What we cannot ignore any longer is the mental health impact of the events of the last year and the ongoing social, economic, health and global crisis and anxieties playing out. This govt cannot delay on acting on this any longer...

More support must be given to MH services both on the ground and also those providing telephone and virtual help. Money to train more MH support workers, to retrain others falling out of other industries, to provide emergency MH first aid care esp for young people.

There is not enough being done to spread the message that feeling lonely, isolated, misunderstood, having fluctuating mood, feeling lost in life, feeling grief, losing friends,changes to our bodies for all sorts of reasons - are all things that happen and shared by lots of people

We must swap all political adverts and every second COVID wash-your-hand advert on TV and other media with IT IS OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY. With clear signposting if where to get help - and ensure that approaches are diverse enough to offer communities what they actually need.

The priority now has to be about ensuring that we understand health is not just a physical thing. Our mental well-being has to move up the agenda. Not just Universal basic income but Universal basic access to MH services. With more of a representative work force in those services

We can no longer keep with approach that those need help will seek it without supportive messaging. Not one that relies on who can afford help/therapy to be fine, and who can’t to squeeze into an already overburdened one-size-fits all system - still working on racist assumptions.

MH fall out is going to be here long after a vaccine unless govt acts NOW. The consequences are just as fatal, the scars generational, and the manifestation will become a real social problem in a matter of months if nothing is done. And the shame of it will be on us all.

And to anyone who knows me, I know I can be annoying and kind of weird socially and I defo talk too much BUT I will listen and hold the space and try to help where I can. I am here. And I am nurturing a big heart and non-judgmental soul. Reach out to someone. Please

Anyone with links to local or national MH support/initiatives pls drop on this thread...

One from Bristol - @otrbristol doing amazing work https://www.otrbristol.org.uk  I just donated!