Crisis Helpline is there for adults 0800 915 4644 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
  • For children and young people the Children and Young People's Havens are offering a phone service available every week day from 4pm - 8.30pm and weekends 12pm - 6pm. Call 07773008435
  • The Samaritans are available to call for free 116 123.
  • CALM - The Campaign Against Living Miserably have a 5pm - Midnight helpline 0800 58 58 58 and also a webchat if you need to talk to someone.

Meanwhile a number of tips to counter cabin fever and boredom and the second week of nationwide isolation continued was shared:

"Here are some ideas to make sure you keep boredom at bay. Maybe now's the time to plant that vegetable patch, or to finish those DIY projects you started":

Stay Connected

  • Have virtual meetings and conversations via Skype – it's nice to see another human face
  • Phone a friend – check up on friends and make sure they're okay
  • Make Spotify playlists and share with friends
  • In a book club? Could you do this virtually?

Entertainment

  • You can download E-books, audiobooks and E-Magazines from Surrey libraries
  • The online reference library has a huge collection of information sources ranging from historical newspapers to a music streaming service.
  • The Surrey online library is available for free. If you're not already a Surrey library member you can join online.

Things to do with the kids

  • Get kids involved in recycling at home with The Wastebuster challenge.
  • Have a look at the shortlisted book titles for this year's Children's Book Awards.
  • Learn something new
  • YouTube have great how-to guides to learn new skills, like knitting, learning a new language or even beginners yoga
  • The Open University are offering free online courses
  • Spring clean your house and rearrange your wardrobe
  • Get creative with your leftover food here are some recipes with some hints and tips from the Surrey Environment Partnership.