The global Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting measures taken to reduce the spread of the virus have had an unprecedented impact on the national and local economy and on people’s wellbeing and mental health. We have seen large increase in the numbers of people accessing their GP, and mental health crisis services, suffering with severe anxiety, stress and depression. The online service that will be provided by Qwell will provide immediate access to support people, providing a drop in chat function, 24 hour chat facility with the counselling team, the ability to book sessions with a named counsellor as well as other support, guidance and signposting for people with low level or developing mental health needs, or to support people who may be concerned about or caring for others.
Perinatal mental health problems affect up to 20% of woman during pregnancy and the first year of having a baby. Due to the pandemic and lockdown, parents with new babies have not been able to socialise or be supported by universal groups in person. Multi-agency training to encourage consistency in understanding and approach re emotional health, wellbeing and relationships across frontline staff working with families, children and young people is key. Parent/carer/ infant early healthy relationship building improves overall family health and wellbeing. The Solihull Approach is recognised and utilised in Herefordshire, particularly in relation to the under-5s: training in additional modules on mental health and wellbeing and understanding the teenage brain will extend its reach to families with teenagers, schools and the wider community.