Not for Profit
Published: February 17, 2021 | Updated: 18th February 2021
People are experiencing the most difficult challenges to their mental health so far during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dorset Mind says requests for help have risen again during the third lockdown with people needing help more than ever.
Without a firm end in sight to the disruption in the workplace, the charity says it is critical that more support is on hand to help people build resilience and manage stress.
Dorset Mind’s training team has identified workers and employers, in particular, trying to work from home, changing the way they operate while, at the same time, home schooling children or living on reduced incomes.
They are experiencing increased stress, anxiety, burnout and depression.
The charity has responded by unveiling an extended range of training courses and presentations.
It’s a direct response to the worsening mental health issues and an attempt to provide the education, support and information needed to not just survive but thrive.
Alexis Stevens, Training Manager, Dorset Mind, said: “It comes as no surprise – lockdown number three is challenging us mentally, physically and emotionally.
“We’ve experienced almost a year of restrictions and the dark winter months, and seemingly endless monotony of life without socially connecting with friends, family and colleagues has been extremely difficult to endure for everyone.
“In particular those trying to juggle jobs, childcare and other caring responsibilities.”
The Office for National Statistics’ latest survey ‘Coronavirus and the social impacts on Britain (February 5, 2021)’ reports that depression in adults has doubled since pre-pandemic levels – and anxiety is the highest it’s been since April 2020.
Business uncertainty and the financial impact of redundancies have also added extra strain, along with the pressure of working from home and managing home schooling.
Dorset Mind says it has noticed these issues and others, such as grief, loneliness and isolation, contributing to a considerable increase in demand for support services.
Referrals for some services have risen by 80 per cent.
The findings have prompted Dorset Mind’s training team to expand its offer for organisations and individuals alike.
The team has added ‘Resilience,’ ‘Grief, Loss and Big Change’ and ‘Understanding Suicide’ sessions to its range of established training programmes that include ‘Mental Health Awareness,’ ‘Beating Stress, Anxiety and Burnout’ and ‘Courageous Conversations for Managers.’
A one-hour talk – ‘Your Mental Health Matters’ – has already received glowing feedback from Aster Group, Ceuta Group and Osprey Europe.
It also opened some frank and honest conversation about employee wellbeing within the companies which have continued.
Dorset Mind is now an approved Mental Health First Aid England Instructor member.
As such it has now added online adult Mental Health First Aid courses to complement its portfolio of training.
To recognise the selfless efforts of keyworkers and teachers, the charity is offering an introductory discount of 20 per cent for its Mental Health First Aid training courses.
Marianne Storey, pictured left, CEO, Dorset Mind, said: “As a local Mind, we have the flexibility to react swiftly to the needs of our communities.
“We’ve expanded our bespoke training package to help alleviate the impact of what’s happening during the pandemic.
“These new additions add substance to our already established packages for mental health awareness.
“They help people to recognise early signs and triggers of mental ill health.
“They also provide practical strategies to prevent stress and burnout, and deal with the enormity of change, which can be completely overwhelming.
“Our training courses give delegates an in-depth understanding of mental health – and the group work and lived experience of our trainers adds genuine context to the course.
“We’re pleased to offer keyworkers and teachers a 20 per cent discount to train with our expert instructors.
“We recognise they’re under huge stresses themselves – and we can train them to support their co-workers.”
Dr Andy Mayers, pictured right, Dorset Mind Patron and Principal Academic at Bournemouth University, said: “The negative impact of Covid-19 on mental health continues to cause concern, which is why I am proud of the way that Dorset Mind has responded by adapting support services.
“Despite all of the poorer effects of Covid, one positive outcome I have seen from this pandemic is the re-emergence of a sense of community.
“People are pulling together in a way seldom seen before.
“Perhaps more than ever, this is a time where we should be looking out for each other.
“I truly believe that these new courses are an opportunity for local organisations to invest in their community and help rebuild mental health at the same time.”
