Working with the Covid Wellbeing NI Partnership, Professor Siobhan O’Neill has created a campaign which will feature across local radio stations and online platforms during December and early January 2021. The campaign has been supported by the Department for Health in partnership with the Public Health Agency.  Commenting on the campaign which will launch on Monday 7 December 2020, Professor O’Neill said;

“The focus of ‘We’ll get through this together’ is very much to assure everyone that there is hope, that the tough time we are currently in will pass.  Things will get better, and support is available, including the Take 5 steps to wellbeing guidance which is made up of 5 simple steps to help with our mental health and wellbeing, ‘Connect, Keep Learning, Take Notice, Give and Be Active. The steps are even more important in the current climate, and as we face into Christmas with the wider restrictions in place, its obvious that this is going to be a difficult time for many.  I am so pleased to have had the support of the Covid Wellbeing NI Partnership members who have responded so positively to the opportunity to work together, and who are all available to provide support locally to anyone in need of assistance.”

The ‘We’ll’ get through this together’ campaign has produced a simple download of the Take five steps to Wellbeing brochure for the public, which is available alongside more information and resources online at www.covidwellbeingni.info.

Welcoming the campaign, Kerry Anthony, CEO Inspire Wellbeing on behalf of the Covid Wellbeing NI Partnership added;

“The Covid Wellbeing NI partnership are delighted to be supporting Northern Ireland’s Mental Health Champions campaign, ‘We will get through this’. The key themes of the campaign amplifies the Covid Wellbeing NI’s main aim - to promote the positive mental health and wellbeing of people across Northern Ireland including those most vulnerable who are struggling during the Covid-19 crisis.

Feelings of fear and anxiety have been amplified by the challenging situation we are all facing. It is normal to feel this way at this time but it is important that we continue to acknowledge how we are feeling, take positive actions to look after our mental health and reach out for support.

Hosting the Mental Health Champions campaign on the Covid Wellbeing NI website, offers people access to mental health information on a full range of topics, evidence based self-help guides to help people take steps to look after their mental health and lots of resources and ways to find support.”

If you are worried about your mental health it is important to seek help, and support is available 24/ 7 through Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.

The Covid Wellbeing NI Partnership is made up of a number of charities and health organisations and Department members including:

• Action Mental Health
• Cause
• Nexus
• Aware
• MindWise
• Cruse
• Barnardo's
• Relate
• Praxis
• The Rainbow Project
• Age NI
• Inspire
• Addiction NI
• TAMHI
• Rural Support
• Healthy Living Centre Alliance
• Community Development & Health Network
• Public Health Agency
• Department for Health
• Department for Communities