Responding to a report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health, Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said:
“Councils have been working hard with the NHS, voluntary and community groups and other partners to support the mental health and wellbeing of their residents, including children and young people, during this coronavirus crisis.
“This includes helping people to stay connected, and supporting those who might need extra help such as carers, young adults and new parents, as well as promoting mental wellbeing through safe access to parks, open spaces and expanding public libraries’ online offer.
“As we move into the next phase, councils’ unique insight and understanding of their communities means they are best placed to lead local efforts to address the impact of the pandemic on their residents’ mental health and wellbeing, and to provide reassurance, including for those who are vulnerable and may still be shielded or self-isolating.
“Councils also have a crucial role to play in issues affecting wider mental health, such as housing, skills, employment, transport and public spaces. Therefore these services and the expected increase in demand as lockdown measures are lifted need to be met and fully funded by government.”
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