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This Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently to different events. We've prepared a comprehensive list of services you can call upon for support, as well as 10 top tips from our Public Health team on improving your mental wellbeing.

Firstly, schools have worked extremely hard during the COVID-19 crisis to keep open when possible, providing places for the children of keyworkers and vulnerable children. It is to the credit of our dedicated school staff that we have been able to continue to support students, as well as offering a range of virtual lessons for most pupils.

We have over 320 children in foster care in Barnet, so it’s incredibly important we raise awareness and show our support for this essential part of our community. With only a few days left, join us in showcasing the honourable commitment of foster carers in the local area by using the hashtag #ThisIsFostering on social media.

Live Unlimited, the charity set up by Barnet Council two years ago, experienced overwhelming support for its Give A Dongle campaign.

There are parents who have the best intention of being there physically, emotionally and financially for their children. However, it’s simply not possible for them to accommodate to the level required for their impressionable young ones. This could be for many reasons such as drug and/or alcohol addiction, mental health conditions and/or financial limitations. Fostering gives a child the opportunity to have some home-life stability, which is crucial for their development – allowing them the opportunity to thrive as they get older.

Today we have launched our “Barnet – Helping Children Back To School” campaign where we’ll be sharing useful resources and guidance for supporting parents, carers and teachers with their children’s mental health on a phased return to school.

Over the next two weeks, schools will begin to admit children in nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6 classes. The safety of pupils is the number one priority for the council and for schools.

Nearly 100 contestants – university and college students, recent Middlesex graduates and borough residents – entered their business or business ideas for the initial elevator pitch round, a record for the competition. Thirty-two advanced to the second workshop stage, getting help to develop their ideas and submitting a Business Model Canvas.

At the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Barnet Council and Volunteering Barnet, part of the Barnet Together partnership, set up Barnet’s Community Response Volunteer platform to help voluntary groups recruit volunteers, enable residents to volunteer safely and help Barnet residents and communities to work together and support each other during the COVID-19 crisis.

The service will be delivered through Community Barnet and Mind in Barnet. Residents will be able to access social and practical support and information as well as accessing immediate emotional support and bereavement counselling. The bereavement support and counselling service is available to adults who live, work or study in Barnet and are struggling with bereavement.