Mental health support is available during Covid-19 | Tenant news

We know that the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown has been a tough time for everyone, especially for people who live on their own or who have been asked to self-isolate or shield.

At the start of lockdown, we contacted over 3,000 tenants to see how they were coping and we found that for many, the feelings of loneliness and isolation were the biggest challenges they were facing.

Now that the government’s latest updates to Covid-19 rules mean we won't be able to see friends and families as much, once again, we want to let you know where you can turn to if you feel you need support.

Who can I call for support?

If you’re feeling isolated or need support with daily activities while extra restrictions are in place, there are many ways you can connect with your community and local support services. There are also a whole raft of national organisations offering support to people who are affected by a mental health diagnosis, whether it’s you or someone you care about, these organisations have the specialist skills to help:

Samaritans have a confidential support line for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair. Call 116 123 for more information.

Anxiety Support provides help for people who’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety condition. Call 03444 775 774 to find out more.

Rethink Mental Illness offer general information on living with mental illness, medication and care. Call their phone line on 0300 5000 927 for more information and advice.

Rehab 4 Addiction serves as an online resource to individuals and families dealing with substance addiction. They’ve put together a useful guide for people experiencing mental health problems, specifically substance abuse. Read Rehab 4 Addiction’s Coronavirus: Guidance for Better Mental Health.

SANE is a leading UK mental health charity working to improve the quality of life for anyone affected by mental illness. SANE provides emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. Call them on 07984 967 708.

You can contact Habinteg Direct on 0300 365 3100 for information on local organisations you can turn to, or see this page on our website for more loneliness and isolation resources and information.

Remember, whether you live alone or with friends or family, you don’t have to manage feelings of loneliness, anxiety or depression on your own.