A coalition of over 50 voluntary and social sector organisations and charities has written to the Prime Minister urging the Government to create a 'mental health renewal plan' to support the UK's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Charities including Together, Mind, Asthma UK, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society and the British Heart Foundation warned Boris Johnson in a June 26 letter that the system will struggle to cope with the increasing demand for mental health support as a result of the pandemic.
 
The coalition asked that a cross-Governmental group work with the sector and provide financial and political support. The letter stated: “We are calling on the Government to work in full partnership with the mental health and wider voluntary sector and their allies to shape a New Social Contract for a mentally healthier society.”

The organisations said a combination of social isolation, anxiety and increase of stress due to bereavement has increased mental health issues, with an estimated half a million more people expected to experience mental health problems as a result of the economic impact of Covid-19.

The letter said: “Research by our organisations has shown that almost 80 per cent of people living with mental illness have reported that their mental health has got worse as a result of the crisis.

"More than 7,000 times a day, people struggling to cope are receiving emotional support from Samaritans; and almost half of the UK population is experiencing high levels of anxiety”.