Mind says Covid-19 Inquiry an opportunity to “reckon with the mental health impacts of the pandemic” as Chief Executive gives evidence

Following her testimony at Module 10 of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry examining the ‘Impact on society’ Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of Mind, said:

“The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is a landmark moment for us to collectively reckon with the mental health impacts of the pandemic. We cannot expect to learn lessons for the future until we confront the most painful parts of the past and fully acknowledge what people lived through. 

“When the pandemic hit, millions of people experienced trauma, anxiety, bereavement and isolation. Those of us with existing mental health problems saw vital support reduced or disrupted when it was needed it most. People from racialised communities, disabled people and people with severe mental illness bore the worst of this. This must never happen again. 

“I am deeply proud of the work that Mind, alongside others, has done to make sure mental health is properly examined by the Inquiry. We owe it to the millions of people still living with the after-effects of the pandemic to learn lessons and build a resilient mental health system that delivers the support people need - in times of calm and in times of crisis. That means long-term investment in services, better training for the mental health workforce and finally putting mental and physical health on an equal footing.”