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What hobbies are we all spending our time on - that are keeping us relaxed and happy?

Self-care is important, especially during these challenging times. Share your tips and ideas for self-care with the community. Here are 3 classic ways we can be kind to ourselves during lockdown: 1. Stay active It’s pretty well known that exercise is really good for both our physical and mental health. There’s heaps of different types of exercise you can do from home, thanks to YouTube and apps. We’ve listed a few free ones (share your tips for others on the ReachOut Forums), or continue doing whatever works for you. Yoga with Adrienne is a well-loved yoga channel, with over six million subscribers. She’s quirky and down-to-earth, and offers yoga classes lasting from five minutes through to an hour. Nike Training Club can help you stay active during this time by offering heaps of free workouts you can do from home. It also features wellness and nutrition guidance from experts. Seven – 7 Minute Workout app (iOS and Android). These seven-minute workouts are based on scientific studies and are designed to provide the maximum benefit in the shortest amount of time. You can also link up with friends in the app to encourage each other (or, let’s be honest, compete!) – it’s a great way to stay connected. If you play sport and your games and training have been cancelled, you could consider linking up with your team on this app. These are just three ideas, do whatever works for you. If you can go outside, consider going for a walk or run while taking in your surroundings. 2. Take 10 to be zen When we’re stressed about something (such as coronavirus), our thoughts tend to speed up. Taking 10 minutes or so to practise mindfulness can help produce a sense of calmness. If you don’t get what mindfulness is all about, check out our WTF is mindfulness meditation. Here are some suggestions for free mindfulness apps to try: Insight Timer has over 25,000 free guided meditations, from 1 to 90+ minutes. Try searching by a topic that interests you (e.g. stress, learning to meditate, sleep). Smiling Mind might be a good option if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by choice. The meditations are organised by structured programs, such as Mindful Foundations, Sleep, Relationships, etc. If meditation isn’t for you, try doing an everyday activity in a mindful way – in other words, put aside distractions and focus fully on one small task. For example, while you’re having a cup of tea, pay attention to your senses (the smell of the tea, the warmth of the cup in your hand, the taste…). 3. Chat with your mates Even if an in-person meet-up is off the table, try to stay in touch with your mates via text, Messenger, WhatsApp, FaceTime, or (gasp!) a good ol’ fashioned phone call. Ask them how they’re feeling and share your own experience if you feel safe to do so. Check out our article on 5 steps to talking to someone you trust. You could even start a group chat where each person shares one good thing that happened in their day.

What have you learned during lockdown -- about yourself, your community, and/or the world?

We provide Access to Employment Training opportunities that improve people’s employment prospects.  This includes English as a foreign language lessons; Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skils; CV and application writing; and interview techniques. Whilst we are on lockdown, during Covid-19, if you would like to learn more about training options for you - get in touch, and ask any questions here.

Africa Advocacy Foundation cannot provide face to face support at the moment due to Corona Virus (Covid -19). All our staff are currently working from home and supporting our clients and groups remotely.  ​ This includes drop ins, support groups, on site assessments, HIV testing, collections of print resources, materials etc  However you can get support online or by phone if you are in need of advice, information, emotional support, counselling or if you're experiencing violence or at risk.   We are also running a hardship program providing essential goods and food for a limited number vulnerable individuals who are assessed as being in real need.  You can call , text or send WhatsApp message on 07577353535 You can email us on info@africadvocacy.org If you're in immediate danger and unable to talk call 999 and press 55. This will connect you to a Police Officer who will help without you having to speak.

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Strong communities possess the local knowledge, passion and perspective to create community cohesion and resilience as well as real and lasting change – but they also face challenges. What makes our community story and how can we make it stronger?

Covid-19 puts pressure on all of us - but how do we make sure our children's mental health is protected? Share your thoughts on this thread.