If you are self-isolating or social distancing, here are some ideas of ways you can keep entertained and stay as active as possible!
Entertainment
The RNIB Talking Books service is free and gives you access to over 31,000 fiction and non fiction books. Braille and giant print books are also available from the RNIB’s library.
The spring issue of Deafblind UK’s Open Hand magazine will be out soon and delivered as normal in your preferred format. If you don’t already receive Open Hand, please click here to subscribe free of charge.
There are many online TV streaming services available on a paid subscription basis and many offer free trials for the first month to new subscribers. Other services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub and All 4 can be accessed online free of charge and these all have a great range of recent and classic series to watch on demand.
Accessibility information for each of these services is available here:
iPlayer
ITV Hub
All 4
Keeping active and getting fresh air
While options for being active are obviously very limited while we are isolating, there are some things we can do to help keep moving as much as possible. If you have any outside space at home, use this as much as you can to get some fresh air and take even just a few steps to stretch your legs. And if you like gardening this is, of course, one outdoor hobby you can still enjoy over the next few weeks!
When you are inside, why not try some of these gentle chair exercises? Or may something like Sign Yoga, where each class is delivered in BSL!
Keep in touch
While you are unable to see your family and friends in person, you can still keep in touch with them thanks to a wide range of easy to use technology which you can access via a smart phone, tablet or computer. Facetime is great if you have an i-phone or i-pad, but Facebook messenger, WhatsApp and Skype also have video functions to enable you to chat face-to-face. We can offer support to help get you set up if you haven’t used these services before.
If you will be keeping in touch by speaking on the phone more than normal, you may want to check your mobile or home phone call charges. There may be a more cost-effective tariff available! Ask someone to help you if you need advice on what deals would be best suited to you, or visit uswitch.
Any hints or tips?
We would love to know if you have found any other ways to stay positive and keep entertained while you are isolated. Please get in touch and let us know!
We’re here for you
Our helpline and wellbeing services are open as usual and our team are on hand to take your calls. You can contact us in the following ways:
Tel: 0800 132 320
Text: 07950 008870
Email: [email protected]
We can give you some practical help about how to look after yourself and stay safe, as well as emotional support if you find yourself more isolated than usual.
