Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund (CMHRF) Information

Due to the current Coronavirus pandemic, more people are looking for support for their mental health. One source of this is likely to be the measures established to limit the virus spread; particularly for those who seek formal and informal networks to support their mental wellbeing.

Additional mental health support during this pandemic can often be found in voluntary sector organisations in communities across the country, but are found to be increasingly at the limit of their resources.

As a result of £5m support from the Government, Mind is administering a £5m grant fund in partnership with other leading mental health providers across England.

To find out more information on the fund and how to apply, please click here or visit:

• Association of Mental Health Providers – https://amhp.org.uk/mental-health-response-fund/
• Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/campaigns/coronavirus-mental-health-response-fund/

Rethink – COVID-19 Advice and Information

Rethink Mental Illness have created a page which is regularly updated with advice and information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Alongside blogs and stories surrounding the subject, Rethink also have COVID-19 pages on what you need to know articles, such as:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Advice for People Living with Mental Illness
• Coronavirus Act 2020
• Changes to the Mental Health Act

You can access this portion of the website here – https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/covid-19-support/

Head Space Service Information

Due to COVID-19, Head Space will be running a telephone service only. The service will still run 7 days a week between 6pm and 10pm.

Please book an appointment via one of these:

• Call between 6pm and 10pm – 07890 257614
• Text – 07890 257614
• Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HeadSpacePlymouth/
• Email – headspace@colebrooksw.org

Please be patient with the service as lines may be busy.

Healthwatch Plymouth Service Information

In line with the Government’s guidance, Healthwatch Plymouth has closed their office until further notice.

If you would like to contact Healthwatch Plymouth, please email info@healthwatchplymouth.co.uk . If the enquiry is urgent, call 01752 205210.

You can still leave feedback about local health and social care services on their website – https://www.healthwatchplymouth.co.uk/

Plymouth Online Directory (POD) – COVID-19 Portal

Plymouth Online Directory (POD) have created a professional portal to signpost queries and searches. Topics covered include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Care Homes and Domiciliary Care FAQs
• Community Connections Team FAQs
• Wellbeing FAQs
• Useful Links

The page can be found here – https://www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/covid19/portal

The National Lottery Community Fund – COVID-19

The National Lottery Community Fund has dedicated a page to feature the latest updates for organisations and projects they fund.

As well as releasing statements, the page also has FAQs and Resources links.

Furthermore, they are running a feature called ‘Looking Ahead’ which sees interviews carried out with existing grant-holders and partners to comprehend responses to COVID-19, what will be effective in future months and how the Fund can assist communities best.

The page can be found here – https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/about/coronavirus-updates

Resources for Managing Anxiety and Staying at Home During COVID-19

Managing Anxiety – This resource highlights techniques for managing anxiety while following social distancing guidelines. It also includes information on anxiety symptoms and helpline numbers.

Stay at Home Kit – The Stay at Home kit provides information on how to manage your wellbeing whilst at home. Additionally, it gives tips on how to manage your day.

Trauma Informed Values – This resource acts as an introduction to trauma informed values. As such, it supplies a reflection around some of the values and principles, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Kindness” – New Mental Health Awareness Week Theme

Continuing with the original week of 18th to 24th May, “Kindness” has been announced as the new theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, in response to COVID-19.

Throughout the week, Mental Health Foundation will release the latest research about the mental health benefits of kindness, along with tips, ideas and stories with the aim of inspiring the nation.

More information on the week of “Kindness” can be found here.