Negative effects of lockdown prompts support reminder for Warwickshire residents - The Leamington Observer

Negative effects of lockdown prompts support reminder for Warwickshire residents

Leamington Editorial 22nd Jan, 2021   0

RESIDENTS are being reminded mental health support is available after it was revealed lockdown and school closures negatively affected people’s wellbeing.

A survey during the last lockdown found most people tried to adopt healthy behaviours such as eating healthily, staying active and avoiding drugs and alcohol, but some increased their alcohol consumption and unhealthy eating. They reported greater negative impacts on their wellbeing.

During the current national lockdown, Warwickshire County Council is using the findings from the covid-19 impact survey – which asked residents to share the effects of the pandemic on their lives – to inform its response to support mental health.

Findings showed the wellbeing of most people in our communities had been negatively affected but that the impact on young people, women and those with pre-existing mental health conditions was greatest.




To ensure residents can take steps to protect themselves physically and mentally the council is reminding everyone of the support available.

New campaign ‘Take 5’ encourages people to take time each day to focus on themselves and their wellness, it introduces residents to 5 Ways to Wellbeing – easy tips to get more out of life, reduce anxiety and increase mindfulness. More details are coming soon.


The county council is also signposting to a range of support services and advice online.

In line with covid-19 guidance, there are still support services available including, Wellbeing for Warwickshire hubs, Togetherall and Warwickshire Safe Havens.

Adult health spokesman coun Les Caborn said: The survey results were a stark reminder of how tough people found life in lockdown and we must be mindful of this as we enter a new period of tight restrictions with the compounded pressure of winter and fatigue.

“Around 2,500 people responded to the survey and over half the respondents reported feeling lonely, one in three people said they were eating more and 20 per cent reported that they were drinking more alcohol and we want to address this.

“A high priority for the council is that our residents still have access to mental health services in Warwickshire.

“These are trying times for us all, and it is important now more than ever to find ways to lead healthy, happy and independent lives. It is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to different events – we hope the broad resources we have available will mean we can all find ways to cope in such trying times.

“Look after yourselves and your loved ones, be safe and remember: stay home and save lives.”

Visit https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/mentalhealth for a list of services available.

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