Liverpool charity launches first ever Merseyside Mental Health Week

Date posted:
Thu 29 October 2020

Steve Rotheram and Joe Anderson join health and business groups from across the region in backing the week of action.

A Liverpool mental health charity has launched the first ever Merseyside Mental Health Week to raise awareness of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Imagine Independence, which is based on Hope Street, says it is aiming to bring together people and organisations from across the region to support thousands of people suffering with poor mental health.

Taking place from 2nd November to 6th November, Merseyside Mental Health Week will deliver a week-long programme of online events and community activities.

This includes working with local people on Imagine’s Building Up Stronger project which is trialling a new approach to providing mental health services, improving digital skills and reducing loneliness and isolation.

Building Up Stronger, which is being launched with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, will use social prescribing to connect people with projects and support across nine wards in the city centre to help them stay connected during and beyond lockdown.

More than 13% of Liverpool’s population has a common mental health condition and Imagine expects this to significantly increase as the pandemic continues to take hold.

Research projects from both the Centre for Mental Health and John Moores University, have highlight how the pandemic has made mental health inequalities worse. Those with pre-existing mental illness have experienced more frequent problems during lockdown related to their mental health.

Steve Jackson, 33, turned to talking therapy support years ago after experiencing poor mental health. Now he works as a Peer Support Worker for Imagine. He says he has seen the direct impact of the lockdown on people he supports.

“I’ve struggled with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts in the past which left me unable to work for two years,” he said.

“It was only when I engaged in talking therapy and peer support with Imagine that I was able to turn my life around and gain the confidence to become a support worker.

“Since the lockdown I have experienced a relapse in my symptoms, as have many of the people I work with. I hope through Merseyside Mental Health Week, more people will be encouraged to seek out the support available to them.”

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region said:

“While many people’s focus over the past few months has been quite rightly on the public health impact of the coronavirus, it is vital to remember that there is a significant impact on people’s mental health too.

“I worry that our region will still be dealing with the mental health scars of this crisis long after the virus has gone. So, I’m really pleased that we were able to support Imagine Independence through our LCR Cares fund, and to see the work they are doing raising awareness and stepping up to offer support people need by launching the region’s first Mental Health Week.

“I want everybody to know that it’s okay to not be okay. You are not alone. There is support out there and I hope that by raising awareness more people feel comfortable coming forward and getting the support they need.”

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson said:

“Covid-19 hasn’t just impacted physical health, it’s also caused many across our region to struggle with their mental health.

“Whether it’s isolation and loneliness, anxiety over money troubles or worries about the effects of the virus, too many people are locked in a daily battle feeling freighted and alone.

“That’s why Merseyside’s first ever mental health week is so important. It will raise much-needed awareness and challenge the stigma that is so often attached to mental health.

“At a time when so many are struggling, this is a fantastic and positive example of partners from across the region coming together to fight this invisible illness.”

Margaret Hanson, Chief Executive of Imagine Independence, added:

“Merseyside Mental Health Week couldn’t have come at a more important time for our region as we move into increased lockdown restrictions.

“It is vital that we not only increase the support available for people struggling with mental health challenges but raise awareness of how people can access support. “We hope that through Merseyside Mental Health Week we will encourage more people to seek out help.”

Merseyside Mental Health Week is backed by The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Professional Liverpool, The Federation of Small Business and Knowsley Chamber of Commerce, with more partners to be announced.

A list of events taking place throughout the week – along with a supporter’s pack for anyone wishing to take part in Merseyside Mental Health Week – can be found at www.imagineindependence.org.uk/merseyside-mental-health-week/