Following our business owners’ mental health survey, we wanted to respond to the issues and needs raised by our peers.
We have therefore created this hub featuring virtual events and podcasts, a series of relevant content links and worked with a partner to provide access to therapeutic support.
We know this isn’t going to make everything OK again, after all, the COVID-19 crisis has hit many of us hard. But we hope that in doing our little bit, we can at least share some of the great resources we’ve found helpful with the wider business community.
Please see themed resources below linked to the findings and we’ll keep adding to them. Should you have any suggestions for content or support services that you think would be worth adding, please email hello@mmc.agency
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Finding: 54% of business owners said their mental health had worsened since lockdown
There are many things we can do to support our mental health during difficult times. Please check out the signposts and resources below:
- North East Counselling Services have business-focused mental health support. Check out their services – they have sessions ranging from 30 minutes and all available online via Zoom. In fact MMC has offered counselling sessions to all of our employees during lockdown.
- The Mental Health at Work website (an initiative managed by Mind, Heads Together and The Royal Foundation) has a huge range of resources and toolkits specifically designed for workplace mental health matters.
PEER SUPPORT
Finding: 61% of business owners said peer support should be readily available
- We are looking into longer term solutions alongside the North East Chamber of Commerce in support of this topic. We will be in touch as soon as possible. Watch this space!
- Now is your Time ran by Donna and Cheryl run weekly mindset mastery sessions and have a regular Facebook group where bonds are made between business owners. Check out their daily Donna & Cheryl TV each lunchtime or their regular meet ups.
MANAGING UNHEALTHY COPING MECHANISMS
Finding: Around half of respondents said they noticed a change in dietary habits (comfort or restrictive eating) and 2 in 5 reported drinking more alcohol during lockdown
- For anyone wanting to explore their relationship with alcohol, the Mindful Drinking Festival, which took place at the end of July, has a variety of free content to download or watch on demand.
- Mind also has a dietary guide for good mental health.
EXERCISE AND MEDITATION
Finding: 28% of respondents wanted to access mindfulness and meditation, while 12% wanted access to exercise classes and events.
- Yoga with Adriene is a free, online yoga series with tonnes of specific sessions to choose from. Check it out on YouTube
- A Sunderland-based Yoga Studio, Wellness Space, has been running online yoga sessions throughout lockdown via Zoom – some of the MMC team are loyal fans.
- For the time-poor business owner who wants or needs to workout quickly, check out these brilliant daily sessions (starting from just 7 minutes!) from Lucy Wyndham-Read.
- Our MD, Natasha McDonough, starts her day each day with a 10 minute guided mediation on the Calm App.
BUSINESS STRESS
Finding: 2/3 of business owners said that worries about cash flow and/or cancelled work cause significant stress during lockdown
- The North East Chamber of Commerce has an in-depth resource hub for businesses struggling with the impact of lockdown.
- North East Growth Hub’s COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Toolkit is packed full of useful links.
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH CAMPAIGNS
- RTProjects recently launched their suicide prevention campaign, “Never Give Up”, with the goal of encouraging more people to talk about suicide in order to save lives. As part of the campaign, a wonderful and moving song has been written with lyrics based on Co-Founder Beano’s own experience of suicidal thoughts. You can listen to the song here. You can donate to the campaign here.
Useful contact details
If you require mental health crisis support please call the Samaritans on 116 123.
For more information on mental health generally, we recommend you visit www.mind.org.uk
