Natalie Mockett, from Moon Executive Search, reflects on care and wellbeing during this pandemic.  

The UK has recently commemorated National Carers Week and Mental Health Awareness Week and it struck me that both weeks couldn’t have been better-timed to bring more awareness to them.

National Carers Week focused our gratitude towards the wonderful work our carers have been doing supporting us all through this turbulent time, and Mental Health Awareness Week was about recognising that we all need support at some point in our lives and how we should take time to be more mindful of ourselves and others.

Our healthcare keyworkers have been under increasing levels of pressure and as a signature of national respect, the UK hosted a weekly Clap for Carers, showcasing our appreciation for those people who have kept working through this pandemic battle. They’ve been at the sides of loved ones who became victim to the virus, providing a friendly face to aid their health at any time of the day, no matter what. To add to this, on the 5th July at 5pm it will be the 72nd anniversary of the NHS – where people across the UK will be invited to applaud the NHS staff once again.  

A recent article posted by The House of Commons on 18th May 2020, highlighted the risks to the frontline workers and the impacts Covid-19 is having on their mental health, including statistics from a recent survey by Care Fit For Carers that stated:

“Half of healthcare workers said their mental health had deteriorated since Covid-19 crisis began”, and that “21% of healthcare workers said Covid-19 made them more likely to want to leave the sector. This figure rose to 29% for registered nurses and midwives”.

NHS England is said to be ‘working on a comprehensive emotional, psychological and practical support package for NHS staff, including a dedicated support line with 24/7 access,’ in a bid to help combat the effects of the crisis.

There has been a lot to worry and fret over in recent weeks, and even though it’s not over yet, one positive we must take away is that the pandemic has led the UK to increase their efforts on not only their own health and wellbeing, but that of their communities.

People are focusing their attention to others, showing gratitude to the carers and ensuring to check-in and keep in touch with the vulnerable so that no one feels alone. #KindnessMatters