Coronavirus: resources and information

As the Covid-19 pandemic wears on, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. We have all faced worries and continued disruption to daily life, and this can be even more difficult to deal with for those of us who already struggle with our mental health.

In times of uncertainty, it's more important than ever that we take care of our mental health and look out for people living with mental illness. While the current circumstances make this more challenging, even small gestures and actions can make a difference. There are some useful resources below on how we can take care of ourselves and others and get through this together.

Supporting mental health during Covid-19: a brief guide

Hertfordshire County Council commissioned us to produce a short guide for looking after your mental health. It was written towards the end of the first lockdown, but the advice is still highly relevant to our present circumstances.

The resource is intended to be used in workplaces, communities, organisations and charities as a very brief guide to having a conversation about mental health. It provides links to sources of help and support as well as practical ideas and information for people who may need some support to maintain their wellbeing during these challenging times. Access the guide here.

Resources to support our wellbeing during Covid-19

Some useful advice and articles:

• Every Mind Matters and specific resources for young people
• Resilience tips for NHS and care staff - MindEd
• Coronavirus and your wellbeing - Mind 
• The Covid vaccination programme: a guide for people with severe mental illness & carers (updated December 2021) - Equally Well UK
• Mental health support for key workers - Our Frontline
• Maintaining wellbeing while staying home - NHSE/I and PHE Every Mind Matters site 
• Getting support if you're vulnerable, shielding or self-isolating - NHS Volunteer Responders 
• Housing and benefits advice - Shelter
• Hardship Fund for people with a mental health difficulty facing financial hardship in the UK - Mad Covid

Need support with your mental health?

We're living through a very unsettling time. If you're struggling and want to speak to someone, try our list of helplines.

Our work on Covid-19

Resources for organisations and practitioners

• Guidance for psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals working in mental health settings during the pandemic - Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Demand modelling toolkit - we developed this model with NHS colleagues to calculate a forecast of additional demand for mental health services, resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic
• Public mental health and wellbeing and Covid-19 - Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Public Health