New virtual well-being hub launched.

A new virtual wellbeing hub to promote positive mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic has been launched.

The Department for Communities and the Department of Health have partnered with 15 leading mental and well-being health charities and the Healthy Living Centre Alliance representing 28 local Healthy Living Centres to focus on promoting mental health and well-being during and after the Covid-19 emergency.

A UK wide study involving Queen’s University Belfast has explored the psychological impact of lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic on people here.  The survey of over 2,500 people  included 470 people from NI of which one third have been found to meet the criteria for anxiety (30%) and depression (33%), and one in five (20%) meet the criteria for Covid-19 related PTSD due to the current pandemic. 

Commenting on the launch of the online hub Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey, said: “The CovidWellbeingNI partnership draws together an unprecedented wealth of expertise and support with one clear aim – to promote the positive mental health of people including those vulnerable people and communities who are struggling at this time.

“Existing inequalities have been amplified by the Covid-19 pandemic and it is important that information and support reach as many people as possible.”

The CovidWellbeingNI partnership is calling on people:

• To acknowledge how they are feeling and coping at this time
• Take  positive action to look after their mental health
• Reach out for help and support.

The online well-being hub at www.mindingyourhead.info draws together information, self-help guides and ways to find support on a range of mental health and well-being issues.

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “This is a key part of the Covid Mental Health Response Plan I announced two weeks ago. I would encourage people to use this unique and impressive resource created as a direct response to the emotional impact Covid-19 is having on our society.”

Action Mental Health Chief Executive, David Babington added: “We are delighted to be involved in this brilliant initiative at this time, it is especially welcome to see so many organisations across different sectors pulling together to help support the well-being of our local communities.”