COVID-19 has impacted the whole country; for almost everyone, life has had to change fundamentally. Research shows that since the start of the pandemic there has been an increase in a range of mental health conditions for adults, from low wellbeing, sleep problems and anxiety to depression.
But there are things that people can do to support their mental health and wellbeing at this time.
On 18 January Public Health England launched the “Better Health – Every Mind Matters” campaign to support the nation’s mental wellbeing with the encouragement that “When things aren’t so good out there, make inside better”.
As part of the campaign, a free NHS-approved ‘Mind Plan’ has been developed. Over 2.6million people have already created one of these personalised plans that provide practical steps they can take to help manage the current external pressures on their mental health and wellbeing.
There are simple things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing. Take the short Mind Plan Quiz from ‘Every Mind Matters’ to get a free NHS plan, full of tailored tips and advice to help you manage stress, sleep better and boost your mood.
Begin your quiz on the NHS website by clicking on the picture:
#EveryMindMatters
| The Samaritans | 116 123 – This a free 24hr phone line number and all calls are confidential |
| SANEline | If you’re experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline on 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day). |
| The Mix | If you’re under 25, you can call The Mix on 0808 808 4994 (Sunday-Friday 2pm–11pm), request support by email using this form on The Mix website or use their crisis text messenger service |
| Papyrus HOPELINEUK | If you’re under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus HOPELINEUK on 0800 068 4141 (weekdays 10am-10pm, weekends 2pm-10pm and bank holidays 2pm–10pm), email pat@papyrus-uk.org or text 07786 209 697. |
| Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) | If you identify as male, you can call the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) or use their webchat service. |
| Nightline | If you’re a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too. |
| Switchboard | If you identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you can call Switchboard on 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day), email chris@switchboard.lgbt or use their webchat service. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+. |
For Covid-19 Support, see Coronavirus Support Information
For more information, visit
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters
#EveryMindMatters
Images and audio: Neil Munday
As in previous years, Susy Radio joined many other local radio stations from all over the country in support of ‘Local Radio Day’. held on Monday, 12th October
