New research from the Co-op, in partnership with Mind, SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and Inspire, reveals that 10.6 million Brits (just under fifth of the population) describe their current mental wellbeing as poor2, rising to almost three in ten (28%) amongst 16 to 24 year olds.
The study reveals the impact the pandemic has had on the nation’s mental wellbeing. Almost a quarter of respondents said they became more isolated from their community during the pandemic, resulting in a decline in mental wellbeing for almost two-thirds of those feeling isolated.
Over a third of people agreed they didn’t have the support or tools to deal with the ‘ups and downs of life’ such as stress, pressure or difficult circumstances.
4 in 5 of these said support in the community such as having spaces to talk, activities and services would help them.
The in-depth research, a combination of qualitative conversation and a survey of 4,500 people, highlights the vital role of community in promoting good mental wellbeing. The Co-op, alongside Mind, SAMH and Inspire are calling on governments across the UK to recognise the importance of community resilience in post-pandemic recovery policy making, and beyond.
Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Shared Value at the Co-op, said: “Findings of our research confirm that communities have a key role to play in providing good mental wellbeing, with networks of people and hubs creating strong community resilience, which in turn creates the conditions where both individuals and communities can prosper.
“The pandemic has shown us how important it is for us all to stay connected. More people having an active role in their community, means that more support networks become available to those who need them most. Whether it be small acts of kindness towards other people, or volunteering in your community, helping others can go a long way in improving your own mental wellbeing.
“In response to the findings and as part of our vison of Co-operating for Fairer World, we’re really pleased to be working with our partners Mind, SAMH and Inspire, to introduce new community-based services in over 50 local communities to support over 10,000 people across the UK.”
