Phase is a small Hitchin charity with a big mission – to work alongside young people to promote their wellbeing and resilience.

Across the last year their mission has become even more important as we all face the challenges of lockdown, social distancing and stress caused by Covid.

Phase strongly believe that when children are supported early it is possible to prevent more serious emotional and mental health issues developing.

So, read on for Phase's highgly-acclaimed director Kieran Murphy share his thoughts on the current situation after the government's road map out of lockdown announced earlier this week.

................

It was exciting news from PM Boris Johnson as he announced the roadmap for the way out of lockdown and hopefully the dawn of a new era of life alongside covid.

However, we are most definitely still in the tunnel, and the light at the end is some way off but hopefully the steady steps forward will help bring this hope to reality.

Phase is focused on building the wellbeing and resilience of children and young people and has been providing support and resources to help people get through the last 12 difficult months, we were excited to hear that schools would be opening to all students in the coming weeks and that key aspects of social connection would slowly start to return with all being well, summer 2021 is one of hope and joy.

Between now and then there will still be bumps in the road and at Phase we wanted to share three key thoughts to keep us all mentally well and healthy and have the resilience to manage any challenges we all might face heading to June 21.

Manage expectation – as Benjamin Disraeli said 'I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best.

As we work towards June, it is good to have things in the diary to look forward to – seeing family, friends, holidays, even the Euros!

However, by managing our expectations of what may happen we can balance disappointment if things change such as dates being pushed back by government or events not being able to go ahead as planned.

Be prepared for things to change, have hope that all will be well – manage expectation.

Be aware of what you can control

There is much I would like to control – the weather, traffic, Luton Town FC winning!

We often want to control things that are out of our control, this can create a lot of stress and anxiety.

Taking some time to go through a very simple yet extremely helpful activity called control circles can help ease the pressure and worry that can come from trying to control the uncontrollable.

Phase have produced a short video explaining how to use the circles

A wise man once said 'Don't worry about tomorrow, today has enough trouble of its own.'

Take proactive steps to maintain good wellbeing.

For us to enjoy the summer we need to get there in the best mental, emotional and physical state we can.

The days are getting longer, the weather is warmer, and spring is in the air, be proactive about building your wellbeing, like anything it takes action.

Be aware of how you are feeling, do not ignore it, talk to a friend, a family member.

If you a young person in school you can use the Phase virtual mentoring service here

If you're an adult, then there are excellent services here in Hitchin – Herts Mind Network, Tilehouse Counselling and the Samaritians to name just a few.

Acting early in any situation can have a huge difference on the outcome, Desmond Tutu once said 'There comes a point where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in.'

If you would like to know more about their work visit Phase