Men’s Health Week: 15-21 June 2020

Paul Crudgington is an Engagement Co-ordinator at Back on Track, working in collaboration with ICM to provide creative and wellbeing centred engagement opportunities for our members.

In this blog, Paul talks about lockdown and wellbeing, written as part of Men’s Health Week.

I have a confession to make. I was quite blasé about lockdown and thought it would be a doddle, but I have found working from home very challenging. I would very rarely spend extended lengths of time behind a computer, but suddenly that was the reality. I consider myself to be quite an active person, so I really struggle being sat down for long periods. It’s generally not good for any of us, so it’s important to try and move as much as possible. Even if it’s just a few quick stretches, or taking regular tea breaks.

I’m also someone who needs variation in their life, so being in one place every day has been really difficult. That may well be the thing I miss most about ICM; the fact that no day is ever the same.

Not having the human connection has been tough during lockdown. Most of what we do on ICM is based on building relationships and providing a space where people can feel part of a community. I miss being in the ICM Hub and at Back on Track and being part of a vibrant atmosphere. But I’m grateful the connection that technology has helped maintain.

Being able to see and hear colleagues via a video call really helps; being able to see members via Zoom for the art and wellbeing group always brings a smile to my face. Another upside is that I’ve seen more of my family via a weekly family quiz. Technology will never replace the human connection, but it is important to stay connected to people as much as possible and I hope we can see a GM wide push to help more people become connected and comfortable using technology.

Paul’s Top Tips for Keeping Well During Lockdown:

Stay connected

Spend time away from screens

Move as much as possible

Listen to music

Back On Track work with adults who are going through a process of recovery or rehabilitation. They support around 750 people every year who have been through problems with alcohol or drugs, offending, homelessness and mental health.

http://backontrackmanchester.org.uk/

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