LINCOLNTON – Staff at the Lincoln County Department of Social Services continue to offer programs geared to help those who are receiving FNS (formerly food stamps) benefits make progress towards
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On a breezy Tuesday morning at Holly Oak Park in Shelby, arts and crafts and painting provided an escape for individuals battling mental illness.
The Self Care in the Park event was designed to be a day of restoration. Residents gathered to make crafts, including painting planter pots and writing self-affirmation phrases to put in mason jars.
Melodie McSwain, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Cleveland County, said self-care is critical during this time as many people are still recovering from the impact of COVID-19.
“Self-care is important,” said McSwain. “It was important before the pandemic, but this past year we have all seen increasing levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness that comes from increased isolation. The idea behind this event was to bring people together and to have a chance to take part in some self-care activities that they can replicate at home.”