10.6M Brits describe their current mental wellbeing as poor
New research from the Co-op, in partnership with Mind, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and Inspire, reveals that just under a fifth of UK population describe their current mental wellbeing as poor.
Co-op has partnered with Mind, SAMH and Inspire to provide vital community resilience support to reach over 10,000 people experiencing poor mental wellbeing across the UK
The study reveals the impact the pandemic has had on the nation’s mental wellbeing.
- 16-24-year olds are disproportionately affected with three in ten (28%) describing their current mental wellbeing as poor
- 1 in 3 Brits say they don’t have the support or tools to deal with the ‘ups and downs of life’
- Almost a quarter (24%) of respondents became isolated from their community due to the pandemic with nearly 2 in 3 (61%) of those saying this affected their mental wellbeing
The in-depth research, a combination of qualitative conversation and a survey of 4,500 people, highlights the vital role of community in promoting good mental wellbeing. The Co-op, alongside Mind, SAMH and Inspire are calling on governments across the UK to recognise the importance of community resilience in post-pandemic recovery policy making, and beyond.
Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Shared Value at the Co-op, said: “Findings of our research confirm that communities have a key role to play in providing good mental wellbeing, with networks of people and hubs creating strong community resilience, which in turn creates the conditions where both individuals and communities can prosper.
“In response to the findings and as part of our vison of Co-operating for Fairer World, we’re really pleased to be working with our partners Mind, SAMH and Inspire, to introduce new community-based services in over 50 local communities to support over 10,000 people across the UK.”
The Co-op is fundraising £8m for its partnership with Mind, SAMH and Inspire to bring communities together to improve mental wellbeing and has so far raised £6m.
The research is being used to inform the partnership activity including the introduction of new mental wellbeing services in over 50 local communities across the UK that will help at least 10,000 people.
These services will focus on the role of the community in supporting mental wellbeing, and build resilience by helping people to make new social connections and learn coping skills.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said: “The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on all of us, especially those of us living with a mental health problem. This research highlights the role of community in supporting people and their mental health at this critical time. From being able to spend time in parks and green spaces to being in touch with a community mutual aid group, or simply checking in on neighbours from a safe distance, we know that connections between people and places matter when looking after our mental health.
“We’re thrilled that our partnership with Co-op will deliver new mental health services to respond to the growing need for mental health support in communities, but we can’t do this alone. As we learn to live with the pandemic and its aftermath, the value of our communities in supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the whole country, needs to be recognised.”
The research found four key themes in common across all the communities including: a strong network of community hubs and voluntary sector organisations; open environments to talk about mental health and wellbeing; opportunities to actively participate and make connections in communities; and a sense of community identity and belonging.
