Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what progress the Government has made in developing post-covid-19 plans for increased mental health and psychological support for (a) people who have contracted covid-19, (b) family and close friends of people who have contracted covid-19 and (c) frontline health and care workers.

There is broad consensus that there is the potential for an increase in demand for mental health services as a result of COVID-19 and we are working with the National Health Service, Public Health England and others to ensure ongoing assessment of the potential longer-term impacts and to plan for how to support mental health and wellbeing throughout the ‘recovery’ phase.

Mental health services are provided according to clinical need, regardless of whether an individual or a member of their family has previously contracted COVID-19.

With regard to frontline health and care workers, we have ensured comprehensive packages of emotional and psychological support are available to all social care and NHS staff, building on existing support. This includes free access to a confidential helpline operated by the Samaritans.