Building better mental health after COVID-19

COVID-19 and measures to contain it are having an adverse impact on mental health – with the level of risk reflecting exposure and entrenched social and economic inequalities.

Key recommendations:

  • Co-designing responses to COVID-19 with mental health service users.
  • Working with the housing sector to continue to address homelessness.
  • Offsetting financial hardships for those experiencing unemployment.
  • Increasing access to support for BAME communities, investing in culturally appropriate care and undertaking a risk assessment for BAME staff working in mental health services.
  • Investment in mental health prevention at a national level and local level.
  • Ensuring young people can access support for mental health through education, primary care and youth organisations.
  • Equipping front-line workers and mental health professionals to respond effectively to violence and abuse whilst ensuring sustainable resourcing for organisations that provide support to survivors.

Download the full briefing 

Contact the author

Dr Karen Newbigging

k.v.newbigging@bham.ac.uk