An important update for Rethink Mental Illness Groups
18/03/2020
Over 100 Rethink Mental Illness user led groups provide invaluable peer support for people living with mental illness and their careers. Further to government advice on the coronavirus and the importance of social distancing to keep people safe, we are asking all of our groups not to meet in person for the foreseeable future but instead to maintain contact, where possible, through phone, email and other virtual technology.
The UK Government has increased measures to help combat the spread of the coronavirus which includes social distancing, the avoidance of public meetings and the need to stop any non-urgent travel.
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We are asking that all Rethink Mental Illness groups postpone all ‘face to face’ activities for the foreseeable future.
As a result, we are asking that all Rethink Mental Illness groups postpone all ‘face to face’ activities for the foreseeable future. This includes all meetings (however small), and community-based activities such as sports, walking, art, music etc. as well as stalls, gatherings and informal meetings.
Our Involvement Team have been asked to work from home and adhere to this guidance. Therefore, support to groups will now be provided by telephone and email and Group Development Officers will be unable to meet in person for the foreseeable future.
During these difficult times, and while people are physically keeping apart, it is important to stay in contact and we advise that groups keep in touch by phone and email. We are currently exploring ways of supporting groups to do meet virtually e.g. through online service providers, Skype, teleconference etc. We will issue further guidance shortly.
Martin Stanier
National Involvement Manager
For more information about mental illness & Covid-19, visit our dedicated hub