Coronavirus: resources and information

As the coronavirus wears on, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. We will all have worries and have experienced disruption to daily life, and this will 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 have commissioned us to produce a short guide for looking after your mental health, not only during the lockdown but in the months to come. This 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.

You can access the guide here.

 

Managing our mental health during COVID-19

Some useful advice and articles:

• Guidance for on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus - Public Health England
• Guidance on supporting young people's mental health during coronavirus - Public Health England
• Coronavirus and your wellbeing - Mind 
• Mental health support for key workers - Our Frontline
• Briefing on children's mental health during COVID-19 - Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition
• Maintaining wellbeing while staying home or get your mind plan - NHSE/I and PHE Every Mind Matters site 
• Housing and benefits advice - Shelter
• Surviving lockdown with voices and visions - Hearing Voices Network
• Hardship Fund for people with a mental health difficulty facing financial hardship in the UK - Mad Covid
• Supporting the mental health of furloughed workers during the coronavirus outbreak [PDF] - City Mental Health Alliance
• Resilience at home guide [PDF]
  - Centre for Behaviour Change (UCL), Hertfordshire County Council and Norfolk County Council

 

Need support with your mental health?

We know this is a very unsettling time for many people. If you're struggling and want to speak to someone, try our list of helplines.

 

Our work on Covid-19

 

Messages from Sarah

Working towards equality in mental health in the context of 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
• Public mental health and wellbeing and COVID-19 - Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Public Health 
• Smaller grants to support user-led organisations and smaller, unconstituted community groups - NSUN 

 

Economics and the pandemic

A series of short videos from our Chief Economist, Nick O'Shea

 

How we are working during the COVID-19 crisis

At the Centre, the wellbeing and safety of our staff and the people we work with is paramount. Working from home remains an option for all staff. We have put social distancing measures in place in our office so that staff can have the option of working there if they choose. We are holding online team meetings, keeping in regular contact, and holding all meetings with partners online. You can still get in touch with the team and we will continue to carry out our work and share news and updates over the coming weeks.