Looking after yourself involves looking after your relationships, your health and your wellbeing. When you are focused on caring, it’s easy to forget or run out of time to focus on yourself. Therefore, it is important to make time for yourself.
Remember to let your GP know that you are caring for someone who depends on you. If your GP knows you are a Carer they can offer you additional support to help you maintain your physical health and emotional wellbeing, such as checking you are up to date with your vaccinations and referring you on to specialist services if you need them
Good Thinking – Public Health England and NHS sponsored service available online or via an app. It provides free support to help people reduce stress and anxiety, improve their sleep and help lift their mood.
The NHS lists 5 Steps to mental wellbeing.
Looking after yourself might include keeping active, eating well, sleeping well, which can all help with mental health and wellbeing.
The Sleep Charity runs a national helpline for people to talk with advisors about sleep problems.
If you are struggling to look after your wellbeing, worried about your mental health or have a diagnosed mental health condition, see our mental health support section for information on how to seek help and support.
Ideas for local activities and resources
Better Health Merton lists useful organisations and resources.
One You Merton is the Health and Wellbeing service for the London Borough of Merton. One You Merton offers local support to help you eat well, move more, stop smoking or drink less.
Merton College has a number of courses around leisure and wellbeing.
Keeping active
Merton Can has a number of ideas for keeping active including Try 23 in 2023.
Walk and Talk provides provide free and fun community walks every Saturday at 10.30am from lovely local green spaces.
Merton leisure centres offer swimming pools and gym facilities as well as different classes.
Merton Council’s directory of Adult Support Services can be set to display services around physical activity
Merton’s parks and open spaces are ideal for walking or watching nature, and many have outdoor gyms.
Sustainable Merton has volunteering opportunities that include gardening and litter picking.
Royal Voluntary Service has an online library of exercise and dance sessions including seated classes such as Indian folk dance, 1920s dance and seated Pilates.
Support for over 50s
Merton Moves is a range of tips and information from Wimbledon Guild and Merton Council.
Happy & Active Guide in Merton from Age UK
Everyone Health Merton – Get up and Go Merton is a service commissioned by Merton Council offering free classes and activities for anyone mild or moderating frail, aged 60+ and live within East Merton and Morden.
Activities and breaks
Carefree works with hotels offer free short breaks for unpaid full-time Adult Carers. You will need to register with Carefree and be able to find care for the person you care for while you take the break.
Keep an eye on our events page for workshops and activities.
