Who could have guessed that we’d be back here? 8 months on from the nationwide lockdown in March, back into another one. This winter edition of lockdown will come with its own challenges, the shorter days, cold weather and dark evenings can easily weigh on your spirits, so it’s important to do that extra bit more to make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing.
We are here
We may be all working from home, and doing things differently but our team are here Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm if you ever just want to chat. Whatever the issue please get in touch, we are here to support you and we will find the silver linings in a challenging time.
Our online community project runs every week and is set to grow with some new activities on their way so keep an eye out. Right now, however, you can have a sing-song with us on Thursdays or work up a sweat on a Wednesday, make some friends at our craft sessions on Mondays or lose some friends if your overly-competitive side comes out at Friday night quiz.
Passing time in other ways
If you are looking for other ways to pass the time, we have a whole bunch of suggestions. Here are some of our recommendations of movies, books and more ways you can occupy yourself:
Walks
Try to get fresh air every so often. Be it just a little walk around the block or a stroll through your local park, being active outdoors will help your physical and mental wellbeing greatly, so get out for an morning or afternoon walk where you can- before the dreaded 4.30pm darkness!
Movies
Enola Holmes tackles the story of Sherlock Holmes but with twist- we go on the journey with his little sister Enola. When their mother suspiciously vanishes, Enola pursues the disappearance and goes on quite the adventure to uncover the mystery. Available on Netflix now!
Supernova follows Tusker who is diagnosed with early onset dementia and then travels across England with his partner of 20 years, Sam. The two have on final adventure and reunite with friends and family. The highly reviewed film is set to appear on streaming services this month.
With thanks to Irish Film London, we also have a selection of new DVD titles that we can post to you, please just get in touch!
Books
P.D Bekendam’s ‘Prime Of Life’ beckons the question, is a simple life too much to ask for? Cardiothoracic surgeon turned caretaker, Ben, yearns after a stress-free life but will that be possible with such a stained past?
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is set in WWII and is centred around two sisters living in France when the Nazis invade but the two respond very differently with one joining the resistance. Relationships are tested and the question is asked of what it really means to be free.
With thanks to many generous donators we have a library full of books so join us for a book club throughout lockdown and lets get stuck into a good story.
Winter drinks
Obviously, we can’t expect you to curl up with these books or movies without a hot drink in hand- we’re not monsters! If you crave something a bit different from a coffee or tea, why not try Spiced Orange Mocha Hot Chocolate? It’s super quick and puts a spin on a classic mocha.
What you’ll need:
· 400 mls milk
· 120 grams chopped dark chocolate
· 2 tbsp instant coffee
· 2 tbsp raw sugar
· 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
· 1 + ½ teaspoon cornflour
· ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
· 1/8th teaspoon nutmeg powder
· Zest of one orange cut into strips
Instructions:
1. In a large, heavy bottomed saucepan add the milk, dark chocolate, and instant coffee.
2. On medium heat, combine the ingredients until the chocolate is partially melted.
3. Add the rest of the hot chocolate ingredients and bring to a boil.
4. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the hot chocolate has thickened.
5. Take it off the heat.
6. Immediately pour in mugs and add the desired toppings and serve.
Whatever you do, please, take care of yourself. To reiterate, we are here to help as much as we can. If you do give the drink recipe a go, be sure to send a picture over to us! Until next time… stay safe and let’s keep connected!