Covid-19 has brought unprecedented challenges for individuals, families and communities across the globe. Widespread full-time working from home, feelings of loneliness and isolation, bereavement and loss can all have an impact on our mental health and wellbeing.
Under these circumstances, and as we look beyond the pandemic, how do we support those experiencing mental illness or mental health difficulties, promote good mental wellbeing across different groups and communities, and embed a whole-system approach to mental health and wellbeing? How can we deliver effective mental health support online or with a blended approach, and ensure that those who need help are able to get it?
The race for the Covid-19 vaccine is a story of innovation and collaboration between the life science industry and its research and health service partners. Shared ambition and aligned incentives have enabled health systems and the life sciences industry to work collaboratively in developing vaccines and therapeutics that will bring the pandemic to an end. Looking at this paradigm shift, which offers the opportunity for permanent and beneficial change in the long term, how do we create partnerships and linkages between industry and the scientific community to respond to mental health and wellbeing needs post-Covid? How do we drive international collaborations and changes in mental health practice to benefit local communities, health and care providers, commissioners and a wide range of regional and national stakeholders in a post-pandemic environment?