Mental wellbeing

In light of the Covid-19 outbreak in the UK, it is vital that we continue to manage our mental health and wellbeing especially as some people will be self-isolating and not have the same level of contact with others as they’re used to. News and social media may make people anxious, and whilst this is a scary time, we need to take time to look after ourselves.

Members and other organisations have set up vital support services for people with mental health conditions and their carers.

• Every Mind Matters provides simple tips and advice to start taking better care of your mental health. If you are still struggling after several weeks and it is affecting your daily life, please contact NHS 111 online. If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111.
• Public Health England have produced free, easy ten minute work outs or try other exercise videos at home on the NHS Fitness Studio.
• NHS mental health and wellbeing advice website has self-assessments, audio guides and practical tools, if you are experiencing stress, feelings of anxiety or low mood.
• Turning Point’s employee wellbeing service Rightsteps have developed an online ‘Find Out More’ module focusing on supporting health & wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic which they have made available to the general public. This is particularly useful for people who suddenly find themselves working from home full time.
• The Royal College of Psychiatrists has put together this guidance for psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals working in mental health settings during the pandemic.
• Care Management Matters have collated practical documents and tools including downloads that can support you to recognise the importance of your mental health, make it a priority, and options to incorporate small changes into your life to make things feel easier.
• Mental Health Foundation has mental health tips, as well as resources specifically aimed at looking after yourself through the pandemic.
• Mind has an information hub for navigating Coronavirus with regards the effect on our mental wellbeing.
• The School for Social Entrepreneurs ran a Recover and Rebuild webinar with one focusing on managing your wellbeing and avoiding burnout, and another on parenting through the pandemic.
• ACAS has mental health resources for employers and employees.
• ThriveLDN have toolkits on mental health.
• The King's Fund has a video with Fatima Khan-Shah on self care and resilience during Covid-19.
• Skillsforce have some guidance on,Leadership and developing resilience in the workplace.
• Rethink also has information online about mental illness and Covid-19.
• Samaritans has information online if you're worried about your mental health during lockdown.
• Anna Freud has Coronavirus support for early years, children, parents, educational settings and professionals.
• Anxiety UK have extended their helpline hours and provide a range of resources and support, including webinars, to help people to deal with their anxiety.
• The World Health Organisation published this on mental health and psychosocial considerations during the Covid-19 outbreak.
• Social Enterprise UK ran a webinar on mental health and working from home.
• Shout has some general tips for managing anxiety, stress and worry.
• Exceptional Individuals has a helpful blog on working from home with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.
• Mental Health UK has Coronavirus information and support resources online.
• Student Minds has resources to help students through Coronavirus.
• City Mental Health Alliance has resources for businesses on supporting the mental health of their employees during the coronavirus outbreak as well as their Thriving at Work guide.
• BBC have written about how to protect your mental health
• The Guardian have written about how to look after yourself and others in self-isolation.