24.06.20
South East London CCG launches mental health campaign
A new campaign to support people living in south east London experiencing mental ill health during the coronavirus pandemic has been launched by NHS South East London Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
The ‘Free Your Mind’ campaign will run until August 22, 2020 and utilise an array of digital resources to support south east Londoners to better take care of their mental health.
As part of the CCG’s campaign, it will reach out to more than two million people living in the London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.
The campaign has worked closely with mental health providers to build up the ‘Free Your Mind’ campaign, including South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. It will also incorporate the use of existing resources and the CCG has also worked collaboratively with the boroughs of south east London, linking the voluntary sector and patient representative groups.
The CCG’s Clinical Lead for Mental Health, and a GP in Southwark, Dr Nancy Kuchemann, said: “Covid-19 has had a profound effect on people’s mental health, adding to existing worries and concerns – and magnifying them.
“Even before the pandemic, many Londoners had to cope with loneliness, isolation and housing and financial worries. But recent weeks have made life even more difficult –affecting many people of all ages, from all walks of life.”
“We want these people to know that the NHS and its partners are here for them. Our ‘Free Your Mind’ campaign will offer practical support, guidance and help and also give much-needed reassurance to those who are having a tough time.”
The particular needs of specific communities living in south east London, including BAME groups, young people and the elderly were taken into account as the campaign was designed. The ‘Free Your Mind’ will deliver its messages using a variety of methods and platforms.