Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle has visited a local mental health hub to celebrate its achievements during the pandemic.

On Friday 11 March, the Chorley MP received a tour of Lancashire and South Cumbria’s Resilience Hub, speaking to staff, trainees and service users to recognise its achievements helping hundreds of people since July last year.

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The hub launched during the pandemic to support public sector workers, including emergency services, health and social care workers, councils, care homes, and volunteers, including their families, with the psychological impact of Covid-19.

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Dr Gita Bhutani, Director for Psychological Professions at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are now living with Covid as part of everyday life, but we know that the pandemic has affected mental health.

“I would like to reassure public sector workers that it may only be now that things have calmed down somewhat you start to feel you are struggling – to those people, we are still here for you.”

“It was great to welcome Sir Lindsay to the hub today, particularly given the campaigning he has done on mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.”

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Bhutani said they were proud to inform him about the support offered to frontline workers, individuals who struggled with the shift to working from home, and those who have lost loved ones.

The director said they also helped people who have not felt quite like their usual selves, through to those who have struggled to get by day-to-day.

The hub has offered help to over 800 people using a self-assessment and referral tool and almost 1,400 people in team-based sessions.

The 17 clinicians and five support staff reminded residents that the service is available to those requiring help across Lancashire and South Cumbria.

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The Resilience Hub is for all public, care and emergency services sector workers in Lancashire and South Cumbria and built on clinical and research development in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) undertaken by clinicians.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said: “The pandemic has touched the lives of many people and will be felt for years to come.

“It was reassuring to visit the hub today and listen to the stories of those helped by the work.

“I am pleased the service is on offer in Lancashire, and speaking with staff, it was clear that they are deeply committed to the service they offer.

“I would urge anyone who works within the public sector and is struggling to make contact and access the help offered.”

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Those feeling like they require help can complete an online self-assessment tool.

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It takes 15 minutes to complete and will be followed up with a confidential self-referral to the Resilience Hub team if extra support is needed.

Bhutani said: “We have had a fantastic uptake of the service and are keen to help more people and teams, should they need it.”

“There is a wealth of information on our website on how to support yourself, others, and your family.

“My main message is that if you work in a public sector role and you need help dealing with the psychological effects of working through the pandemic, please get in contact with us.”

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For more information, visit – www.lscresiliencehub.nhs.uk

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