Today we're delighted to share two exciting publications on A Year in Our Lives - our project in which people shared first-hand accounts of the pandemic and its impact on their mental health. We invited our associate David Gilbert to share creative reflections on these incredible pieces of writing and what we can learn from them. We've also compiled all the submissions into an anthology, bringing together the diverse experiences into a collective archive.
Earlier this month we shared our top ten actions we want the Government to include in its forthcoming disparities white paper to reduce mental health inequalities, including reducing poverty, tackling racism and implementing a whole school approach to mental health.
Reflections on the A Year in Our Lives stories about living through Covid-19
A Year in Our Lives was initiated by Centre for Mental Health in June 2020. We wanted to share how the dramatic impact of Covid-19 and resulting lockdowns was affecting people’s mental health, in their own words. David Gilbert shares his reflections on these powerful pieces of writing, and traces the key themes in these personal accounts of a historic point in time.
Alongside David Gilbert's reflective piece, we've compiled all the A Year in Our Lives submissions into an anthology of over 80 first-hand accounts of living through the pandemic. It brings together different perspectives and experiences, each one a deeply moving insight into this historic point in time as it was lived by real people.
Ten actions that government could take in the forthcoming white paper
Mental health inequalities mean that while anyone can experience mental ill health, the risks are much higher for certain groups who experience structural discrimination and disadvantage. This briefing shares key actions that the Government could take in the forthcoming disparities white paper to reduce mental health inequalities and improve mental health for all.
Author and campaigner Hope Virgo joins Thea Joshi to discuss her experience of anorexia, her campaigning around BMI and menu calorie labelling, and how she is navigating pregnancy while in recovery from an eating disorder.
We want to hear perspectives on mental health from 12-24 year old girls and women, particularly from racialised communities, LGBTQI+ groups and neurodiverse groups, on mental health. Take part in the research
The Children & Young People's Mental Health Coalition want to hear your views on school behaviour policies and mental health. There are surveys for young people, parents and carers, and practitioners. Share your views
