During Mental Health Awareness Week, Revd Jeremy Law, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Coordinator at the Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) NHS Foundation Trust, reflects on the impact that the coronavirus emergency has had on the mental health chaplaincy there.
He describes that “the impact of COVID-19 on people’s mental health and wellbeing has been enormous” and expects its effects to “continue for a long time.”
“Staff at GMMH have been caring for people at the end of life with dedication and professionalism” he says and “the effect of loved ones not being allowed to visit service users and accompany the dying has had a profound effect, both on relatives and staff.”
To help hospital staff deal with their emotional and spiritual needs, the chaplaincy team is planning to hold memorial services that staff are welcome to attend, with ongoing support.
“The Chaplaincy team has long recognised the spiritual compliment to caring for the body and the mind.
For the Trust to so openly recognise the spiritual needs of all is significant.”
– Rev Jeremy Law, GMMH NHS Foundation Trust#MentalHealthAwarenessWeekhttps://t.co/uUzcsiDXzv— The Church of England (@churchofengland) May 21, 2020