Study International Research We are Beckett Business COVID-19 NEWS School of Health NEW RESEARCH SIGNALS IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY IN MENTAL HEALTH, AS ONE IN THREE SAY LACK SUPPORT OR TOOLS TO DEAL WITH ‘UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE’ 05 November 2021 Leeds Beckett University has helped carry out research showing over a third of people don’t feel they have the support or tools to deal with the ‘ups and downs of life’ - such as stress, pressure or difficult circumstances. While four in five said support in the community such as having spaces to talk, activities and services would help. The study from the Co-op in partnership with Mind, Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and Inspire revealed the impact the pandemic has had on the nation’s mental wellbeing, with almost a quarter of respondents saying they became more isolated from their community during the pandemic, resulting in a decline in mental wellbeing for almost two-thirds. The in-depth research, a combination of qualitative conversation carried out by Leeds Beckett University and Traverse and a survey of 4,500 people, highlights the vital role of community in promoting good mental wellbeing. The Co-op, alongside Mind, SAMH and Inspire are calling on governments across the UK to recognise the importance of community resilience in post-pandemic recovery policy making, and beyond. Kris Southby, Research Fellow at the School of Health, who led the Leeds Beckett research said: "We know that people living in disadvantaged communities are at risk of experiencing multiple and complex challenges to their mental health and wellbeing. “This study allowed us to look at why people in some disadvantaged communities appear more resilient to these challenges and have better mental health and wellbeing than expected. Partnering with Traverse allowed us to utilise our respective skills and knowledge to explore this issue. “Myself, Prof. Anne-Marie Bagnall, and Prof. Jane South were involved in designing the data collection methods, identifying research sites, analysing the data, and report writing alongside colleagues from Traverse who also led on data collection.” The conversation-based research was conducted in four areas of the UK – Bilston (England), Haverfordwest (Wales), Yoker (Scotland) and Portadown (Northern Ireland), that have higher than expected wellbeing when compared to typical risk factors, to understand what drives mentally resilient communities. The research found four key themes that support better mental health in common across all the communities including: a strong network of community hubs and voluntary sector organisations; open environments to talk about mental health and wellbeing; opportunities to actively participate and make connections in communities; and a sense of community identity and belonging. Find out more about the Centre for Health Promotion Research CENTRE FOR HEALTH PROMOTION RESEARCH IN THIS ARTICLE Dr Kris Southby Research Fellow / School Of Health Kris is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Health Promotion Research. He has broad research interests around the role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in health and wellbeing. 0113 81 24372 Email Kris Professor Anne-Marie Bagnall Professor / School Of Health Anne-Marie Bagnall is Professor of Health & Wellbeing Evidence and Director of the Centre for Health Promotion Research at Leeds Beckett University. Her research aims to improve people's health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. 0113 81 24333 Email Anne-Marie Professor Jane South Professor / School Of Health Jane is Professor of Healthy Communities working in the field of volunteering, active citizenship and community health. 0113 81 24406 Email Jane Health and wellbeing COVID-19 People, places and communities SHARE NEWS +44 113 812 0000 FIND US Accessibility Disclaimer Privacy Modern Slavery Statement Contact Us A member of University Alliance © 2021 Leeds Beckett University