As circumstances develop due to coronavirus, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. We will all have worries and experience disruption to daily life, and this will be even more difficult to deal with for those of us who already struggle with our mental health. In times of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we take care of our mental health and look out for people living with mental illness.
Neil Holmes Director
Synergy Creative Community CIC
| 21st April 2020 : A message from Neil Holmes, Director of Synergy Creative Community CIC
“As circumstances develop due to coronavirus, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by uncertainty. We will all have worries and experience disruption to daily life, and this will be even more difficult to deal with for those of us who already struggle with our mental health. In times of uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we take care of our mental health and look out for people living with mental illness.” |
| 17th April 2020 : Mental wellbeing while staying at home |
| 17th April 2020 : Mental health helpline launched for NHS England staff
Hospice UK, the Samaritans and Shout, have worked with NHS England to launch a new helpline for NHS staff to help support their mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 crisis. You can read more about this here. The service will help support NHS staff with a wide range of issues that they might face, including practical and financial advice through to specialist bereavement and psychological support. NHS staff will be directed to appropriate trained experts depending on their needs. The helpline is open from 7am – 11pm every day. Outside of those times, NHS staff can access the service via text. The service is available to all NHS staff and can be accessed by: Telephone: 0300 131 7000 |
| 17th April 2020 : How to access government financial support for those affected by Covid-19
Government help is available to those affected by Covid-19, that is for individuals and organisations who are struggling financially in the crisis. Click on these links to find out more: You may also want to contact your local authority to find out more. |
| 17th April 2020 : DHSC Covid-19 VCSE partner update
As a VCSE partner of the Dept. of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NSUN now attends a weekly webinar where we are given updates on Covid-19. NHS Volunteer Responder scheme Find out more on the RVS website here. |
| 17th April 2020 : What is the impact of self-isolation and quarantining on our mental health? |
| 17th April 2020 : Lots of creative options from the MARCH network
Covid-19 and social isolation |
| 17th April 2020 : A message from MIND
Mind in Brighton and Hove Advice & Information Service – Covid-19 update We can offer support to: This includes information on: Call us on 01273 666950 between 9am – 5pm. Please be aware our phone lines may be busy so please leave us a message and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Alternatively, send us an email to info@mindcharity.co.uk , or visit our website www.mindcharity.co.uk |
| 14th April 2020 : Looking forward to reconnecting with community when we’re out of lockdown Our very own Jo spoke to Grassroots Suicide Prevention about the importance of looking ahead and reconnecting.”For a lot of our participants, this is everyday life – missing out on creative things that can boost our mood, help us feel together and connected.” Looking forward to reconnecting with community when we’re out of lockdown
Prevent-suicide.org.uk
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| 4th April 2020 : Helpful links and advice https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/coronavirus-updateManaging our mental health during COVID-19 Some useful advice and articles:
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| 2nd April 2020 : Brighton Quarantine Delivery http://www.brightonquarantine.co.uk Independent shops delivering during the coronavirus crisis  |
| 2nd April 2020 : Mutual Aid Vegan Foodbank If anyone is struggling to afford basic supplies/food. Mutual Aid Vegan Foodbank is open on TUESDAY as usual. No referalls needed, no questions asked- you get a bag of food, we also have some hygiene products (mainly pads and tampons), some fruit and veg.It’s on the back of Cowley Club , entrance from Providence Place. Opening hours are 13.00-15.00 |
| 2nd April 2020 : Coronavirus (COVID-19): an easy-read guide to looking after your feelings and your body https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876996/Easy_read_looking_after_your_feelings_and_body.pdf |
| 2nd April 2020 : Action for Happiness Calendars Our monthly calendars are packed with actions you can take to help create a happier and kinder world. Click a calendar below to download – you can find other language versions there too! https://www.actionforhappiness.org/calendars  |
| 31st March 2020 : Hardship Fund for the Mentally Ill during COVID-19 on gofundme We are Jo Edge and Bethan Edwards, both survivors of mental illness and the psychiatric system. Jo is a doctor of medieval history, currently working at the John Rylands Library at the University of Manchester, beginning a stint as Women’s Rep on the National Executive Committee of the University and College Union in May 2020. Bethan is a Research OT employed by the NHS, and is also undertaking her PhD . She professionally registered with the HCPC and is an admin of Recovery in the Bin, a user led critical theorist and activist collective. Both Jo and Bethan are Welsh.Money will only go to those who need it: folks who do not have access to other available funds from employers or through the government.To apply for funds, please fill in this short online survey (also featured on the page below): https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/73YNTCZTo find out more, please click here. https://www.gofundme.com/f/hardship-fund-for-the-mentally-ill-during-covid19 |
| 31st March 2020 : Food banks – find your local one and donate/help out Food banks are playing a very important part in ensuring people have enough food to eat in these challenging times.If you are either in need of help yourself or would like to find out how you can help, find and contact your local food bank here:Find a food bank here. https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/  Ways in which you can help include: • donate money • donate food • volunteer • become a business partner Contact your local food bank to find out the best way you can help |
| 31st March 2020 : Coping with Coronavirus Lockdown When Your Mental Health is Already Not Great https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/blog/coping-with-coronavirus-lockdown-when-your-mental-health-is-already-not-great  |
| 31st March 2020 : Managing an anxiety disorder in the midst of coronavirus https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/blog/centre-mental-health-blog/managing-anxiety-disorder-coronavirus  |
| 31st March 2020 : National Survivor User Network NSUN is a community of people and groups who come together to support each other. We come together in many ways: physically, digitally through social media or through sharing information.During these uncertain times, we will try and share with you what we can that is useful. In particular, we will think of ways of being together, when we can’t physically be together. And finally, we will continue our campaigning role, ensuring that policy and legislative changes are scrutinised and are rights based.Read more here: https://www.nsun.org.uk/ Covid-19: General Information |
| 31st March 2020 : Coronavirus cabaret: the online show combating social isolation – video. A beautiful film about the importance of community during difficult times. https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2020/mar/26/coronavirus-cabaret-the-online-show-combating-social-isolation-video  |
26th March 2020 : LIST OF LOCAL DELIVERY/COLLECTION SERVICES (and in Brighton/Hove)
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| 26th March 2020 : Free courses at edX : https://www.edx.org/ Gain new skills, advance your career, or learn something just for fun. EdX is a nonprofit offering 1900+ courses from the world’s best institutions including Harvard, MIT, Microsoft, and more. Learn computer or data science, business, engineering, finance, history, language and more.  |
| 26th March 2020 : The antidote: your five favourite reads that have nothing to do with coronavirus |
| 23rd March 2020 : NSUN Covid-19: Mental Health Information A great, regularly updated resource for your mental health during this difficult time. https://www.nsun.org.uk/news/covid-19-mental-health-information  |
| 23rd March 2020 : MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES We have prepared a resource page of creative activities to do at home. https://www.marchnetwork.org/creative-isolation We will be updating this regularly, so do send us suggestions.For now, our deadlines for our Plus Funding remain and we plan to hold twitter chats for questions in the coming weeks. However, we will continue to review the situation as things develop and will make adjustments if required.In the meantime we send our best wishes to all of you, and thank you for your support The MARCH Team
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| 23rd March 2020 : How to help others during the Corona virus crisis: |
| 21st March 2020 : Online resources available during social distancing and self-isolation at Survivors Network
In this difficult time, it may be useful to know about some of the amazing resources available online to help you out if you’re having to social distance or self-isolate. We’ve curated a master-post of online resources, from mental health self-care to ways you can feel like you’ve left the house. We hope they help. 
Helplines & Web-Chats
Our Helpline Mon, Wed and Thurs from 7-9pm on 01273720110 for survivors of sexual violence and abuse Rape Crisis England & Wales Helpline: 08088 029 999 between 12-2.30pm and 7-9.30pm Rape Crisis England & Wales Live Web Chat – days and times listed online Elefriends: Supportive web-chat through Mind Shout: 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for people struggling to cope. Text: 85258 Samaritans: Call 166123 for FREE. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Open 24/7, 365 days a year. Childline: Between 9am – midnight Safeline: Support for people all genders who have experienced sexual abuse: 0808 800 5008 National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 Open Monday to Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm; Wednesdays and Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm E: help@galop.org.uk Women’s Aid Online chat: Monday to Friday 10:00am – 12:00pm Hopeline UK: If you are a young person at risk of suicide, call: 0800 068 41 41; Text: 07860 039967; Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org Brighton Mental Health Rapid Response: Call 0300 304 0078. The Mental Health Rapid Response Service (MHRRS) is a rapid assessment service for patients suffering from mental health problems who are at risk and may not be able to keep themselves safe, or are considering attending A+E for help with their mental health. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and health professionals, carers or patients can ring for advice. MOSCAC – helpline for non-abusive parents whose child has experienced abuse. 0800 980 1958 Lines open 10am to 2pm (Monday, Thursday and Friday) and 10am to 6pm (Tuesday and Wednesday). Telephone befriending service for the elderly Free emotional support from trained listeners; online counselling CALM helpline: Confidential Emotional Support for Men Mon-Fri 1pm-11pm 0800585858 |
| 21st March 2020 : Elefriends
Elefriends is a supportive online community where you can be yourself. We all know what it’s like to struggle sometimes, but now there’s a safe place to listen, share and be heard best wishes and take care of yourself and those around you |
