- Mental Health Foundation calls on UK Government to invest more in public health in the forthcoming Spending Review, to solve mental health inequalities in the wake of the pandemic
- Foundation research shows how crisis continues to have unequal effects on mental health
The Covid Response Programme projects across the UK include:
Long Covid, WalesThe Long Covid project aims to bring hope, improve wellbeing and reduce social isolation in individuals living with Long Covid.The two-year peer support project will help people who have already attended the six-week Expert Patient Programme, provided by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in north Wales, and will then build on that support over a sustained period to effectively equip people to self-manage their condition, using trained peer supporters from others experiencing the effects of Long Covid. This project has been selected as an exemplar of the Bevan Commission scheme.Young Mums Connect, EnglandYoung Mums Connect is a three-year programme in Nottingham and Greenwich, that builds on previous work to support young vulnerable mothers and their children. This programme is provided in partnership with Nottingham City Council, MumsAid and The Motherhood Group.Young Mums Connect offers peer support to improve mental health, bringing young mothers and their babies together in weekly creative activities and group discussions. Weekly activities provide information about mental health, parenting and advice to help build young mothers’ confidence to deal with their future.Alongside peer support, Young Mums Connect will provide learning opportunities for health and social care teams across England, increasing their capacity to respond to the unique needs and experiences of young, vulnerable mothers.
Living Well: Emotional Support Matters, ScotlandIn Scotland, the Foundation is partnering with the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland for the Living Well: Emotional Support Matters project. It will enable eight charities working with people who are living with long-term health conditions to provide mental health support.These eight charities are: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, SISG, Braveheart, Versus Arthritis, Diabetes Scotland, Waverley Care, Clan Cancer Support and MS Mid Argyll.Connecting Creatively: Single Parents Wellbeing, WalesConnecting Creatively offers a safe space for single parents and their children by encouraging creativity and positive parenting and through building a peer support network. In doing this, we hope to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of single parents, to improve their social connections and strengthen the relationships between parents and their children.Ultimately, the project aims to promote wellbeing, promote good parent/child bonding and build people’s emotional resilience, which will have a long-term positive impact on the lives of the families involved.
Notes to editors
- For further information and interview requests contact press@mentalhealth.org.uk .
About the Monday Charitable TrustThrough its grant making, the charity primarily supports: hospices; young people with the provision of life skills and/or improving social mobility; mental health; members or former members of the armed forces; people transitioning from rough sleeping.
About the Mental Health FoundationOur vision is of good mental health for all. The Mental Health Foundation works to prevent mental health problems. We drive change towards a mentally healthy society for all and support communities, families and individuals to lead mentally healthy lives, with a particular focus on those at greatest risk. The Mental Health Foundation is also the home of Mental Health Awareness Week.