Mental health support as lockdown eases is going to be the main focus of Corsham’s newly formed Health and Wellbeing group.
The new committee, formed between an alliance with Corsham Town Council and the local Area Board will create a plan to help support people as we come out of lockdown.
The group will be working with local support providers and national charities to focus on supporting the mental health of young people, families, the elderly and vulnerable in the community.
Working alongside the likes of the Pound Arts Centre and Bath Spa University, councillors hope the group will create a substantial difference in the town.
Cllr Neville Farmer said: “I’m also on the area board’s health and wellbeing committee with Kevin Gaskin, and this is an idea we had discussed for a while.
“We realised there were a lot of services out there that could be overlapping. We didn’t want to interfere in their work, but make sure that people were aware of what they were doing so they can get the help they deserve. It also means we can identify any gaps that present themselves, and fill them.”
It is hoped charities will come to the group if they need to do community outreach, but likewise that those in need can get in touch with the committee so they can direct them to the best organisation.
There had been plans last year for local charities and organisations to come together in the Pounds Arts Centre to discuss ideas – a plan hampered when lockdown was imposed.
Last October the town held its annual Storytown festival, which featured a joint exhibition from the charity Inclusive Intergenerational Dance and Willow Bicknell’s No 19 antique studio.
The exhibition had featured art inspired by older people, many of whom were shielding, alongside local artists.
Cllr Farmer hopes the health and wellbeing working group will encourage this sort of collaboration.
He added: “Lockdown cancelling our planned get together was sad in a way, but it gave us a new impetus in terms of the mental health issues that have arisen from lockdown.
“This lockdown has been a lot worse for lots of people than the last.
“The new group is a long term project that will help people for years, but in the short term, we will focus on young people, family units and the elderly and isolated who have struggled the most recently. This will have long term benefits for Corsham."
Corsham Town Council have compiled a Covid mental health services list: go to https://www.dropbox.com/s/20efk7gtbq81kwo/Mental%20Health%20Support%20publication%2025.1.21%20FINAL%20LIST.pdf?dl=0 for more
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