With the country in ‘lockdown’ and many people feeling understandably anxious about their health, employment, family and friends, it is more important than ever to share helpful advice resources for managing everyone’s mental health and wellbeing.

Government Advice

The government has published detailed and useful advice that covers steps we can all take in looking after our mental health and wellbeing, as well as specific advice for those with additional mental health conditions. This can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19

The government has also produced specific advice for supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing

Support and Resources

Every Mind Matters has a dedicated area of the website that covers coronavirus and mental wellbeing: https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Anxious Minds is inviting people to join their online Recovery Centre on Facebook, which already has over a thousand members. There’s a poster with additional information and services.

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Support for Children and Young People

Kooth is a web based confidential support service available to young people. Kooth provides a safe and secure means of accessing mental health and wellbeing support designed specifically for young people.

Kooth offers young people the opportunity to have a text-based conversation with a qualified counsellor. Counsellors are available from 12noon to 10pm on weekdays and 6pm to 10 pm at weekends, every day of the year on a drop-in basis. Young people can access regular booked online counselling sessions as needed. Outside of counselling hours young people can message our team and get support by the next day. Visit www.kooth.com to find out more.

Young Minds – what to do if you’re anxious about coronavirus – simple and clear advice alongside helpline service.