AND FINALLY
Do your bit to tackle the new normal
SOME of you may know I’m a patron of the relationship support charity Relate, so I want to tell you about what could be an important initiative.
A significant study (by the University of Worcester in partnership with Relate) is seeking to understand the medium and longer-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic on family life and relationships.
If, like me, you’re feeling rather worried about the whole thing, you might even be able to do something positive to help. Over the next year, the study will discover how people’s relationships are faring as initial lockdown restrictions continue to lift and we learn to live with the ongoing threat of the pandemic.
The research will delve into the Covid-induced effects of home- schooling, living in confined spaces, living apart from loved ones, changes to working patterns and increased unemployment, dealing with poor health and bereavement, managing anxiety, uncertainty, financial insecurity, tension and conflict.
The goal is to develop new ways to support people as we navigate the ‘new normal’ (that annoying but useful phrase) and to enable us all to be better prepared to deal with any subsequent waves of the pandemic.
They want up to 1,000 participants (age 18 and over) to take part. The aim is to understand how people from all walks of life have been impacted. Here is the link: ucw. onlinesurveys. ac. uk/ families-un-locked-2020-wave1
Meanwhile, mental issues related to lockdown and the pandemic are hard for everyone, but especially for those already battling with their mental health. So a nursing friend has asked me to share the wonderful charity MIND’s 24-hour helpline: 0300 123 3393.
I’m glad to do so, because as we look towards autumn and winter, I fear for the wellbeing of the nation. Not because of the virus itself, but due to our ability to face up to it. And to a life full of everyday danger.
BEL answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.