Strategy: One year on - Mental Health Foundation
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Strategy: One year on
CONTENTS A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF
Dear 3 A letter to my Aisha Sheikh-Anene
Supporter, 4-5
younger self
Coping with the
pandemic: Mental health
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mental Health Foundation
research reveals how
Welcome to your first TalkBack for 2021! UK adults are managing
stress
This edition comes as the coronavirus pandemic strained our lives in As clichéd as it may sound I try to live
6 Race and diversity review fully in the present, with a sense of
ways that would have seemed impossible a year ago. Back then, we
announced the launch of our Strategy for 2020-25 and our focus 7 Black History Month – positive expectation and an opportunity
on public mental health and prevention – tackling the causes of mental Henry’s story
for expansion.
health problems and providing support for people most at risk of 8-9 MHF Covid Response
developing them. Even before Covid-19 we knew that mental health Programme I feel blessed to have lived the life I have,
was our biggest national concern. We are now at serious risk of a 10-11 ‘What next for public even with lived experience of anxiety.
rising tide of poor mental health. mental health in As I have grown older I have understood
England?’ – the abolition
In this edition of TalkBack, we will explore the Strategy and its strategic the need to know what and who makes
of Public Health England
aims one year on, and our response to the coronavirus pandemic. you happy – and add it to a list, or as
12 Fundraising during
1. Tell the world – on pages 4 and 5 you can see the new findings lockdown – Deb’s story
I call it my ‘mental health tool kit’.
from our ongoing ‘Coronavirus: Mental Health in the Pandemic’
13 Mental Health Awareness I would also say to my younger self:
study and how UK adults are coping. Week 2021 theme
remember you are the holder of the key
2. Find solutions – we are proud to announce that we are launching 14 SITUATE one year on to your own destiny. Decide for yourself
a major initiative to develop community prevention programmes and #BehindTheBooks
across the four nations of the UK to help those in greatest need. what your experience will be; listen to
15 RockChoir “Keeping
Learn more on pages 8 and 9. others but let the decision be yours. Aisha has a successful
the dream alive”
3. Inform and empower – Tackling discrimination is core to the background in both the public
Also remember in life everything needs
Foundation’s prevention mission and we are conducting a race and and private sector and qualified
balance. Different sized cogs all play their
diversity review internally. as a chartered accountant with
part in the forward momentum of life – the National Audit Office. Aisha
4. Change policy and practice – Our position on the abolition one is no less and no more important. They currently works as Commercial
of Public Health England and our work on influencing the all require attention; be kind to yourself. Vehicle Project Manager for
government’s plans for how public health will be delivered in Mental Health Foundation
Ford Motor Company.
future. More on pages 10 and 11. 1st Floor Finally I like to remember Desiderata by
Colechurch House
5. Build a Strong Foundation – we have partnered with 1 London Bridge Walk Max Hermann, an excerpt of which says: Aisha was appointed as a Chair
RockChoir who released a Christmas single to support us and London SE1 2SX of the Board of Trustees in
help us raise awareness. “In the noisy confusion of life keep peace
2020 and wants to promote
020 7803 1121 in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery
We also want to thank you all for your continued support during supporter@mentalhealth.org.uk greater understanding of the
mentalhealth.org.uk and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful objectives and strategy of the
these difficult times. We couldn’t help as many people as we do, or
create meaningful work without your ongoing dedication and passion world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” Mental Health Foundation.
Design: White Halo Design
for preventing ill-health. Print: KPM Group This will help the Foundation's
Kind regards, decision making and actions
Registered Charity No.
England 801130, Scotland SC 039714 focus on the objectives and
Kalina Peresterova, Individual Giving Officer strategy of the organisation.
2 mentalhealth.org.uk/donate Winter 2021 3
TELL THE WORLD TELL THE WORLD
“The good news here is that at a very difficult time for many of us, millions of
people across the UK are using effective ways to improve their wellbeing. Going
out for a walk, visiting a park and being in contact with family and friends are great
ways for us all to protect our mental health and prevent problems. Wider research
evidence, as well as our latest survey findings, makes this very clear.
Our new findings matter for policy, which can make it easier or harder for people
Coping with
to cope at a time that is stressful for millions of us. At a time of local restrictions,
it’s more important than ever that local authorities invest in improving our
neighbourhoods and leisure areas to create safe, green spaces for outdoor activities.
the pandemic
That is why we are asking the UK Government to take the lead by publishing a
cross-government plan to promote people’s mental health and wellbeing. We also
want the Government to ensure there continues to be a distinct national body
responsible for public mental health in England.”
Mental health research reveals how UK
adults are managing stress Dr Antonis Kousoulis, Director for England and Wales, Mental Health Foundation
In 2020, World Mental Health Our findings looked at the ways we can is no trade-off between public health
Day (10th October) came as the protect our mental health and prevent and the economy – quite the opposite:
mental health problems developing or healthy, happy people make for stronger
coronavirus pandemic strained
worsening. In particular, we reported on communities and thriving economies.
our lives in ways that would have the activities identified by adults in the UK This has important policy implications.
seemed impossible a year ago. as helping them to cope with the stress of
The government should create a
the pandemic.
To recognise this, and support 2020’s sustainable wellbeing economy developed
theme of good mental health for all, we According to our research, the most with the active involvement of our
published new findings from our ongoing popular coping activities included going communities – and a pandemic recovery
‘Coronavirus: Mental Health in the out for a walk, visiting a park or other plan that reaches right across government
Pandemic’ study, carried out in partnership ‘green’ space, contacting family or departments and society itself. This
with the universities of Cambridge, friends (for instance by phone or video would also help to tackle the deep
Swansea, Strathclyde and Queen’s Belfast. chat), maintaining a healthy lifestyle inequalities exposed by the pandemic.”
(enough sleep, exercise and a balanced
Good mental health for all is a theme
diet, for instance) and doing a hobby.
not only for World Mental Health Day,
Overall, just over eight in ten (82 per cent) but for all of us at all times, and should
of the UK adults surveyed said that be a core aim of governments’ responses
they have experienced stress because of to the pandemic.
the pandemic.*
Download the full briefing
Professor Tine Van Bortel, from the
University of Cambridge and De Montfort mentalhealth.org.uk/news/coping-with-the-pandemic
University Leicester, said: “There is
* These findings are from a YouGov survey done among a nationally representative sample of 4,251 UK adults.
strong international evidence that there It asked participants what had helped them cope during the previous two weeks.
4 mentalhealth.org.uk/donate Winter 2021 5
INFORM AND EMPOWER *Trigger warning: this story mentions suicide* INFORM AND EMPOWER
Race and Black History Month
diversity review – Henry’s story
Henry Stone is a poet from South London
Gillian Neish, facilitator
who featured in the Evening Standard’s
Next Gen Trailblazers List
“Ill-health grew roots in my story around
the year 2015. Living off bad food and
no sleep with impending deadlines on
the fifth floor of a university flat, little did
I know I wouldn’t be able to complete my
degree due to episodes of depression.
My colleague It was prompted by the murder of George Floyd in
Everybody told me that university would were pretty non-stop for a while. This is
May 2020 which has had an impact on people all over
Mildred Zimunya the world and triggered ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests.
be the best years of my life, but the the part of university nobody eloquently
loneliness I endured was more painful than addressed at the time. I was in counselling
and I are currently This reminded everyone that racism is not just a US
for three years. I had to retake several
anything I’d imagined. I was struggling to
conducting a problem. It’s a problem here in the UK too and racial
make friends and I didn’t feel as though years and even then, I still had to drop out.
discrimination means that people from black and minority
review of race and ethnic communities are disproportionately represented
I belonged anywhere. I could sense that
This is one of the biggest pandemics
there was something wrong with me, but
diversity at the in insecure, low-paid jobs, in poor housing, and in the Britain has faced in a generation. The
when the masses are insistent you should
Foundation. criminal justice system. They also experience the mental
be having a blast, you assume these
everyday battles black Brits face merely
health challenges associated with that. compound the effect. All we can continue
moods needn’t be taken seriously.
to do is to encourage our brethren in the
The Foundation stands against racism in all its forms. That was until I missed one lecture. And black community to continue to seek help
Its approach is as an empowering, open organisation then another. Then a deadline. Then the and to make treatment more accessible
that champions racial equality and all forms of diversity. eating stopped. Then the illogical terror of to everyone in our community, especially
Tackling discrimination is core to its mission of prevention going outside wrapped itself around me those who have been exposed to the
in mental health. With the support and involvement of and I would go weeks without being seen, traumas many of us grew up with.”
the Board, Senior Management Team and staff from all struggling with the basics of hygiene.
backgrounds, at all levels and across the UK, this review
is creating the time and safe spaces to have the difficult I cannot remember when the suicidal Explore these resources for support,
conversations about these complex issues. These are tendencies started, but I remember education and empowerment:
necessary to identify ways to address the role of structural the suicide notes and the weight loss. • AZ Mag: AZ MAG
racism and discrimination within the Foundation. A sleeping pattern which seemingly
• The Free Black University
disappeared into a void along with all
The aim, then, is to develop an action plan that will lead to remnants of peace, joy and structure. I Need support?
greater racial diversity, including at senior levels, so that remember calling the Samaritans hotline • Samaritans are available 24/7 for
the Foundation better reflects the communities it serves and bursting into tears to an operator free on 116 123 (UK).
and can serve them more effectively. whose name I will never recall. The tears
6 mentalhealth.org.uk/donate Winter 2021 7
FIND SOLUTIONS FIND SOLUTIONS
“The pandemic has shown that
our current health system plays a
crucial role in treating sickness. But
it isn’t designed to prevent ill-health
and protect our mental health. For
that, we need far greater action
outside of the health service. That
is why we are investing resources to
support the emotional and mental
health of communities at risk, and to
demonstrate that prevention really
is better than cure if we are to
achieve happier, healthier lives.”
Mark Rowland
CEO Mental
Health Foundation
2020 will be known as the year when the world faced and responded to one Our own nationally renowned ‘Coronavirus:
“This is an ambitious and exciting
of the greatest public health challenges of our era. Schools and workplaces Mental Health in the Pandemic’ study has
initiative that is bringing evidence-
closed, travel ground to a halt, cities and neighbourhoods fell quiet. told us that these groups are struggling now
informed interventions to those
and that without help this will endure. So
Amongst the deaths and physical illness, we have also seen the emergence most in need. We want to build on
with the help and support from key donors
of psychological suffering, loneliness and distress. Even before Covid-19 we what we already know about the
like you, we are planning on investing £2m
knew that mental health was our biggest national concern. We are now at power of peer and community led
to expand our well-evidenced programmes.
serious risk of a rising tide of poor mental health. support by building the capacity
We are also joining forces with other
of organisations and harnessing
charities and community organisations so
the relationship they already have
And whilst Covid-19 has touched us all, As the UK’s leading charity for the that we can reach communities at scale.
with the communities they serve. By
it has magnified and accelerated mental public’s mental health, we are launching
working together we can improve the
health inequalities across our society. The a major initiative to develop community We are launching this new programme at
mental health and wellbeing of those
poorest, the most marginalised and the prevention programmes across the the start of this year and it will run for the
who have faced significant hardship
most discriminated-against, have been even four nations of the UK, helping those in next three years. Our goal is not just to
and trauma over the past year.”
more disconnected and disadvantaged. greatest need. help people now but also to support other
organisations, and give them the tools
However, we know that it does not need to In the first instance our programmes and techniques to make mental health
Julie Cameron
be this way. Individuals, communities and will support groups who we know have their number one priority too. There really
Associate Director,
workers of all kinds have shown remarkable been hit hard by Covid-19: single parent is no health without mental health. This
Scotland and
resilience and kindness throughout the families; people with long term health programme is ambitious and will draw upon
Northern Ireland
pandemic. With the right action, a mental conditions, refugees and people from our teams from across the UK, but with your
health catastrophe can be prevented. minority ethnic communities. support we can make a real difference.
8 mentalhealth.org.uk/donate Winter 2021 9
CHANGE POLICY AND PRACTICE CHANGE POLICY AND PRACTICE
This is of great concern to the Foundation, In November 2020 we sent this Joint
and we have been working hard to Statement to the Secretary of State
influence the government’s plans for how for Health and Social Care, Matt
public health will be delivered in England Hancock MP, to express our strong
in the future. concerns about the abolition of PHE
and asking him to consult widely on
We know that the health of our society what will replace it.
depends on our commitment to protecting
and supporting the mental health of the We called on him to make a “historic”
whole population. Public health efforts change by putting mental health at the
that include public mental health will heart of a new strategy.
deliver the greatest health dividends in all
areas of health. Our Joint Statement calls for five
main things:
This is increasingly understood and
accepted, as people’s knowledge, attitudes 1. A new public health system that
‘What next for public and behaviour in relation to mental health
have shifted in recent years. Yet the
gives parity to mental health
2. National leadership from an
mental health in England?’ existence in England of a co-ordinated
national public health body, supporting an
integrated regional and local public health
influential expert body independent
of government and the NHS
The abolition of Public Health England structure, is no longer guaranteed.
3. A public mental health strategy with
a core focus on better population
Lucy Thorpe, Head of Policy It is a priority for the Foundation to do all it mental health and reducing
can to influence a good outcome for future inequalities and the social and
public mental health arrangements, come economic risks to mental health,
April 2021. We need an improved public including racial and other forms of
Readers of TalkBack are already familiar with our new Strategy for
health system that gives parity to mental discrimination.
2020-25 and our focus on public mental health and prevention –
health, both in its own right, and as a vital 4. A clear relationship between
tackling the causes of mental health problems and providing support
component of public health challenges often the new public health body and
for people most at risk of developing them.
seen only through a physical health lens, such the National Institute of Health
as obesity, smoking and substance misuse. Protection, which itself must include
In August 2020, we heard the Mental ill-health remains the biggest
extraordinary and unexpected news contributor to overall population ill- public mental health leadership
In the autumn of 2020, we led a coalition
that the government in Westminster had health in the UK. Yet, the protection and and expertise in its structure
of 18 charities and social enterprises,
decided to abolish Public Health England improvement of public mental health is at and responsibilities, recognising
including Mind, Samaritans, Rethink and
(PHE), the national body responsible for risk at a time when it has arguably never the mental health impacts of
YoungMinds to agree a Joint Statement
improving the health of the population, been more important to invest in co- communicable disease pandemics.
on the future of public mental health, and
and to create a new National Institute ordinated, well-resourced, and sustained the core elements we want to see in any 5. Enhanced funding for public health
for Health Protection, focused on action to safeguard our mental health. new system that replaces PHE. improvement.
responding to communicable disease This decision could be deeply damaging
pandemics. This happened in the midst to both public mental health and to wider It is too early at the time of writing The full statement can be read on our
of a pandemic that has had a significant physical health improvement, which this article to have received a reply to our website mentalhealth.org.uk/news/
impact on people’s mental health. have so far received little attention in letter, but we will keep you informed of charities-write-to-matt-hancock-
government statements on these reforms. developments in the next issue of TalkBack. future-of-public-mental-health
10 mentalhealth.org.uk/donate Winter 2021 11
BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION INFORM AND EMPOWER
Fundraising Mental Health Awareness
during lockdown Week 2021 Theme
Deb’s story
Debra Fry, supporter
During the first lockdown, a friend
messaged me asking if I could
crochet a bear in NHS scrubs,
wearing a face mask for her. She Another fundraising opportunity presented
had a pattern of a hero bear that was itself when it became compulsory to
circulating on the Internet. wear face masks in shops and on public
transport. I have made over 250 masks so
When the bear was finished, I posted a far and the profit from these will also be
picture of it on Facebook. This sparked donated to the Mental Health Foundation.
other people’s interest and the orders
started coming in. Each time an order was In 2018 I was chosen to run the
completed, pictures would go on Facebook London Marathon for the Foundation.
which would bring in more orders. Unfortunately, I slipped down a few
stairs and damaged my knee, but I was
Each bear took about 7 hours to make. determined to participate in the Marathon,
I was fortunate to have kept working so I had to approach it differently. I trained
throughout the lockdown so when I wasn’t to speed walk it instead. Well that particular
working, I was crocheting! I made over 30 year was the hottest London marathon on
bears in total and raised £545 to donate record so I was not the only person walking! I Why have we chosen nature and
to the Mental Health Foundation. My completed it in 7hrs 39 mins 45 seconds.
employer has also fund matched this. environment for 2021?
There always has to be a challenge for me
to participate in, so I signed up to trek the We have chosen ‘Nature and the The week will be an opportunity to open
Great Wall of China in October 2019 for Environment’ as the theme for Mental our eyes to the power of nature.
MHF. This was probably one of the hardest Health Awareness Week 10-16 May 2021!
things I have ever done, as my knees are We have set the theme, organised and
damaged and have arthritis in them too, The evidence is clear that access to nature hosted Mental Health Awareness Week for
so stairs are a daily challenge. I don’t know is crucial for our mental health and millions the last 21 years, during which time the event
if you know much about the Great Wall of people re-discovered that during has grown to become one of the biggest
of China but there are more stairs than lockdowns this year. However, this was not awareness weeks across the UK and globally.
you could ever think of! I met an amazing the same for all of us. We want to explore
bunch of people during the trek and we what the barriers are and ensure everyone The Week is an opportunity for people
have stayed in touch since. We started as is able to share in the natural world and to talk about all aspects of mental health,
strangers and came home as friends. experience the mental health benefits. with a focus on providing help and advice.
12 mentalhealth.org.uk/donate Winter 2021 13
FIND SOLUTIONS BUILD A STRONG FOUNDATION
SITUATE project, one year on RockChoir
Students In Transition at University: Aiming ‘Keeping the dream alive’
to Enhance mental and social health and wellbeing
On World Mental Health Day, Rock
Marwah El-Murad, Programme Manager for Families, Children Choir, the largest contemporary
and Young People’s programmes choir in the world, announced that
they would release a Christmas
One year on from starting the SITUATE
single to support the Mental Health
project with the University of Sussex, the Foundation and help raise awareness
world looks quite a bit different. Today’s of mental health.
first year university students have lived
through the uncertainty of the A-Level Thousands of Rock Choir Members from
results, months of disruption to learning across England, Wales and Scotland
in their final year of school, and not being came together as one choir for the FIRST
able to properly mark and celebrate time since lockdown began to record their
vocals on a national Christmas single “The lyrics of the song are extremely
significant moments, like their last day of
of a very special Rock Choir version of relevant to arts and entertainment
school, and leaving home for the first time.
As students are among the least likely to ‘Keeping The Dream Alive’. at the moment; “The game will
They’re now facing a university experience ask for help for a mental health problem, never be over, because we’re
unlike any other before and must still tackling the stigma around mental health Mark Rowland, CEO of the Mental Health keeping the dream alive”. It was one
contend with all of the challenges is crucial. Foundation says, “We are delighted that of the hardest hit industries last
university brings. Then there are the added Rock Choir released their own version year and everyone was desperate
75% of students with a mental health
challenges faced by mature students, of ‘Keeping the Dream Alive’ in support to find a positive and successful
diagnosis admitted to concealing their
students who are parents or carers, of good mental health for all. Music is way forward to allow music and
symptoms due to a fear of stigma.
students who work part time, or students great for our mental health; both listening singing to take its place in society
living with long-term conditions. That’s why we spent the summer working to it and playing or singing which is why again. Singing brings a sense of
with students from the University of Sussex Rock Choir are such a great fit for us.” community and togetherness with a
A positive outcome of the pandemic is that
to design and deliver a national student-led power to uplift and heal individuals.
across the country there seem to be more
social media campaign, #BehindTheBooks. In May 2020 and as part of Mental
and more conversations about the impact The Christmas single united us all,
We launched the campaign at the end Health Awareness Week, the Rock Choir
of our circumstances on our mental health. brought us together and reinforced
of September to coincide with Freshers’ Team hosted a 24-hour back to back why Rock Choir is so very special for
Week. The aim was to tackle stigma, raise music and well-being online event ‘Rock the UK. I am so proud of everyone
awareness of the issues faced by students, Choir 24’, which raised over £45,000 who took part and delighted to have
and to encourage students to seek for the Mental Health Foundation. once again joined forces with the
support for their mental health. Raising awareness of Mental Health Mental Health Foundation.”
continues to be a priority for Rock
Over the coming year we’ll be training
Choir and we would like to thank the Founder and Creator of Rock Choir,
students to deliver workshops to their
organisation and all of their members for Caroline Redman Lusher
peers, aiming to increase mental health
their fantastic ongoing support.
literacy and help-seeking.
14 mentalhealth.org.uk/donate Winter 2021 15
50% of UK adults
who had experienced stress because of
the pandemic said visiting green spaces,
such as parks, helped them cope.
Research from the Mental Health Foundation and collaborating universities, 2020.
Make a donation:
mentalhealth.org.uk/donate
Take part in a challenge event or hold your own fundraising event:
mentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved
Keep up to date with our work: mentalhealth.org.uk/newsletter
mentalhealthfoundation
@mentalhealth
mentalhealthfoundation
info@mentalhealth.org.uk
Mental Health Foundation, Colechurch House,
1 London Bridge Walk, London SE1 2SX
Registered Charity No. England 801130 Scotland SC039714. Company Registration No. 2350846.
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