Scouting from Home

zoom Call 1 - Tuesday 14th April 2020

In the current situation, our routines have been completely turned upside-down, our lives lack the previous structure they once had and we are all suffering from a reduction in social contact with friends, peers and family. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that we are keeping both physically and mentally healthy. Below are some pointers and guidance which you might find useful to keep your minds active and remember, it's ok to talk to someone you trust:

  • Try and get into a routine which suits you and keeps you busy
  • Exercise, whether that's going for a walk or run, is a wonderful way of getting rid of excess energy
  • Just because we are all confined to our houses, doesn't mean we forget about eating healthily
  • Make sure you don't spend all of your time in doors. Even if you've done your daily exercise, sit in your garden, or sit with a window open and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine!
  • Interact with friends - this is absolutely essential. For once, you're not being told to get off your phone, so use whatever means you have - WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom - to check in with your friends and peers regularly. They might not be your best friends at school, but someone you've got to know just at Scouts. They will appreciate you checking they are ok

Healthy Minds

Listed below are some websites you might want to have a look at, all of which have information about keeping a healthy mind during periods of isolation:

Websites

Together with the list of websites above, there are some apps that you can download with suggestions of relaxation exercises and other resources. This list was originally sent to Unit members on 1st May 2019, so as a reminder, please see the list below. Please note, these apps have not been tested by us personally, however, are freely available to download:

Apps

  • Calm
    • Mindfulness and meditation app
  • Calm Harm
    • Designed for teenagers
  • Headspace
    • Guided meditation sessions and mindfulness training
  • Sanvello (originally Pacifica)
    • includes audio lessens and activities created by psychologists to help manage stress, anxiety, or depression.

Speaking Out

It's so important to speak to someone if you're feeling down or just wanting to chat about things. Especially now, we've got more and more time to think and our minds can sometimes run wild. As your youth leaders, of course we are here to help if we can, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you need to talk:

ZOOM CALL 2 - TUESDAY 28TH APRIL 2020

We are now well into the routine of lockdown and are keeping Scouting provision going on a fortnightly basis, as well as providing programmes and activities via Online Scout Manager for Explorers to complete. If you have any suggestions for programmes for future virtual meetings, please do share these with us ( zoom@wesu.uk) and we will look into doing them.

By now, Shirley Cuthbertson has kindly spoken to all Duke of Edinburgh's Award participants following new, temporary guidance issued around progression of the award whilst at home. This shouldn't take too long and if you've forgotten what your list of things to do were, please contact Shirley directly.

Towards the end of our conversation, we reinforced the importance of our young people maintaining positive mental health during these uncertain times. We have included some new resources below for our Explorers, and more information can be found via Scottish Government resources  here.

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As your youth leaders, of course we are here to help if we can, so don't hesitate to get in touch if you need to talk:

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