This is a message wishing you well from our counselling team at Simpson House to everyone within the Hagley community.

We hope that the first week of lockdown has gone well for everyone. Uncharted waters for us, with the natural apprehension of following the progress of the virus, matched against the surreal feeling of life within our bubbles.

We are sure that you are working out strategies to manage the new normal. Christchurch has endured considerable heartache in recent history, so I’m sure you will have strategies to cope when times are stressful. All of us will experience different scenarios in our isolation. Some of us will be in a small bubble for the entire duration, while others will be struggling for space because of large numbers. Many will have split bubbles because of essential work commitments.

Many of you will be sorely missing the lost opportunity of special occasions and life milestones, as well as the company of people you are unable to see. Our thoughts are with you.

Some things to consider for the smooth running of your bubble:

• Pay attention to the latest developments with Covid-19, but don’t be consumed by them. We are all part of a sensible strategy to limit the spread of the virus; we can’t do anything else.
• Be kind to yourself and others you are locked in with. No one is perfect, so don’t try to be superhuman – just hunker down and be happy. Be realistic with expectations of yourself and others.
• Enjoy each other’s company and celebrate everyone’s differences.
• Be aware of the different life experiences everyone in your bubble brings to the lockdown and constantly acknowledge and accommodate different perspectives within your bubble.
• Think of others - feeling lonely and isolated is very tough for people. Make the effort to contact your relatives, friends, colleagues and anyone else who might welcome the contact.
• Stay connected; connection with others is the cornerstone of everyone’s wellbeing.
• Expressing positive emotions is important – it will help create good atmosphere within your bubble.
• Don’t thrash social media. Don’t be concerned if you can’t find your phone.
• Look in the mirror and lower your standards – no hairdresser or barber for a month. Man, are they going to have some appointments when this is over. No judgments on how anyone looks.
• Often things can seem gloomier in the evening. This might be a nice time to connect remotely with friends and family, in and out of Christchurch.
• Remember coping mechanisms that work for you, and use them, if you experience cabin fever.
• Feel the air on your face – go for walks while we still can, dig a hole in the garden, shape a shrub with the secateurs, play games together, tidy up, read, do puzzles, keep a journal...
• Strike a balance and use routines. The routine of being in class and connecting with friends and teachers, or going to work has been removed because of the lockdown. Do your best to maintain the routines you have established within your bubble – sleep, private time, group time (meals, favourite programme on tele or other provider), contacting people outside of your bubble, playing games, going for walks while observing physical distance protocols, completing school work, working from home...
• If things are not working for you emotionally, if stress levels are high – seek support. PLEASE contact one of us if you wish. Make referrals by contacting Illa. She will distribute your message to one of the counselling team (email Illa Russell on ir@hagley.school.nz).

Nāku noa, nā

Yours sincerely

Michael Gilchrist – on behalf of Illa Russell, Louise Oskam, Jennifer Sanders and Leanne Buchan.