This year for World Mental Health Day the focus is on mental health in an unequal world. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic it was no secret that mental health services were sorely in need of greater support. Since the pandemic started the negative impact on mental health has continued to grow. Recent studies have shown anxiety, loneliness and hopelessness are far more wide spread throughout the UK than prior to the pandemic (Mental Health Foundation, 2021). These feelings have only been amplified especially amongst young people, unemployed or single parents and those with pre-existent physical and mental health problems.
However, as a result of these greater mental health needs it seems a change might be coming. As more and more awareness is being raised about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, local and national governing bodies are acknowledging the need for more support to those affected both by COVID and pre-existent conditions.
At CBSA we provide lots of ways for people to access informal mental health support through our various projects.
Our Back2Basics Project enables young people to improve their mental health through accessing our gardening and food resilience project as well as get specific, personalised advice and help on money management to help relieve stress and anxiety around finances.
Our 1st Impressions and Feeding Futures projects help those of all ages gain important skills, access training and gain paid placements throughout the county which helps combat mental health issues associated with unemployment such as depression.
We also have volunteering opportunities to increase social engagement; a tool library and clothing banks to provide practical support to those in need and more recently we’ve set up a consultation with young people about their own mental health needs and what further support we can provide as an organisation in the future.
To find out more about the ways CBSA can support families and individuals experiencing mental health needs please get in touch on
And if you are aged 16 – 25 and would like to contribute your view to our mental health consultation then use to QR code below!
