The Government has announced to help people cope if they are struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

This includes a 拢5 million grant for mental health charities to pay for additional services, which could include telephone and online support for the most isolated and vulnerable people. The grant will be administered by Mind.

The Government and NHS England said they鈥檙e working closely with mental health trusts to ensure those who need them have access to NHS mental health services.

Public Health England has also issued guidance and tips to the public to help support people鈥檚 mental health, as part of the plans聽 which have been backed by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Our response

Suky Kaur, our Head of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 encouraging to see the Government is taking action to support people who are struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.

鈥淲e believe counselling and psychotherapy can play a critical role in supporting the nation through this crisis and in helping with its long-term recovery.

鈥淭he role of professional and qualified therapists is now more important than ever before 鈥� which is why we鈥檙e campaigning for the Government to do more to maximise counselling and psychotherapy during this time. 聽We鈥檙e asking the Government to: work with us to ensure there is a workforce to deliver a comprehensive mental health response to the crisis; tackle labour market barriers and signpost the public to the best mental health support.

鈥淲hat the Government has announced so far is a good start 鈥� but we鈥檙e hoping more can be put in place to support the public鈥檚 mental health and wellbeing, as well as to protect the livelihoods of our therapists.鈥�

Join our campaign to the Government and sign our petition.

NHS plans

The NHS says it鈥檚 stepping up to offer people help when and how they need it, including by phone, Facetime, Skype or digitally enabled therapy packages. It has an accelerated plan for a 24/7 crisis response service .

Government guidance

The Government says it鈥檚 issuing guidance to health trusts on staff training, prioritisation of services and how to maximise use of digital and virtual channels to keep delivering support to patients. NHS Mental Health providers are also establishing 24/7 helplines.

Mind and mental health charities

The Government said Mind will use existing links with other charities, including grassroots, user-led organisations, to reach vulnerable groups who are at particular risk during this period.

Public advice

Public Health England has also published tips on , alongside advice for parents and carers on children鈥檚 mental health. It鈥檚 also updated its Mental Health Matters website to reflect the impact of the outbreak.

This is expected to include older adults, people with an underlying health condition and anyone experiencing unstable employment and housing conditions.

What Nadine Dorries said

The Government鈥檚 announcement was made by Minister for Mental Health Nadine Dorries, who said:

鈥淲hen I discovered I had coronavirus I felt anxious and scared.

鈥淔or those who already suffer with anxiety or other mental health issues this may present new and difficult challenges.

鈥淚t鈥檚 imperative that we stay home if we are to beat coronavirus and save lives. I know how important it is that people have support to look after their mental health and this guidance will be of huge value.鈥�

To find a counsellor or psychotherapist visit our Therapist Directory.