Access to mental health and well-being services in Sandwell during COVID-19 Pandemic
Download (PDF 1.49 MB)Summary of report content
The objectives of the project were:
- To understand how COVID – 19 has impacted on people’s mental health and what coping mechanisms they have utilised.
- To ascertain which mental health and wellbeing services in Sandwell were accessed during COVID – 19 including how they were accessed and how effective they were.
- To consider what the longer-term implications are for individuals and mental health services
There were 50 responses to the survey, 30 participants in the focus groups and 15 telephone interviews.
When asked if Covid-19 had affected their mental health, 60% of the respondents to the question said that their mental health had been affected. It was agreed by the respondents that there would likely be increased demand for mental health services as a result of the Pandemic.
Although accessing services digitally was welcomed and appreciated by most, for those who do not have access to digital support (apart from telephone), felt further isolated. Several factors were identified why people were not connecting digitally and included: digital poverty, a fear of using various devices and a fear about internet scams.
This report identified how COVID-19 has impacted on people’s mental health and wellbeing and that isolation, bereavement, unemployment, and uncertainty about the future have all affected people.
Access to mental health and wellbeing support organisations have either been postponed or altered to meet the restrictions of the Pandemic. While support was appreciated, it did not meet everyone’s needs.