Posted March 27th 2020
We are living through difficult times.
While we were delighted to announce recently that NCMH has received funding for the next five years, we also recognise we are in a period of uncertainty.
At NCMH our priority will always be the health and wellbeing of our staff, those we collaborate with in clinical services and, most importantly, the people with lived experience who contribute so much to our work.
For this reason, consistent with most non-Covid-19 related programmes of research, we have temporally suspended all face to face research assessments.
Our team continue to work at home on the exciting plans for our work over the coming years so we will be ready to continue when we are through this crisis.
In addition, we believe there are important questions about the impact of the crisis on mental health that we are able to address through our online assessment platform.
On this front, we would be very grateful to hear people’s thoughts about the questions they would like to see research address at this time. Please email us at info@ncmh.info with your thoughts.
At NCMH, we are also working on ways of supporting people with mental health conditions through this very difficult time.
We all appreciate the support you have given us to date and look forward to working with you in the years to come.
Together we can make a difference for mental health.
NCMH Director, Professor Ian Jones
Resources
- Potential risk factors for the impact of COVID-19 on health: People with learning disabilities – a really good summary of the relative risks of Covid-19 for people with a learning disability and prompts for awareness and equality of access to health care.
- Government guidance for the public on mental health and wellbeing
Every Mind Matters
Every Mind Matters is promoted by Public Health and gives simple and practical advice to support a healthier mind and get more out of life – from how to deal with stress and anxiety, to boosting our mood or sleeping better. Every Mind Matters has a website and helpful tools, resources and videos.
- NHS Mental Health and Wellbeing pages – information including tips, support and audio guides.
MIND
MIND the national mental health charity has developed an information and support guide on Covid-19 and your wellbeing. This includes information if you are anxious or worried about coronavirus. It provides information on taking care of your mental health and wellbeing such as staying connected, taking care with news and information and tips to keep your mind active.
This content reflects the best advice at the time and will be updated as necessary, particularly if there are changes to public health guidance.
Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation has developed an information and support guide on looking after your mental health during the Covid-19 outbreak. Here you can find tips for yourself, friends and family to look after your mental health.
Mindfulness, breathing and relaxation resources
- Mindfulness and relaxation apps such as Stop Think Breathe
- Free workplace mindfulness audio tracks from Bangor University including breathing spaces and mindfulness
Other support helplines and information sources
- C.A.L.L. Mental Health Helpline for Wales Free confidential listening and emotional support service, information and literature on mental health and related matters for people in Wales. Anyone concerned about their own mental health or that of a friend or relative can access the service. Freephone 0800 132 737 or text 81066 24/7 service
- Samaritans Cymru – You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. Free confidential emotional support to anyone experiencing feelings of distress. Freephone 116 123 or email joe@samaritans.org 24/7 service
- Other mental health helplines from the NHS
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