I am running a marathon around my garden for Oxforshire Mind. COVID-19 is having a huge impact on our mental health. For key workers, especially NHS staff, seeing so much suffering and being under so much pressure can be damaging to mental health. Therefore, charities like Mind are essential in providing somebody for people to call and talk to when the pressure or stress becomes too much.  Furthermore, being at home can cause people to feel trapped and isolated, often because it is harder to reach out to social support networks whilst in isolation. As a result, Mind is necessary to provide help to people who are struggling with their mental health during physical isolation. 

I am also aware that many people may not be able to donate. If this is the case, please support Mind by checking in with your family and friends and providing that social network which people may be missing. Just because we are physically distancing, does not mean we have to socially distance.

1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in any one year. Oxfordshire Mind helps over 30,000 people with mental health challenges every year. They promote good mental health through the provision of high quality services and campaigning for positive change.Their services include housing, talking therapies, benefits advice, a confidential and free information line, courses (such as ‘practical ways to wellbeing’), physical activity programmes, volunteering opportunities, and they facilitate over 60 peer-support groups each week.