Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year, there has been a huge increase in mental health issues, including stress.
As part of Sandwell’s six-week Safer 6 campaign, which has a focus on health and wellbeing this week, residents across Sandwell are being encouraged to look after their mental health.
Dr Lisa McNally, director of public health at the council, said: “The coronavirus pandemic is having a serious effect on mental health.
“Some residents have lost loved ones, others are facing loss of employment or feelings of loneliness, as well as other stress and all of this has happened in a very short space of time.”
Councillor Farut Shaeen, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for living healthy lives, said: “During these stressful times it’s vital we all take our mental health seriously.
“Now is the time to reach out to people we know. A text, a call or an email could make a real difference. But remember not to neglect yourself and your own mental health too.”
Services available for support:
- Sandwell Healthy Minds – for details go to the Sandwell Healthy Minds website or call 0303 033 9903 (8am – 5pm Monday to Friday)
- Kooth – for anyone under the age of 16, there’s a great online mental wellbeing community on the Kooth website
There is also the NHS Every Mind Matters programme, which offers support and advice to anyone concerned about a young person’s mental health.
For advice on how to manage stress, search ‘Every Mind Matters’ online.
Samaritans are available 24/7 at the Samaritans website or call 116 123
