Providers of mental health and financial hardship support have come together to highlight help available to Swindon people whose jobs are at risk.
The pandemic has left many people with uncertain employment futures
The Time to Change Swindon partnership is urging business leaders to promote local services to all staff affected by organisational change and uncertainty.
The aim is to help support residents' mental health during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
A video has been created, showcasing four business leaders across the town who support the campaign messages and signposting to a centralised website which lists all free or low cost services available.
Pam Webb, CEO of voluntary Action Swindon, said: “The Time to Change Swindon partnership brings together a range of organisations focused on providing the best possible advice and support to local people in these unprecedented times.
"I would recommend everyone to find the one-and-a-half minutes to watch the short video as it’s likely we or a family member will all know somebody that will find it helpful and, might just prompt them to take the first step to seek help and advice that they didn’t know was available.”
Time to Change Swindon also wants the friends and family members of those facing redundancy to promote the website - https://www.swindon.gov.uk/redundancy - in the hope that their loved ones will seek support early into a redundancy process.
The promotional video will air on social media on World Mental Health Day, Saturday, 10 October.
Claire Newport, CEO of Citizens Advice in Swindon, said: “We have helped people with a huge range of issues since lockdown, but we know that as the furlough scheme draws to an end, lots of people may be feeling worried and need advice.
"We are here to help and can offer advice to anyone about their money worries, employment rights and benefits entitlement. The worry of redundancy and financial insecurity can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face this alone.
"We would urge anyone who is unsure or struggling with these issues or their mental and emotional wellbeing to take the first step to get help as soon possible”
Coun Brian Ford, Swindon Borough Council Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said: “As we all continue to battle COVID-19 it is so important to remember that for many of us it will put a real toll on our mental health, especially those who have lost jobs or are facing redundancy.
“Support is available and I would urge people to make use of it because sometimes we all need some help.
“Our local economy has not escaped the impact of the pandemic but it is in as good a place as any and we will be doing all we can to help the borough bounce back stronger than before.”
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