I missed that feeling when kids played out in the streets and neighbours all knew each other, spent time together and looked out for each other. I believe people should be able to access a community, whoever and wherever they are. My own interest in community cinema stems from voluntary work with Film at the Folk Hall in New Earswick. This group was borne from a study on the causes, effects and ways to combat loneliness. I’ve seen first-hand how valuable that connection to community can be, especially to those who may struggle to otherwise connect with people. I think after all this we are all going to need to pull together to combat the new levels of loneliness many of our neighbours will have felt through all this.

“I’ve seen first-hand how valuable that connection to community can be, especially to those who may struggle to otherwise connect with people”

Suffice to say, apart from a few online quizzes, Pop Up York and Film at the Folk Hall are very much on hold for now. Until it’s safe to hold events again then it makes sense to avoid the risks. As disappointing as that is, I’ve been really encouraged by the revitalised sense of community I’ve seen around the city. People going out of their way to say hello and shoot a supportive smile to their fellow humans as they pass; Clapping with our neighbours for the NHS; Checking if our elderly friends need anything from the shops. The little things are back! The frenzy that is normality is on pause and despite the scary situation we’re in, there’s something quintessentially British about that feeling of us being ‘in it together’ and ‘getting on with it’ as best we can. I put on a socially distant street cinema for my cul-de-sac during lockdown and everyone came out, despite our physical distance, despite the gaps in our ages, interests and backgrounds, we were all together, where we live. Hopefully, the brave new world we are entering will allow me a chance to help bring about some of that feeling for others one day.

“I’ve been really encouraged by the revitalised sense of community I’ve seen around the city. People going out of their way to say hello and shoot a supportive smile to their fellow humans as they pass; Clapping with our neighbours for the NHS; Checking if our elderly friends need anything from the shops”

I’m so lucky that both mine and my partner’s main employment remains in place and we’re able to work from home where we can shield safely. I’m very much aware that this is not the case for everyone and there’s huge amounts of discomfort and uncertainty across the country. Across the world. Even now as things start to reopen and restrictions ease, people’s businesses and organisations of all sizes are still wondering if they can survive into next year, and with that comes financial struggles, anxiety and depression. All this on top of the immeasurable effect the period of isolation is bound to have on global mental health.

“there’s huge amounts of discomfort and uncertainty across the country. Across the world“

Months without hugging our loved ones. Without proper eye contact. We are all incredibly fortunate to experience this in a time where we can be so well connected from our homes, but we haven’t even caught up with the negative side effects our increasing use of social media has on us, and now we have whole swathes of the population completely reliant on it, and the rest massively disconnected. I fear there is likely to be further strain on the NHS and the economy as we come out of lockdown and realise the true extent of the effects it’s had on us.

In contrast to the experiences I’m hearing from many, my personal experience of lockdown has been a calming one over all. I’ve discovered self-care and gardening, I’ve rediscovered the benefits of making time to read, I’ve had chance for a social media and technology detox which has brought with it some clarity. As the seriousness of the situation out there became apparent, my life quickly became much more simple. Keeping my family and I as safe as possible was paramount and, as my schedule cleared out, it felt like my head did too. I’d been having spells of anxiety for a while, lots of big things going on in my life all happening at once along with a life of living up to, mostly my own, unreachable expectations was taking a toll on my mental health. Even if the world does go back to how it was, I think mine has changed for (the) good. I’m certainly more aware of the things that are truly important in life, I only hope that others can find the silver linings and some clarity amidst all the chaos. I can assure you it’s in there somewhere. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years which has become urgently apparent throughout this, it’s the importance of talking about mental health. Being open about our own journey and then creating space for those around us to do the same. Talking about where we are at might go against some deep-rooted beliefs, the way we were brought up, whatever labels we’ve become accustomed to: male, adult, parent, etc. Once we recognise that self-awareness and a commitment to owning our vulnerabilities and working on our mental health is our strength and not our weakness, then we unlock the power that can come from talking about it honestly with others. It gives permission for the people we talk to, to do the same. It starts the discussion, it says, ‘we can talk about the real stuff, if you like’. Once that door is open we can share our experiences and coping strategies as well as allowing people to be who they really are. If any of this sounds right to you then check out my website where I’m starting to try and figure some of this stuff out.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years which has become urgently apparent throughout this, it’s the importance of talking about mental health. Being open about our own journey and then creating space for those around us to do the same”

  I believe that Mental Health is the biggest issue of our lifetime. It affects everyone, from those on the periphery of society like our entrenched rough sleeping community, who don’t always know how to access or accept the support available, right the way through to the most powerful man on the planet, who doesn’t appear to know how much he needs help. A Mental Health issue affects approximately 1 in 4 of adults and 1 in 10 children in the UK each year. Add onto that all the people caring for and supporting those people then I imagine it’s most, if not all of us who feel the effects. Suicide is still the leading cause of death for men between 20 – 49 in the UK. We MUST talk about it. We MUST make it OK for others to talk about it. The only way we can fight the stigma is if we all take part. If you’re interested in learning more about suicide then the free online Zero Suicide Alliance training is fascinating and doesn’t take long to complete.

“I believe that Mental Health is the biggest issue of our lifetime. It affects everyone, from those on the periphery of society”

There’s so much mental health support available now both online and in person that it can be hard to know where to start. First of all people with stress, anxiety, depression, OCD and phobias can self-refer online for CBT sessions on the NHS and if you’re prepared to do group sessions (classes, not circle groups) then the waiting list is not too bad. Visit the NHS ‘Psychological Therapies‘ page to get started.

The Mind website has facts, case studies, crisis coping tools and resources and the York Mind site has events, training and classes to support people in need and those who want to help. For people wanting to work on their own well-being then I can recommend Every Mind Matters, Action for Happiness and The School of Life which have helped me throughout recent times. Also, if you’re a male in York then joining the Facebook group ‘York Menfulness‘ is a great way to keep a positive mindset, vent in tough times and generally build a local network of people who ‘get it’. No expectations, just acceptance and space to talk if that’s what you need. There’s a running club, circuit training and a WhatsApp group too!

“if you’re a male in York then joining the Facebook group ‘York Menfulness‘ is a great way to keep a positive mindset, vent in tough times and generally build a local network of people who ‘get it’. No expectations, just acceptance and space to talk”

I’d like to finish with a thank you to those who’ve inspired me during lockdown – The NHS staff working in all areas and especially those on COVID wards, risking their lives to save others. They are clearly the heroes of our time, finally getting the sort of recognition they deserve. Also, the key workers, those people working in shops, teachers, anyone who’s role has quietly and humbly helped the country move forward but which, now all of a sudden, has this element of life or death about it, which they never asked for or saw coming. If you’re doing one of those jobs with a smile on your face then, thank you. Count yourself a hero too.

“I’d like to finish with a thank you to those who’ve inspired me during lockdown – The NHS staff working in all areas and especially those on COVID wards, risking their lives to save others”

And finally, you. You, who looks forward, looks up, hopes for better days and remembers to be kind despite times being tough. We have much work to do in creating the world we want after all this, but with you on our side then I’ve no doubt we will pull through together.