Residents in Liverpool are encouraged to keep talking about their mental health during national lockdown
People in Liverpool are being encouraged to talk to friends, family and those they trust about their mental health as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The pandemic has affected everyone, but it is thought that some groups such as young people, people who have been furloughed and key workers, as well as those who are vulnerable and isolated, may be particularly struggling with poor mental health.
The ‘Let’s keep talking’ campaign encourages people who may be struggling to have a chat with someone they trust. As well as this, the campaign asks those who may know someone who is vulnerable or isolated to reach out to them. For those who do not have someone to speak to or who need extra support, the campaign includes signposting to key organisations that can help. The campaign links to the ‘Kind to Your Mind’ campaign website which offers signposting to local services and various mental wellbeing resources including podcasts, information and free online CBT counselling.
Matt Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool said:
“With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to affect our everyday lives, some people will be struggling with feelings of anxiety and stress. If this is you, it is important to know that you are not alone and to reach out to someone close to you to talk through how you are feeling. The ‘Let’s keep talking’ campaign is a great reminder to do this, and to let you know that if you need it, extra help is at hand.
“Through the Kind to Your Mind website, you will find mental wellbeing resources and information about services in your local area who can help you with whatever you are struggling with.”
Danny Sculthorpe, Ex-professional rugby player and State of Mind mental health champion who is supporting the campaign said:
“From my own experience, I know it can be hard to choose to talk to someone when you are struggling with your mental health, but it is so important that you do. Sharing what you are going through can help to reduce the burden. ‘Let’s keep talking’ is an important message at the best of times, but now more than ever before. I am pleased to support this campaign and help to get the message out there.”
For information on organisations and services that can help if you are struggling with your mental health, visit the Kind to Your Mind website www.kindtoyourmind.org
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For media enquiries for Danny Sculthorpe please contact Tracey Lambert, Champs Public Health Collaborative on 07554 114349 traceylambert@wirral.gov.uk
About Champs Public Health Collaborative
Led by the Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health, Champs Public Health Collaborative works across the nine Local Authorities in Cheshire & Merseyside. Champs Collaborative enables resources to be shared and public health initiatives to be delivered across a larger area, improving local health outcomes for its population of 2.5 million people. The Collaborative delivers a number of priorities in partnership with Public Health England North West and the NHS in Cheshire & Merseyside and has been supporting the COVID response in Cheshire & Merseyside. The Champs support team lead, facilitate and enable the delivery of the priorities with local public health teams and partners. The Collaborative is responsible for enabling system leadership, collaborative commissioning, sector-led improvement, finance, CPD/events and communications, mental wellbeing and public health intelligence. More information at www.champspublichealth.com