Can you take daily exercise further afield if there are quite serious mental health issues?

[5nugBug]

In the middle lock down they said you could.

[quote RhusTox]@Hollysbush you don't need to carry proof of address, it's already right there on your registration plate. [/quote]
Eh?
That's shows the place the car was first registered, cars get sold to different parts of the country over time

Top of photo should cover this

I appreciate that it’s good to get daylight, but my DD doesn’t want to be seen with me either, but will walk on the dark which is easy enough at this time of year. Just thought I’d mention in case it gives you some more options.
I’m sure going a short drive away is fine though, especially given that you’re the same household.

I went to take my toddler for a walk to a small woodland yesterday, about 10 mins drive from my house and saw a sign as I approached the turn off saying 'Police person in progress'. So I turned around and drove home. I just wanted to walk with DS somewhere that wasn't streets or our small local play park, but didn't want the hassle of having to talk to the police and justify myself and/or get a fine.

It actually really depressed me. I am struggling mentally a lot more than lockdown 1.

“cuckooclok

RhusTox
@Hollysbush you don't need to carry proof of address, it's already right there on your registration plate.

Eh?
That's shows the place the car was first registered, cars get sold to different parts of the country over time hmm”

Cuckoo you know you’re meant to tell the DVLA when you move house?!

Police operation that should say.

Based in the number of cars parked on the main road near us then many people are continuing to drive for their walks. The small parking area is over crowded and full all the time.
Haven't seen a single police car out and about near where they're parked, even though some parts of the road are so badly parked they are blocking much of the road.

@OrangeSamphire

Good idea to carry papers.

OP I think I will take copies of my daughter’s DLA letter, most recent psychiatrist report, and her EHCP.

Ridiculous and a little frightening that we have to do this. But could avoid an unpleasant ambushing from police.

Could you do the same?

'Carry papers'

We're not living in 1950's East Germany FFS.

OP you can exercise where you please.

Yes you can exercise further away, but if you want to not worry about getting in an argument with a misinformed police person then having a letter on your car is an easy solution.

I completely understand what you mean. Even if you don't get fined you don't want the stress of being asked. If you have to fo, go somewhere as unbeautiful as possible. It's the picnicky beauty spots with car parks they are trying to stop people going to be sure they are so busy.

@OrangeSamphire

The law says you can.
We have a law that states you can drive to take exercise? What law is it and what does it state?

Or, do you mean there is not a law that states we cannot travel further afield to take exercise during the lockdown?

Have a friend who has done exactly this. He phoned me to see what I thought. His wife passed away 3 months ago and he needed some quiet meaningful connection in a special place (a hill in his case). I was upset that he was worried about this on top of everything else and felt maybe he couldn’t do it.
That kind of mental health support has to be ok. Even at the cost of tossers taking advantage and being out and far about with no particular/good reason.

I would 100% go if I were you.

I have a serious mental health condition for which I must take antipsychotic medication everyday of my life. I dont find it necessary to drive for miles. Mental health conditions are not a get out of jail free card. If you are not coping contact your GP.

There are no checks anywhere . Don't prioritise scare mongering tactics over your DD mental health. use common sense and be safe

tearsandtiaras

Did you bother to read the thread? My dd is supposed to have talking therapy with her medication. That has disappeared, along with school, friends and pretty much everything to work towards. She is under CAMHs. What do you expect her GP to do. GPS can’t prescribe ADs to children and actually I don’t want her medicated more without the support she is supposed to have to get through a pandemic.

We have been told daily exercise in daylight is crucial. She will not walk in our town and has very good reasons not to want to.

Sorry that was to Shehasadiamondinthesky

And exactly the reason I’m worried re risking it. So many seem to have this attitude.

Well thanks so much to the posters who have ridiculed my use of the word ‘papers’ and nit picked about my wording references to the law.

Jesus Christ, sometimes this site is just 🤯

There are checks happening. Police are stopping, fining and in some cases arresting people.

Just the very act of being stopped would be traumatic for my daughter in her current health.

OP, I’m going to do as another poster suggested and carry papers / paperwork / evidence / proof (whatever the MN approved word is for it )

@5nugBug

I really feel for you and your daughter. I have a DD with serious mental health issues too and I would absolutely drive out to someone safe and calm for her to walk / get fresh air.

As @OrangeSamphire and others suggested - take proof of your address, her condition etc (maybe take medication with you?) and use that if challenged.

If you have letters from CAMHS / DLA or PIP letters, those could be good.

It is so, so important to support & help people with mental health issues stay well - and what you're proposing is very sensible, appropriate & proportionate.

I think what you should not do is go to some popular tourist area, country park or similar. If you are walking around a housing area once you drive, much less chance of anyone doubting this. If you go into a small shop and buy something (wearing a face covering whilst doing this) then less chance I suggest.

@OrangeSamphire

I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter. She's very fortunate to have your support.

Your plan to take your paperwork sounds ideal. She needs you to be her champion and you are ❤️

“RhusTox
@Hollysbush you don't need to carry proof of address, it's already right there on your registration plate.

Eh?
That's shows the place the car was first registered, cars get sold to different parts of the country over time hmm”

Cuckoo you know you’re meant to tell the DVLA when you move house?!“

I’m confused here!! I drove nearly two hours away when I bought my car. Do you mean the police could look up the registered keepers address online?

I would say a ten minute drive is well within your local area. I drive just under that every day to walk my dog in my usual walking place. (There a lots of people there who definitely aren't local but that's another matter).

Ten minutes is a few miles. It's fine.

@Shehasadiamondinthesky

I have a serious mental health condition for which I must take antipsychotic medication everyday of my life. I dont find it necessary to drive for miles. Mental health conditions are not a get out of jail free card. If you are not coping contact your GP.

I imagine you'd agree that mental health issues are complex and wide ranging. What works for you may well not suit someone else - especially a younger person who has yet to be properly diagnosed, maybe.

Your suggestion of speaking to a GP - for young people, they refer to CAMHS, which is overloaded and not functioning properly.
They can't / won't prescribe anti depressants or anxiety medication without a psychiatric report, again, not available at the moment.

I'm delighted that these posters are her to support their young people whilst there is very little other help for them.