News

KEEP YOURSELF UP TO DATE: OUR MOST RECENT NEWS

20 Feb, 2022
NW Counselling Hub was founded in 2017 by Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska and Alex Parkin. Their vision was to provide mental health support and counselling to children, young people, adults, couples and families within Lincolnshire.
11 Oct, 2021
September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day. But every day it is important to consider how people are affected by suicide. There are many ways in which a person may have experience of suicide. Whether they have experienced feelings of not wanting to be here anymore, made plans to harm themselves, or as a result of bereavement by suicide. Statistics from the Samaritans show that more than 6,800 people died by suicide in 2018. With mental illness affecting one in four people, understanding mental health and suicide prevention is crucial to making a change. Suicide is not inevitable and with the right intervention, people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings can overcome them. The theme this Suicide Prevention Day is Hope. The Oxford English Dictionary defines hope as 'grounds for believing that something good may happen.' and sometimes a little hope is all it takes to help someone overcome negative thoughts and feelings. But sometimes, more help is needed. No matter who you are or where you are from, if you are experiencing thoughts and feelings of suicide it is important to remember You Are Not Alone! You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time of the day or night. Talk openly about suicide Suicide is still a taboo subject, it can be a difficult conversation to start. But, research shows that asking a person if they are experiencing these feelings can help to protect them. By being open about suicide, you are giving them permission to tell you how they feel and to know that they are not a burden. If someone does open up to you about suicidal feelings, remember that you don't have to solve all of their problems. But if you feel you can, allow them to talk to you about how they are feeling. If you feel someone is in immediate danger you should take action and call 999. But you should always take someone seriously who says they are feeling suicidal. Take action If someone opens up to you about experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, you should try and signpost them to a professional. But there are ways that you can support a friend or family member through this. Make a safety plan. You can download a template from the Samaritans if you need help. A safety plan should include; Information on the signs that a person is near crisis Internal coping strategies to try and ones that a person knows work Information on the family & friends that are there for support or distraction from the thoughts and feelings of suicide Information on the mental health professionals and organisations that are there to offer support Information on removing items that may be used for a person to harm themselves The plan should feel do-able to the individual who is having suicidal thoughts and feelings. It is important that they have ownership over the plan. Support network Having people around in a support network is important for anyone having these feelings. It is important to look after yourself also, so don't commit to anything you are unable to carry out. If you are trying to support a person, you could discuss with them how often they would like you to check in. Try to notice their mood and the words they are using to detect if they are doing ok or if you think the situation might need more intervention. If you are concerned it is important to be persistent. They may not be ready to open up right now, but by letting them know that you are there for them - when they are ready it may help to know that you are there. Together we can all make a difference. For more information you can visit our website
06 Sept, 2021
Loneliness and being alone are two very different things. You can be alone and feel content and peaceful. You can also be surrounded by people and feel lonely. Everyone's feelings are different and this applies to loneliness too. Whilst loneliness is not a mental illness, it can lead to or be caused by feeling lonely. During the pandemic, feelings of loneliness have increased amongst all age groups. According to a recent survey, 1 in 4 adults said that they had felt lonely within the previous 2 weeks. As a result of the restrictions, many people have been isolated from family and friends and their usual routines. As well as experiencing bereavement, illness and other life-changing events, without the usual support systems available to them. This has led to feelings of loneliness, confusion and stress - it is important to remember that you are not alone. Here are some tips if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness... Take everything at your own pace When you experience feelings of loneliness, it can be difficult to know where to turn. The important thing to remember is that you can go at your own pace. You don't have to say 'yes' to every social engagement or force yourself into situations where you feel uncomfortable. Take small steps and set manageable goals or targets for yourself. It may be useful to keep a diary so that you can keep track of your thoughts and feelings. Talk to your family or friends Sometimes loneliness occurs because we don't feel close to others or we don't feel that we have a good support network. Talking to those closest to you is a good way to take that first step to tell others how you feel. Opening up to a friend or family member about the feelings you are experiencing may help you to feel less lonely. If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone close, you could try and find somebody else with similar experiences or who might be able to relate. There are loneliness helplines available for this purpose. Make new connections If you feel lonely, it can be difficult to see a way out. However, there are many initiatives to help people overcome feelings of loneliness. You can try and find a new hobby, take up a new class or join a support group where there are others who experience similar feelings to you. NW Counselling Hub has launched a new group The Anti Loneliness Alliance (TALA). This group provides support through befriending and group activities. Allowing you to connect and create meaningful relationships with others. Don't compare yourself to others We all compare ourselves to others from time to time, but as the old saying goes 'Comparison is the thief of joy'. Comparing yourself to others can impact your self-esteem and confidence which can increase your feelings of loneliness. It is important to remember that what you see on the outside and on social media is not always a true representation. Look after yourself Eating well, getting some exercise, sleeping well and spending some time in nature are things that we can all do to ensure we are looking after our well-being. However, they are often overlooked when people are feeling down or lonely. Looking after yourself is a simple way to help you feel a little better. You could also try spending time with animals. This is a great way to enjoy time outdoors, possibly around other people and to enjoy nature. These are just some of the ways that you can help to reduce feelings of loneliness. However, it is important that if you are feeling lonely most of the time, remember you are not alone! You can speak to a professional, whether that is online, over the phone or by seeking counselling. Counselling can help you to understand your feelings of loneliness and help you work towards overcoming them.  Learn more about our counselling services or email admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk for more information about TALA - The Anti Loneliness Alliance group.
27 Jul, 2021
It's been a long time coming, but lockdown restrictions are finally beginning to ease. We've seen some tough times in the last few years and it's important that we all take care of ourselves now that things are getting back to 'normal'. This blog post will give you some tips on how to continue looking after your mental health during lockdown easing - including wearing masks when appropriate, seeking help when you need it most and being assertive if you require any extra space from other people. From July 19th many of the lockdown restrictions will no longer apply. This easing of restrictions for some, brings new complications. Especially as the media, scientists and the government all have different opinions on how the UK should proceed. With so much information available, it can quickly become overwhelming. It took time to get used to the changes as we went into lockdown, so it may be just as difficult for some people to transition out of the lockdown. The important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself. Do not judge yourself by comparing yourself to others. Take every day at your own pace. Go at your own pace Take each day as it comes. You do not have to agree to every social engagement or event straight away. Allow yourself to gently build up the amount of time spent outside the home with others. You can try taking small steps forward by challenging yourself with little goals each day. If you are uncomfortable with a situation, speak with your friends or family to try and find a solution. Talk to work If you are returning to work following a furlough period, or if you are simply returning to work with fewer restrictions in place, it is important to share any concerns with your management. Explain how you are feeling and try finding a solution that works well for both of you. Talk to your friends Before socialising you can speak with your friends and discuss what you are all comfortable with. You can also talk to your family about how they are feeling with regards to the lockdown restrictions lifting. This will help to reduce conflict, by understanding how everyone is feeling and what they are comfortable with. Relax As the restrictions lift and more people are getting out and about, it is important to find time to relax. A sudden surge in social engagements can leave you feeling tired or stressed, so finding time to relax and unwind is a great way to look after your wellbeing. Mental Health For some, the lifting of the restrictions will cause unhelpful or anxious thoughts. It is important to challenge these thoughts if you can. If fear and anxiety become overwhelming you could try speaking to friends or family members. But it is important to seek help from a professional if these feelings do not go away. Make a plan If you are struggling with difficult feelings about attending social events, you could try making a plan. Plan what time you will go, leave and what you are comfortable doing whilst you are there. This will help eliminate feelings of uncertainty. Create a routine Routines have changed drastically since the lockdown began. Now routines are changing again, so it is important to find a new one that works for you. Writing your routine down somewhere you can see it is helpful. You can easily see where you should be or what you should be doing. Write down your thoughts Writing your thoughts down can help you to make sense of how you are feeling. It can also help with removing the thoughts from your mind. Keep a journal on you at all times so that if you are feeling overwhelmed you can write down your thoughts. If you begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious, you can contact us through our website.
28 Jun, 2021
Dogs are one of the most common pets in many households and for good reason. They love unconditionally, make us laugh and help us to feel happy when we’re down. What you may not know is that they can also help with counselling. The use of pet therapy dogs during a counselling session can be an amazing experience to both adults and children alike, it has been proven to reduce stress levels while boosting moods! Here are 10 reasons why pet therapy dogs are a great addition to a counselling session: 1) Dogs provide unconditional love and comfort in a way that counsellors cannot. Allowing the client to feel more relaxed and comfortable in the counselling environment. 2) Pet therapy dogs offer a distraction from current issues by providing moments of happiness and joy that help clients to see the easier side of life, resulting in an increased sense of hope for better days ahead. 3) Therapy dogs can help their clients to reduce stress levels during sessions, allowing them to maintain a healthy mood whilst talking about potentially upsetting emotions. 4) Pet Therapy can benefit both adults and children who are going through difficult times thanks to their loving nature and their naturally relaxing aura. 5) Having a dog present during counselling can help clients with emotional or behavioural problems to explore thoughts and feelings that are difficult to talk about. 6) A pet therapy dog can help clients to understand boundaries. As dogs are good at self-soothing, they are able to take themselves away from a situation where they are uncomfortable. 7) Dogs have the ability to mirror emotions and feelings, allowing clients to feel understood. When they are around people who are feeling happy, they are happy. 8) Therapy dogs can help to increase a person's feelings of self-worth. Having a dog that wants to play and interact can offer a sense of belonging and help to lift a client's mood. 9) A pet therapy dog can help a client to better understand trust, touch, and self-respect. A person can explore this in a non-judgemental way with the dog - this is particularly useful for an individual who has experienced abuse. 10) A therapy dog can help you to develop relationships, starting with the new relationship with the therapy dog. The companionship and friendship of the pet therapy dog during difficult times can help develop trust. Here at the counselling hub we have 2 pet therapy dogs; Ellie and Joy. Ellie has been a member of the team since we were founded - Joy has recently joined the team and will be undergoing her training very soon.
12 May, 2021
Nature is beneficial for our mental health in so many ways. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to find time to spend outside. However, research has shown that being exposed to nature helps us feel less stressed, more relaxed, and happier! Research from The Mental Health Foundation showed that spending time outdoors has been one of the key factors that have helped many people to cope with the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic. Around 45% of people in the UK said that visiting green spaces helped them to cope. There are many ways to explore and connect with nature, but in order to have a quality connection with nature, you should embrace your natural surroundings. Involving all of your senses can help with your connection, you could; smell the flowers, feel the trees, or listen to the birds. Nature really is all around us and although in many different ways depending on where you live. Here are some tips on how you can incorporate nature into your daily routine for a healthier mind! Take notice of your surroundings How many times do you walk down the street or drive to work and fail to notice the many birds, trees, or insects around you? To reconnect with nature, you can take time out to stop and observe your surroundings. Try to take note of the different sounds around you or pick up a leaf from the ground and turn it over in between your fingers to see its intricate patterns, you could look for tiny insects along the ground. Not only will this help you to connect with the space around you but it will help provide some much-needed mindfulness if only for a few minutes. Find green spaces Although we don't all live right next to trails and parks, they are available to everyone. Why not schedule some time in your diary to explore your nearest park, or you could try looking a bit further afield for a green space you have never visited before. Green spaces are beneficial because they offer opportunities for recreation and provide a space to escape from urban environments. Interact with wildlife The more you look, the more you see. Take some time out to find out the different types of wildlife in your local area. You could set up a bird feeder and watch the various types of birds that visit your garden. The same goes for the types of insects, trees, and animals that you share your green space with. There has been an increase in the use of wildlife cameras during the lockdown. Many people are excited to see what wildlife visits their garden during the night. You could also set up a sandbox with different food items on it. When you wake up in the morning, you may see different footprints from any animals that might have stopped by. Explore being creative in nature There are so many ways to be creative with nature, you could create a picture from various items you collect on walks such as stones, twigs, or leaves. You can draw or paint a picture or take a camera and take pictures of your surroundings. Get green-fingers Even if you don't have a big outdoor space, you should try to find some space to grow your own plants or flowers or even grow your own food. What better way to connect with nature than to grow something yourself. The feeling of pride when you grow something from a seed and it reaches full maturity can be very rewarding. Even if you don't have access to land, there are now many small indoor plants that grow on windowsills so even the most urban person could get their green thumb on!
22 Apr, 2021
Employee assistance programmes (EAP) are a great way to help your employees when they need counselling or support. The EAP provides counselling for any employee who has an issue that is affecting their wellbeing. It is often difficult for people to find the time, energy or funds to see a counsellor privately so this type of service can be invaluable to both employee and employer. This blog post will give you more information about what an Employee Assistance Programme does and how it could benefit your business. Employee wellbeing has long been a topic of importance and combined with the recent pandemic and subsequent lockdown, it is more important than ever to be proactive and take steps towards the improvement of your employees' wellbeing, particularly if they have experienced furlough and are now returning to work. Studies show that during 2020, 58% of people asked, reported some stress at work and 69% experienced moderate to high levels of stress in general. Almost two-thirds of people experienced anxiety and 58% of employees experienced feelings of depression. These are large numbers of people who are experiencing mental health issues that may be impacting their work as well as their personal lives. Employers can help to support their employees through Employee Assistance Programmes. EAP's were already gaining traction prior to the pandemic, but as a result of the pandemic - checking on your employee's wellbeing may be more important than ever. It has long been discussed what impact mental wellbeing can have on businesses. To put it in monetary terms, in 2017, one study found that mental health cost UK employers between £33 and £42 billion per year. Although this is a rather simplistic way to talk about mental health - it does show that there is a definite need for wellbeing support within the workplace. EAP's can help business owners to provide support for their employee's emotional wellbeing by accessing private counselling services. NW Counselling Hub can help you to support your employees with a bespoke EAP package. With employees being able to access counselling in your workplace, at the hub located in Lincoln, on the phone, via Zoom or via our new app. We can support your employees with issues or concerns that stem from work or from their home life which can affect their mental wellbeing and lead to absence or presenteeism. Empathic, impartial support may be all that’s needed to improve their wellbeing. Addressing mental health in the workplace helps business owners to create a happier working environment and allows employees to feel safe and comfortable. Negative working environments will only succeed in lowering employee wellbeing, whereas a supportive environment will help employees to thrive. For more information about our EAP programmes, you can visit our website or call us on 01522 253809.
08 Mar, 2021
In March we celebrate International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day and Women’s History Month. There’s no doubt that women’s role in society has changed for the better over the years. And we here at the hub have an amazing team, including a fantastic female staff collective.
by NWCH 17 Feb, 2021
People shouldn’t be a bit surprised if they feel they have lost a spring in their step over recent months, according to NWCH CEO and psychotherapist, Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska.
by NWCH 18 Jan, 2021
The third Monday in January, often referred to as Blue Monday. But why do we talk of Blue Monday?
Show More

RECENT POSTS

20 Feb, 2022
NW Counselling Hub was founded in 2017 by Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska and Alex Parkin. Their vision was to provide mental health support and counselling to children, young people, adults, couples and families within Lincolnshire.
11 Oct, 2021
September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day. But every day it is important to consider how people are affected by suicide. There are many ways in which a person may have experience of suicide. Whether they have experienced feelings of not wanting to be here anymore, made plans to harm themselves, or as a result of bereavement by suicide. Statistics from the Samaritans show that more than 6,800 people died by suicide in 2018. With mental illness affecting one in four people, understanding mental health and suicide prevention is crucial to making a change. Suicide is not inevitable and with the right intervention, people experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings can overcome them. The theme this Suicide Prevention Day is Hope. The Oxford English Dictionary defines hope as 'grounds for believing that something good may happen.' and sometimes a little hope is all it takes to help someone overcome negative thoughts and feelings. But sometimes, more help is needed. No matter who you are or where you are from, if you are experiencing thoughts and feelings of suicide it is important to remember You Are Not Alone! You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 at any time of the day or night. Talk openly about suicide Suicide is still a taboo subject, it can be a difficult conversation to start. But, research shows that asking a person if they are experiencing these feelings can help to protect them. By being open about suicide, you are giving them permission to tell you how they feel and to know that they are not a burden. If someone does open up to you about suicidal feelings, remember that you don't have to solve all of their problems. But if you feel you can, allow them to talk to you about how they are feeling. If you feel someone is in immediate danger you should take action and call 999. But you should always take someone seriously who says they are feeling suicidal. Take action If someone opens up to you about experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings, you should try and signpost them to a professional. But there are ways that you can support a friend or family member through this. Make a safety plan. You can download a template from the Samaritans if you need help. A safety plan should include; Information on the signs that a person is near crisis Internal coping strategies to try and ones that a person knows work Information on the family & friends that are there for support or distraction from the thoughts and feelings of suicide Information on the mental health professionals and organisations that are there to offer support Information on removing items that may be used for a person to harm themselves The plan should feel do-able to the individual who is having suicidal thoughts and feelings. It is important that they have ownership over the plan. Support network Having people around in a support network is important for anyone having these feelings. It is important to look after yourself also, so don't commit to anything you are unable to carry out. If you are trying to support a person, you could discuss with them how often they would like you to check in. Try to notice their mood and the words they are using to detect if they are doing ok or if you think the situation might need more intervention. If you are concerned it is important to be persistent. They may not be ready to open up right now, but by letting them know that you are there for them - when they are ready it may help to know that you are there. Together we can all make a difference. For more information you can visit our website
06 Sept, 2021
Loneliness and being alone are two very different things. You can be alone and feel content and peaceful. You can also be surrounded by people and feel lonely. Everyone's feelings are different and this applies to loneliness too. Whilst loneliness is not a mental illness, it can lead to or be caused by feeling lonely. During the pandemic, feelings of loneliness have increased amongst all age groups. According to a recent survey, 1 in 4 adults said that they had felt lonely within the previous 2 weeks. As a result of the restrictions, many people have been isolated from family and friends and their usual routines. As well as experiencing bereavement, illness and other life-changing events, without the usual support systems available to them. This has led to feelings of loneliness, confusion and stress - it is important to remember that you are not alone. Here are some tips if you are experiencing feelings of loneliness... Take everything at your own pace When you experience feelings of loneliness, it can be difficult to know where to turn. The important thing to remember is that you can go at your own pace. You don't have to say 'yes' to every social engagement or force yourself into situations where you feel uncomfortable. Take small steps and set manageable goals or targets for yourself. It may be useful to keep a diary so that you can keep track of your thoughts and feelings. Talk to your family or friends Sometimes loneliness occurs because we don't feel close to others or we don't feel that we have a good support network. Talking to those closest to you is a good way to take that first step to tell others how you feel. Opening up to a friend or family member about the feelings you are experiencing may help you to feel less lonely. If you feel uncomfortable talking to someone close, you could try and find somebody else with similar experiences or who might be able to relate. There are loneliness helplines available for this purpose. Make new connections If you feel lonely, it can be difficult to see a way out. However, there are many initiatives to help people overcome feelings of loneliness. You can try and find a new hobby, take up a new class or join a support group where there are others who experience similar feelings to you. NW Counselling Hub has launched a new group The Anti Loneliness Alliance (TALA). This group provides support through befriending and group activities. Allowing you to connect and create meaningful relationships with others. Don't compare yourself to others We all compare ourselves to others from time to time, but as the old saying goes 'Comparison is the thief of joy'. Comparing yourself to others can impact your self-esteem and confidence which can increase your feelings of loneliness. It is important to remember that what you see on the outside and on social media is not always a true representation. Look after yourself Eating well, getting some exercise, sleeping well and spending some time in nature are things that we can all do to ensure we are looking after our well-being. However, they are often overlooked when people are feeling down or lonely. Looking after yourself is a simple way to help you feel a little better. You could also try spending time with animals. This is a great way to enjoy time outdoors, possibly around other people and to enjoy nature. These are just some of the ways that you can help to reduce feelings of loneliness. However, it is important that if you are feeling lonely most of the time, remember you are not alone! You can speak to a professional, whether that is online, over the phone or by seeking counselling. Counselling can help you to understand your feelings of loneliness and help you work towards overcoming them.  Learn more about our counselling services or email admin@nwcounsellinghub.co.uk for more information about TALA - The Anti Loneliness Alliance group.
27 Jul, 2021
It's been a long time coming, but lockdown restrictions are finally beginning to ease. We've seen some tough times in the last few years and it's important that we all take care of ourselves now that things are getting back to 'normal'. This blog post will give you some tips on how to continue looking after your mental health during lockdown easing - including wearing masks when appropriate, seeking help when you need it most and being assertive if you require any extra space from other people. From July 19th many of the lockdown restrictions will no longer apply. This easing of restrictions for some, brings new complications. Especially as the media, scientists and the government all have different opinions on how the UK should proceed. With so much information available, it can quickly become overwhelming. It took time to get used to the changes as we went into lockdown, so it may be just as difficult for some people to transition out of the lockdown. The important thing to remember is to be kind to yourself. Do not judge yourself by comparing yourself to others. Take every day at your own pace. Go at your own pace Take each day as it comes. You do not have to agree to every social engagement or event straight away. Allow yourself to gently build up the amount of time spent outside the home with others. You can try taking small steps forward by challenging yourself with little goals each day. If you are uncomfortable with a situation, speak with your friends or family to try and find a solution. Talk to work If you are returning to work following a furlough period, or if you are simply returning to work with fewer restrictions in place, it is important to share any concerns with your management. Explain how you are feeling and try finding a solution that works well for both of you. Talk to your friends Before socialising you can speak with your friends and discuss what you are all comfortable with. You can also talk to your family about how they are feeling with regards to the lockdown restrictions lifting. This will help to reduce conflict, by understanding how everyone is feeling and what they are comfortable with. Relax As the restrictions lift and more people are getting out and about, it is important to find time to relax. A sudden surge in social engagements can leave you feeling tired or stressed, so finding time to relax and unwind is a great way to look after your wellbeing. Mental Health For some, the lifting of the restrictions will cause unhelpful or anxious thoughts. It is important to challenge these thoughts if you can. If fear and anxiety become overwhelming you could try speaking to friends or family members. But it is important to seek help from a professional if these feelings do not go away. Make a plan If you are struggling with difficult feelings about attending social events, you could try making a plan. Plan what time you will go, leave and what you are comfortable doing whilst you are there. This will help eliminate feelings of uncertainty. Create a routine Routines have changed drastically since the lockdown began. Now routines are changing again, so it is important to find a new one that works for you. Writing your routine down somewhere you can see it is helpful. You can easily see where you should be or what you should be doing. Write down your thoughts Writing your thoughts down can help you to make sense of how you are feeling. It can also help with removing the thoughts from your mind. Keep a journal on you at all times so that if you are feeling overwhelmed you can write down your thoughts. If you begin to feel overwhelmed or anxious, you can contact us through our website.
28 Jun, 2021
Dogs are one of the most common pets in many households and for good reason. They love unconditionally, make us laugh and help us to feel happy when we’re down. What you may not know is that they can also help with counselling. The use of pet therapy dogs during a counselling session can be an amazing experience to both adults and children alike, it has been proven to reduce stress levels while boosting moods! Here are 10 reasons why pet therapy dogs are a great addition to a counselling session: 1) Dogs provide unconditional love and comfort in a way that counsellors cannot. Allowing the client to feel more relaxed and comfortable in the counselling environment. 2) Pet therapy dogs offer a distraction from current issues by providing moments of happiness and joy that help clients to see the easier side of life, resulting in an increased sense of hope for better days ahead. 3) Therapy dogs can help their clients to reduce stress levels during sessions, allowing them to maintain a healthy mood whilst talking about potentially upsetting emotions. 4) Pet Therapy can benefit both adults and children who are going through difficult times thanks to their loving nature and their naturally relaxing aura. 5) Having a dog present during counselling can help clients with emotional or behavioural problems to explore thoughts and feelings that are difficult to talk about. 6) A pet therapy dog can help clients to understand boundaries. As dogs are good at self-soothing, they are able to take themselves away from a situation where they are uncomfortable. 7) Dogs have the ability to mirror emotions and feelings, allowing clients to feel understood. When they are around people who are feeling happy, they are happy. 8) Therapy dogs can help to increase a person's feelings of self-worth. Having a dog that wants to play and interact can offer a sense of belonging and help to lift a client's mood. 9) A pet therapy dog can help a client to better understand trust, touch, and self-respect. A person can explore this in a non-judgemental way with the dog - this is particularly useful for an individual who has experienced abuse. 10) A therapy dog can help you to develop relationships, starting with the new relationship with the therapy dog. The companionship and friendship of the pet therapy dog during difficult times can help develop trust. Here at the counselling hub we have 2 pet therapy dogs; Ellie and Joy. Ellie has been a member of the team since we were founded - Joy has recently joined the team and will be undergoing her training very soon.
12 May, 2021
Nature is beneficial for our mental health in so many ways. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to find time to spend outside. However, research has shown that being exposed to nature helps us feel less stressed, more relaxed, and happier! Research from The Mental Health Foundation showed that spending time outdoors has been one of the key factors that have helped many people to cope with the stress of the Covid-19 pandemic. Around 45% of people in the UK said that visiting green spaces helped them to cope. There are many ways to explore and connect with nature, but in order to have a quality connection with nature, you should embrace your natural surroundings. Involving all of your senses can help with your connection, you could; smell the flowers, feel the trees, or listen to the birds. Nature really is all around us and although in many different ways depending on where you live. Here are some tips on how you can incorporate nature into your daily routine for a healthier mind! Take notice of your surroundings How many times do you walk down the street or drive to work and fail to notice the many birds, trees, or insects around you? To reconnect with nature, you can take time out to stop and observe your surroundings. Try to take note of the different sounds around you or pick up a leaf from the ground and turn it over in between your fingers to see its intricate patterns, you could look for tiny insects along the ground. Not only will this help you to connect with the space around you but it will help provide some much-needed mindfulness if only for a few minutes. Find green spaces Although we don't all live right next to trails and parks, they are available to everyone. Why not schedule some time in your diary to explore your nearest park, or you could try looking a bit further afield for a green space you have never visited before. Green spaces are beneficial because they offer opportunities for recreation and provide a space to escape from urban environments. Interact with wildlife The more you look, the more you see. Take some time out to find out the different types of wildlife in your local area. You could set up a bird feeder and watch the various types of birds that visit your garden. The same goes for the types of insects, trees, and animals that you share your green space with. There has been an increase in the use of wildlife cameras during the lockdown. Many people are excited to see what wildlife visits their garden during the night. You could also set up a sandbox with different food items on it. When you wake up in the morning, you may see different footprints from any animals that might have stopped by. Explore being creative in nature There are so many ways to be creative with nature, you could create a picture from various items you collect on walks such as stones, twigs, or leaves. You can draw or paint a picture or take a camera and take pictures of your surroundings. Get green-fingers Even if you don't have a big outdoor space, you should try to find some space to grow your own plants or flowers or even grow your own food. What better way to connect with nature than to grow something yourself. The feeling of pride when you grow something from a seed and it reaches full maturity can be very rewarding. Even if you don't have access to land, there are now many small indoor plants that grow on windowsills so even the most urban person could get their green thumb on!
22 Apr, 2021
Employee assistance programmes (EAP) are a great way to help your employees when they need counselling or support. The EAP provides counselling for any employee who has an issue that is affecting their wellbeing. It is often difficult for people to find the time, energy or funds to see a counsellor privately so this type of service can be invaluable to both employee and employer. This blog post will give you more information about what an Employee Assistance Programme does and how it could benefit your business. Employee wellbeing has long been a topic of importance and combined with the recent pandemic and subsequent lockdown, it is more important than ever to be proactive and take steps towards the improvement of your employees' wellbeing, particularly if they have experienced furlough and are now returning to work. Studies show that during 2020, 58% of people asked, reported some stress at work and 69% experienced moderate to high levels of stress in general. Almost two-thirds of people experienced anxiety and 58% of employees experienced feelings of depression. These are large numbers of people who are experiencing mental health issues that may be impacting their work as well as their personal lives. Employers can help to support their employees through Employee Assistance Programmes. EAP's were already gaining traction prior to the pandemic, but as a result of the pandemic - checking on your employee's wellbeing may be more important than ever. It has long been discussed what impact mental wellbeing can have on businesses. To put it in monetary terms, in 2017, one study found that mental health cost UK employers between £33 and £42 billion per year. Although this is a rather simplistic way to talk about mental health - it does show that there is a definite need for wellbeing support within the workplace. EAP's can help business owners to provide support for their employee's emotional wellbeing by accessing private counselling services. NW Counselling Hub can help you to support your employees with a bespoke EAP package. With employees being able to access counselling in your workplace, at the hub located in Lincoln, on the phone, via Zoom or via our new app. We can support your employees with issues or concerns that stem from work or from their home life which can affect their mental wellbeing and lead to absence or presenteeism. Empathic, impartial support may be all that’s needed to improve their wellbeing. Addressing mental health in the workplace helps business owners to create a happier working environment and allows employees to feel safe and comfortable. Negative working environments will only succeed in lowering employee wellbeing, whereas a supportive environment will help employees to thrive. For more information about our EAP programmes, you can visit our website or call us on 01522 253809.
08 Mar, 2021
In March we celebrate International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day and Women’s History Month. There’s no doubt that women’s role in society has changed for the better over the years. And we here at the hub have an amazing team, including a fantastic female staff collective.
by NWCH 17 Feb, 2021
People shouldn’t be a bit surprised if they feel they have lost a spring in their step over recent months, according to NWCH CEO and psychotherapist, Naomi Watkins-Ligudzinska.
by NWCH 18 Jan, 2021
The third Monday in January, often referred to as Blue Monday. But why do we talk of Blue Monday?
Show More
Share by: