Page 48 - Real Rochdale Issue 12 Winter 2021

Beware the
coming winter
of discontent
The icy wave of a pandemic is on its way to
Britain as the year draws to a close.
You are probably thinking I am talking about
Covid, which has been biting again since the
autumn, or even the flu which we so often ask
you to get immunised against.
But this year, mental health dominates my
thinking – and yes, I am worried about it.
High schools are using trauma techniques to
settle the minds of young people – which says
much about the anxieties our children have
faced through a long lockdown and then a
stuttered return to education.
Growing up in our fast-paced society meant
they were already the most susceptible group to
mental health problems before Covid.
Organisations such as CAHMS are there to help,
though I am aware of an influx they are facing.
Adults too are feeling the strain of returning to
work with the long lingering shadow of Covid.
But there are other anxieties too, not least
financial pressure. Initial statistics showed
unemployment levels doubled during lockdown,
and there is the flipside of this – a lack of trained
people in posts.
This can result in increased stress at work. And
since goods and services have been affected by
the skills shortage, an added nightmare before
Christmas of not being able to do everything
from essential household repairs to sourcing
food and presents.
A long wait for medical appointments is also
expected. We all feel gloomy when we are ill, and
it can breed problems such as depression. The
REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2021
Formerly trading as Mike Ellor
& Son, this family business has Visit our showroom or book your free home visit with
been serving Rochdale since
1962. Although Mike has now our mobile carpet store.
long since retired, his son
Mark has kept the • We’ll beat any like-for-like quote
long-standing traditions of his • Expert Floortrain-accredited fitters
father running, which are now • Free measuring and home sample service
being passed onto the next • Roll stock - roll ends - carpet whipping/edging service
generation.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social Mark, who has over 25 years of Mark added: “Due to our low
care campaigner, and champion of social justice and
charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful experience under his belt, said:
advocate for his patients and introduced innovative overheads, we are often
methods to improve their care. His work mentoring “I was taught by my father and cheaper than the high street
and employing young people has won national I’m happy to be passing on both stores and offer to beat any
recognition and he was awarded an OBE in 2020 for
his creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity. his and my experience to local genuine quotation.
Rochdale apprentices through
the Floortrain programme.” “We are firm believers in ‘shop
temptation to blame NHS staff can be tempting local’ and in the use of local
but dealing with a crisis has also left them Carpets Rochdale offers an suppliers so we are proud to
physically and emotionally exhausted. honest, professional service stock the full range of Capper
with clear pricing and no Sharrock and Penthouse
With services depleted, how do we find time to hidden extras, really going the carpets.”
heal our minds? I have always believed mental extra yard in supplying and
and physical health are intrinsically linked and fitting carpets and vinyl from You can be assured of a quality Free no obligation
should be treated with the same seriousness. the same leading brands as service from Carpets Rochdale, measures, quotes and
Easing up on the alcohol (which is a depressant) high street stores – at a service which will continue professional advice.
is a good start, as is examining your diet. Exercise discounted prices. for many years to come.
releases positive endorphins in the brain, which
will make your body and mind feel better. Talking
is important, too. Organisations like The Our brand-new
Samaritans are often equated with suicide Rugs2runners
prevention, but they can be great to help you
beat isolation and problem-solve. showroom is now open
next door at unit 4
Occupying the body and mind, while positive, is with hundreds of rugs
not always successful. Poor mental health may to choose from in store
have roots in much deeper things, so moments or online with free
of crisis mean seeing your GP is paramount. We UK delivery.
can offer medical support to stabilise conditions
such as anxiety, depression and even psychosis.
Finally, it would be remiss not to mention rough Units 3 & 4, The Landings, 147-149 Oldham Road, Rochdale OL16 5QY
sleepers, who suffer with the direst mental and 01706 249643 or 07824 116223
physical health in society. Please do your bit to
support them through charities: if you can, also carpetsrochdale.co.uk
talk with them about the issues they face.
48 49 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2021