Improving access to mental health and well-being service during Covid 19 Pandemic
We spoke to the general population who already had mental health issues prior to COVID 19 as well as those who’s mental health has been affected by the pandemic. They described how isolation, bereavement, unemployment and uncertainty about the future had all affected them.
62% of people who did access support services, rated the intervention as ‘excellent’
‘The pandemic is affecting more people than you think, and we won’t be able to just bounce back easily. There will be a chain reaction…. People have been alone for nearly 12 months and may have developed other mental health problems… I don’t think the demand will be able to be met’.
Access to mental health and well-being support organisations had either been postponed or altered to meet the restrictions of the Pandemic, however support had been appreciated. The deaf community had experienced communication difficulties in accessing mainstream services and young people faced many challenges however they adapted to new ways and developed resilience.
People had used a variety of coping mechanisms including walking and new hobbies. The use of virtual support was appreciated, and people suggested that this should be further utilised in the future.
It was agreed that the long-term implications for mental health and well-being services is that there would be an increased demand due to the Pandemic. HWS made 5 recommendations which include improving information about mental health services, support for new parents and access to bereavement services.
