Simon Bryant, the Isle of Wight’s director of public health, has published his third independent annual report, focusing on how the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the issues of mental health and wellbeing across the Island.
The report, which was considered and approved by the Isle of Wight Council’s cabinet last week (on Thursday 10th March), draws attention to developments in the Island’s mental health care provision which have come about during the pandemic, and suggests how further improvements could be made.
Mental Health Alliance
The report highlights the example of the Mental Health Alliance in action delivering practical support for emotional and mental health, including stress and anxiety, through the community hubs set up during the pandemic.
The Island Mental Health Alliance was formed in September 2020 and ensures that agencies dealing with mental health and wellbeing issues are working together, supporting the community and sharing knowledge.
This work is being enhanced through continuing cooperation with voluntary sector organisations such as Age UK IOW, Community Action Isle of Wight, local community hubs and Town and Parish Councils.
“It’s ok, not to be ok”
Another successful example of collaborative working which was developed on the Island though work on the Covid-19 pandemic was the communication and marketing campaign which started in autumn 2020.
This ran until June 2021 to help support residents’ mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.
The slogans used were “It’s ok, not to be ok” and “It’s ok to ask for help”.
Marketing campaign
Advertisements were placed in Island newspapers, bus stops, social media and on the radio. The aim was to ensure local communities, families and individuals were more aware of the two main websites and the main phone number (111) they could access to get support for themselves or those they care about.
This work now forms part of a wider communications group under the Mental Health Alliance, which ensures regular, coordinated messages across the Island so that people know where and how to access information and support around mental health and wellbeing.
Bryant: “The pandemic has widened existing inequalities”
Simon Bryant said,
“Covid-19 has shone an important spotlight on mental health and wellbeing across the Island.
“The pandemic has widened existing inequalities, and some of the most vulnerable people have been the most impacted.
“Covid-19 has had a major impact on mental health and wellbeing – both as a direct consequence of illness, of working on the frontline, and because of the policy changes designed to protect us from infection.
“For some people these will be short-lived, but for others they will have a lasting impact.
“The impact on inequalities and mental health for different age groups is explored further throughout my report, including innovations which seek to improve mental health and wellbeing, access to mental health support and necessary services.
“The establishment of the Mental Health Alliance is an important step towards this improvement.
“Together with our partners we will prioritise and commit to improving mental health and wellbeing.
“With everyone working together, we can accelerate our work to address the wider determinants of mental health and protect those of our residents who are most at risk.”
Love: “We intend to press ahead with making positive changes”
Cllr Karl Love added,
“This has been another extraordinary and complex year for the public health team.
“The mental health and well-being of Island people is a high priority to our administration.
“We intend to press ahead with making positive changes, supporting our unpaid volunteers and service providers.
“Our Island public health team plays an important part by addressing many inequalities which an Island people, surrounded by water, face.
“The Isle of Wight team is supported by the Hampshire public health team as we move forward.
“There are some very big issues to address, including housing, poverty, and access to health services.
“Health education and promotion is as important in improving our well-being as is the environment in which we live.”
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
