With Covid-19 imposing physical distancing and personal sheltering at home on the general public, one charity is developing new ways for the Manx community to stay actively engaged, supported and positive.
Quing, a mental health charity, works with residents within an open and inclusive community that provides opportunities for people with life challenges that significantly impact on their self-worth and well-being, to meet others like them.
To continue this work during the pandemic, Quing founder Graham Clucas has worked to create an online platform for the charity to help residents overcome the practical challenges of not being able to meet up.
It is also providing online community activities to maintain the important sense of belonging.
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Mr Clucas told the Manx Independent that Quing is hosting daily online webinars provide an informal community drop in session.
The session is for people to check in with each other and enjoy a catch up.
Quing TV, as the online platform is known, will offer regular streaming wellbeing activities along with exercises such as mindfulness, yoga classes and storytelling sessions.
Mr Clucas said the charity is looking for local volunteers who can help to run any of these sessions.
The platform is also producing ’good news’ segments which don’t focus on Covid-19.
He has also arranged for education and training package to meet the needs of community volunteers, online moderated forums accessed through Quing’s website and messaging groups which are helping members to keep in informal contact.
Mr Clucas explained: ’As well as these new services, all of our regular counselling and training sessions will continue using remote tools and those affected have been contacted.’
He added: ’Supporting, remote learning package is being developed for peer mentors and therapists and counsellors’ qualifications that will be available to all Manx residents in the future.’
To take part in Quing TV, residents need to register online at https://quing.im/register/.
For more information about Quing and the work it does, visit www.Quing.im or search for Quing on Facebook.