Call for special taskforce to be launched to deal with mental health problems caused by lockdown in Milton Keynes

They say the pandemic is causing record numbers of residents to suffer anxiety and depression due to isolation, job losses and being forced apart from their friends and family.

The situation is creating a "perfect storm" for mental ill-health in MK, according to the group's health and adult social care spokesperson Cllr Alice Jenkins.

"It’s really worrying that many people are fighting these illnesses without any support. This is why we are running this campaign. People need to know you are not alone, it’s okay to not be okay and there is health and support out there," she said.

The Conservative's campaign is #ItsOKtonotbeOK and is aiming to raise awareness of the challenges facing people as Covid-19 impacts jobs, social life and health. They are hoping that by raising this awareness, they can achieve greater funding to deal with the upsurge in people seeking support.

"Protecting mental health and ensuring there is adequate service provision in Milton Keynes should be a central plank to our response to Covid-19 to minimise the long-term impact of the pandemic,” said Cllr Jenkins.

The Tory group is proposing a motion to the full meeting of MK Council meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) to ask for local mental health services to be prioritised.

They are also asking for a Mental Health Taskforce to be established to focus on the long-term impacts from Covid-19 on the residents of Milton Keynes.

Nationally, the demand for mental health services is forecast to increase by 1.3 million people for moderate-severe anxiety and 1.8 million for moderate to severe depression. Researchers also estimate that “more than 230,000 NHS workers may need treatment and support due to the mental health impact of Covid-19.