DURHAM County Council is offering advice to people during lockdown on how to maintain their mental wellbeing.

The council understands the strain staying at home places on people and is encouraging residents to follow government advice.

This is includes, using reliable news sources, staying connected, engaging in healthy activities and looking after what you can and can’t control.

Amanda Healy, the council’s director of public health, said: “We fully appreciate that these are really difficult times for everybody and that being asked to stay at home is a massive ask. However it is vitally important that everyone follows the government guidance and plays their part in slowing the spread of Coronavirus - in the interests of the health of all of us and protecting the NHS.“We would encourage everyone to follow the guidance from the government and ourselves on ways to maintain their mental wellbeing, and to seek support if they need it.”

The council's employability Durham team, housing solutions team and Gypsy and Roma teams have ended face-to-face meetings, but support is available online.

For further information on ways to manage mental wellbeing is available on the council’s website at durham.gov.uk/article/22992/Look-after-yourself.