Let’s be kind to ourselves this January – Take the challenge and ‘find your own medicine’ with The Black Country Blokes

Christmas and New Year is a challenging time for many of us, as we juggle family commitments and tensions, financial struggles, and sometimes being on our own for the entire festive period, but not through choice. The weather is normally cold and miserable in January too, so maybe this is the best time to think about some self-care!

Be kind to yourself

If you need some ideas on how to be kind to yourself this January, why not take the ‘Let’s be kind to ourselves’ challenge and take a few minutes a day to look after your own health and wellbeing:

You can download and print the challenge here.

‘Find your own medicine’ with The Black Country Blokes

The Black Country Blokes is a podcast, radio show, and support group focusing on men’s mental health and wellbeing. We are so fortunate in Dudley borough to have this vibrant group set up by local guys.

“Our aim is to remove the stigma of the ‘taboo’ subjects surrounding mental health. Speak openly and honestly about them because we want to empower people to be happy, fulfilled and to overcome thoughts that could limit their potential in life.”

Kev Dillon from The Black Country Blokes kindly recorded a short audio clip, talking about the importance of self-care and looking after ourselves – how to find your own medicine – you can listen to it here:

 

Listen to Kev talking about making kindness contagious:

Let’s make kindness contagious: https://fb.watch/ah9Hxm2ubu/

 

If you’d like to hear more from The Black Country Blokes, you can find topical Black Country Radio Xtra shows and podcasts via their social feeds. They share some fabulous posts on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/theblackcountryblokes/.

You can also listen to The Black Country Blokes talking with Richard from our Integrated Plus team about social prescribing and how we support people to become more involved, connected and active in their communities. 

#BeKindDudley – How can you get involved?  

Take the Winter Challenge 

Here is a 25-day challenge of random acts of kindness, with simple things you can do to help others in your community. Are you ready to take the challenge? 

Download and share resources

We have put together a few resources and intend to add to these to help you join the wave of kindness across the Dudley borough. You are most welcome to download these or, if you would prefer, you can collect these from our office in Albion Street. 

These include: 

• Winter kindness challenge
• Let’s be kind to ourselves challenge
• Kindness Poster
• Kindness Card – These are double-sided and include simple ideas for acts of kindness on one side and information about the ‘Ask me if I’m really okay’ campaign on the reverse (you can also print these posters). Listen to The Black Country Blokes chatting to Lauren about her ‘Ask Me If I’m Really Are Okay’ campaign. 

Has someone ever done something kind for you, and all you wanted to do after was pay it forward? That’s because kindness is a chain reaction.  

We would love you to share your stories using our special hashtag on Twitter or Facebook using our hashtag #BeKindDudley. You will see some wonderful posts from those attending our Kindness Awards 2021, but we need your help to keep the kindness flowing.  Why not tell us if you’ve been the recipient of kindness or have done something kind? Share your photos and tell us all about it, or get in touch via email eileenfielding@dudleycvs.org.uk, we’d love to hear from you!