We are proud to announce that Chasing the Stigma CEO, Jake Mills, has joined a brand new multi-agency taskforce to address the impact of Covid-19 on the nation’s mental health and wellbeing.

 

The taskforce, launched by The Positive Practice in Mental Health (PPiMH) collaborative will bring together specialists from the emergency services, health, social care and the VCSE sector to positively influence government policy, commissioning and the provision of care across the country.

 

Other organisations and networks who have joined the taskforce include:

  • The Centre for Mental Health
  • The Mental Health Network of the NHS Confederation
  • The Association of Mental Health Providers
  • The National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health
  • The Royal College of Psychiatrists
  • The Royal College of Nursing
  • The College of Policing

As a charity, we have warned from the beginning of this crisis of the impact that Covid-19 and lockdown will have on the population’s mental health. From exacerbating existing conditions to the emergence of new symptoms — spurned on by isolation, a difficult home environment, bereavement and a lack of routine, to name a few — a collaboration like this was urgently needed to tackle the mounting mental health crisis in this country.

Jake Mills, founder and CEO of Chasing the Stigma, the organisation behind the Hub of Hope and Ambassador of Hope training programme, said: “Those suffering from mental health issues in the UK have always had to jump through hoops to access basic, humane care and the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated an already difficult situation.”

“Following this lockdown, we will be facing an even larger mental health crisis, with more people than ever reaching out for support after this difficult time. A task force of this nature will bring together people who truly understand the task ahead and, more importantly, know exactly what is needed to guide us through the impending crisis.”

“The NHS, UK Government and local policy makers must act fast to mitigate the rising risk and put a workable plan in place to deal with the rising tide to come and I truly hope the expertise of this task force will be taken on board.”

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