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1: Supporting you during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mental Health and Wellbeing

During this pandemic a large number of staff may now include childcare and supporting
are being asked to work from home. The vulnerable family members or people in your
majority of work will be done using display community. Give yourself time to work these
screen equipment e.g. a PC or laptop. While things out and to adapt to your new normal.
working from home it is important that we
protect our physical and mental health. The • Please see Item #7 of the Staying Well in

steps below outline measures we can all Changing Times advice sheet.
introduce to ensure we work safely.

1. Establish a routine – set out times for
working, a working environment, times to
have a break and something to eat. Try to
stick to it as much as possible

2. Keep communicating with your team and
manager. It is important not to become
isolated and to share information and
issues. Let your manager know if there is a
problem.

3. Be patient with yourself and others. There •
will be competing demands on your time, The Good Thinking website has over 120

from caring for dependants and being asked online resources for people looking to
to support essential services to keeping tackle sleep problems, anxiety, stress and
up to date with public health information. depression, including well-being information
Other people will also be facing similar sources; guides to improving mental health;
issues and plans may change quickly. Bear courses on and offline; mobile apps and
other therapeutic approaches.
in mind that IT may not work at home as
efficiently as it does in the office, but ICT • You can also see the Public Health England
support is still available (see Chapter 3). guidance for mental health and well-being
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is important to acknowledge any feelings
of stress, anxiety and uncertainty during this
time and to resist putting too much pressure
on yourself to have everything worked out. It
may not be the best time to start a punishing
new diet or fitness regime even though you
find yourself with more time at home.

As well as following the Government’s social
distancing guidelines, your new daily routine

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