These are exceptionally demanding times for people suffering from any mental health issue or going through depression. Loneliness has also been increased by the difficulty of keeping in touch with family and friends during the lockdown.

Due to the pandemic, the number of people suffering from mental health issues will increase. Mind recommends that local authorities and third sector providers ensure that their staff are adequately trained and supported when dealing with these types of calls.

On World Mental Health Day (October 10), Newham Voices is reminding readers about the importance of increasing awareness, breaking the stigma and seeking support. We want to let you know that help is available.

Although, due to the Covid-19 restrictions, most consultations are done online or over the phone, The East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) has been keeping their mental health support service available 24/7 for the residents of the borough and face-to-face appointments are still available when necessary.

The new Together Café, launched in Stratford in May, is supporting those who are struggling with anxiety in a less formal environment. The Café is staffed by support workers, peer support workers (with lived experience of mental distress) and an art therapist to provide therapeutic interventions in a safe space.

Edward Lander, the Newham crisis pathway manager, said:

“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Café is operating in a modified way, with the offer of telephone or video call support and the option of socially distanced attendance at the Café to keep both service users and staff safe.”

To access it at this service, residents need to ring the Mental Health Crisis Line on 0207 771 5888.

Mind at Tower Hamlets and Newham has reinforced 1:1 wellbeing, mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) sessions in response to an increase in the number of phone calls they receive, which includes former and existing clients, and a substantial number of new referrals. There have been many new enquiries about anxiety and panic.

According to Mind, millennials appear to be more likely to access therapy thanks to the reduced stigma associated with mental health support seeking, however, enquiries are evenly spread across generations.

Data from the ELFT collected in late July reveals that the age group who is seeking support the most is from 35 to 39 year-olds (609), followed by 30 to 34 (534), 25 to 29 (520) and 20 to 24 (461).

Shahan Islam, operational director at Mind Tower Hamlets and Newham said that Covid-19 has highlighted digital inequalities:

“Offering services remotely has been effective for some people but there remain a number of people who don’t have access to Wi-Fi or IT facilities due to their financial circumstances.”

She adds: “There is a high number of people living in overcrowded housing situations. Consideration needs to be given to these residents and measures to improve the range of options and opportunities that support their mental wellbeing.”

That’s why it is important to spread the word to our families, friends, co-workers, neighbours; try to reach those who are digitally excluded, let them know what options are available and help them to access these services.

Please remember, to support is also to listen. Let’s break the stigma and spread the word.

Contact details:

ELFT Mental Health Crisis Line for Newham: 0207 771 5888
Newham 24 Hour Mental Health Crisis Helpline: 0207 540 6782
HeadStart Newham (wellbeing for young people): 020 3373 8600
The Independent Newham Users’ Forum (INUF): 020 8534 2488

Newham Voices is liaising with the local Voluntary and Community Sector to prepare a directory of support organisations and contacts in the borough.

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