Easing Lockdown: an update from our Chief Officer

Healthy Minds & easing of lockdown 19th July 2021 

From this week, most of the remaining Covid-19 lockdown restrictions will be lifted. I know that, while some people will be excited about returning to “normal” straight away, others will feel differently. I want to set out Healthy Minds’ stance and explain why we are encouraging continued caution. 

We support Calderdale Council’s message to remain cautious, be kind and help each other to stay safe. We all have a shared responsibility towards each other and that includes keeping some of the measures in place that have helped keep people safe.  Some people, particularly those who are clinically vulnerable, have good cause to be concerned about lifting restrictions – we are offering additional support through our coming out of lockdown programme and Healthy Minds is among the organisations having signed an open letter urging consideration of people’s ongoing concerns. 

We want to strike a balance between what we are allowed to do and what we see as responsible to do. Many of our activities, such as groups held outdoors, have been reintroduced as soon as we’ve been able and confident that we can do so safely and responsibly.  We will continue to assess what we can reopen and adapt so that people who want to can come together again in person. If you are already on contact lists for activities, you will receive updates from project workers and we’ll keep our website updated with the latest news.  All in-person activities will be fully risk-assessed and we may ask you to follow requirements for everyone’s safety, such as wearing face coverings or confirming that you have negative test results before attending. 

During lockdown, we have successfully kept activities going online and by telephone. Healthy Minds has always tried to find what works best for people and we know some people find online easier and more accessible.  Our future programme will be a mixture of remote and in-person activities to keep those choices available. 

I know that not everyone will agree with this cautious approach. We take our responsibility for everyone’s safety seriously and this is our position for the time being. If we all play our part, we can look forward to being able to enjoy true freedom without such extreme caution – surely something we all want, whatever our views. 

- Jonny Richardson Glenn, Chief Officer