A new national initiative has been launched to help people deal with the physical and mental impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.

The #InThisTogether campaign is about help everyone in Ireland to “Stay active stay connected and look after their mental health.”

As part of the campaign people are being urged to pick a new activity which could help them to “feel a little healthier or a little better” as we come to terms with the outbreak.

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone helps launch the new national #InThisTogether initiative to help people “Stay active stay connected and look after their mental health” during the COVID-19 crisis, 24-04-2020. Image: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Speaking at the launch this afternoon, the Children's Minister Katherine Zappone said it is important for everyone to take action, however small, to protect their mental health:

“It is still a very difficult time and there are days when you feel lower than other days,” she said.

“That is what everyone is going through more or less in different ways, even the strongest of us.

“What do I do? I am looking forward to my Friday night Zoom with wine, tea or non-alcoholic beer, which the Taoiseach actually introduced me to.”

The campaign includes a range of advice for people of all ages – from playtime programmes for children to fitness tips and advice for dealing with cabin fever.

Meanwhile, a number of well-known sports stars have uploaded videos to help people stay active.

Kellie Harrington arrives in Dublin Airport after winning her silver medal in boxing at the European Games, 01-07-2019. Image: Leah Farrell / RollingNews

Irish boxing champion Kellie Harrington said there are many different ways to get moving.

“[It can be] anything, just moving the body, getting a little bit of sweat up and feeling good,” she said.

“As athletes under the banner of Sport Ireland, we are all coming together and we are going to be posting up some small videos with our top tips for staying active, socially connected and fit throughout [the lockdown].”

She encouraged people of all ages to turn on the radio or television and exercise with some music.

“Switch it on and you can do anything; it doesn’t have to be anything too strenuous,” she said. “Just switch it on and dance like nobody is watching – and in five or ten minutes those good endorphins are released.”

The campaign in includes a host of resources for children and parents and offers links to many trusted and high-quality online resources including learning, parenting and information on supports for parents.

There are also supports for gardening, music, education, mindfulness and wellbeing.

All the information can be found at gov.ie/together.