It was good to give evidence to the Women and Equality Select Committee today, I was trying to convey the importance of psychologically informed messaging from government, not just focused on behaviour. We need to see this in every aspect of public engagement.

I also talked about the overwhelmingly negative impact a lack of access to food has on an individuals #mentalhealth. Why it’s not just those who are shielding or elderly that will struggle to go to the shops or ask for help. That food poverty can trigger eating distress.

We also talked about the emergency #MHAct measures and why we feel strongly that these should never be deployed. We haven’t used them yet during the peak of the crisis, we are unlikely to need them now.

I shared our concern about #socialcare a worry that despite LA’s in the main have not deployed the easements, many have still closed down services like day care, supported living, groups, services that keep people connected & engaged, are preventative and located in communities.

Raised a worry about the economic downturn, are we going to see austerity plus in the coming years? Last time social care bore the brunt of financial cuts and still there is no equal settlement to health. We can’t support this happening again.

Finally we talked about #traumainformed environments especially in schools, advocating for a whole school approach. We must recognise the nations children have been put through such a lot and will absolutely need emotional support as they go back to school.

Thank you to @louallwood for preparing such a thoughtful submission!

Check out @CentreforMH website for more information on our policy work during this time.