MP calls for boost to mental health support during coronavirus lockdown

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has joined over 40 MPs from across the political spectrum in calling for greater mental health support during the coronavirus lockdown.

Writing to the Health Secretary, the MPs expressed fears that government advice to stay at home will leave people "worried about coronavirus, their jobs, housing" and "anxious about their family's health and their own."

In the letter, they urge the Government to:

• launch a publicity campaign signposting the mental health support available during the coronavirus crisis.
• send public health leaflets, which include advice on looking after mental health and signposts to organisations that can offer mental health support during the crisis, to all homes.
• increase the level of funding for mental health charities offering support during the coronavirus crisis, to reduce pressure on the NHS.

Tim said: "Abiding by the social distancing and self-isolation measures that the Government has outlined are crucially important in defeating coronavirus.

"However, this isolation is likely to have a grave impact on people's mental health.

"I hope that the Government will listen to our demands and signpost the appropriate support services to every household and adequately fund the charities who already provide those services."