According to research by leading mental health charity Mind nearly two thirds (61 percent) of people in London say that their mental health has got worse during lockdown, but nearly one third (29 percent) did not seek help as they thought it was not serious enough. While information to support those struggling is available online, some people may not be aware or able to access it. As hubs in the local community, staff and volunteers in Mind shops can help everyone seek support for their mental health through much-needed conversations, information materials in store, or by directing them to local or national Mind services.

The findings come as Mind reopens its shops today, Monday 15 June, with safety measures in place to protect the physical and mental health of customers, volunteers, and staff. Thirty-five of their one hundred and sixty-seven shops are opening, including ten in the London. The East Sheen, Enfield, Islington, Kentish Town, Shepherds Bush, Stoke Newington Church Street, Wandsworth and West Wickham shops will open to serve customers, provide information and advice services to local communities, and collect donations to support everyone experiencing a mental health problem during this difficult time. The East Dulwich and Stoke Newington High Street shops will open exclusively to collect donations.

Mind are introducing a range of safety measures in line with UK Government guidance as they welcome customers back to their shops. These include all staff and volunteers being given Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including masks, visors, gloves and till screens in every shop. Measures also include changing rooms being closed, contactless payment preferred, floor markers and limiting customer numbers to ensure social distancing. Surfaces will be regularly disinfected, and shops are reducing opening hours to allow for deep cleaning.

Donations are accepted at all open shops where they will have a 72-hour quarantine period. Mind are currently facing increased demand for their support, campaigning, and resources, so donating a bag of items, on average worth £30, will go a long way in supporting those under strain due to the current mental health emergency. For those who have spare time on their hands, Mind is also looking for new volunteers as many are currently unable to work due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The remaining one hundred and thirty-two shops will open in phases – they hope by early August – depending on Government guidelines, the R rate, and learnings from the first phase of shop openings, which will be closely monitored and communicated by staff in the shops. Shops in Wales will begin to open when Welsh Government guidelines allow.

Andrew Vale, Director of Mind Retail, said: “We are thrilled to welcome customers back into our shops, and are making their safety, and the safety of our staff and volunteers, our number one priority. However, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic means many of us with mental health problems are at risk: we are being left without usual coping mechanisms, while our health and care services are under pressure like never before. We need your support through shopping, donating, and volunteering in Mind shops to make sure we can continue to be there for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.”

Norman Wilson, Manager of the Wandsworth Shop, said: “Us being open is a help to the community – when they want to get support and they don’t know where to go they think of our shop first. We can get 2-3 calls a day here where people are asking for help, and if we’re closed, they might not know who to ask. We can give them numbers, tell them about local services, and be a focus point for support.”

The full list of shops reopening:

London:

• East Dulwich (Donation Station) – 96 Grove Vale, Southwark, SE22 8DT
• East Sheen – 211 Upper Richmond Road, East Sheen, SW14 8QT
• Enfield – 43 Windmill Hill, Enfield, EN2 7AE
• Islington – 202 Stroud Green Rd, Islington, N4 3RN
• Kentish Town – 257 Kentish Town Road, Kentish Town, NW5 2JT
• Shepherds Bush – 82 Uxbridge Rd, Shepherds Bush Green, W12 8LR
• Stoke Newington Church Street – 1 Stoke Newington Church St, Stoke Newington, N16 0NX
• Stoke Newington High Street (Donation Station) – 107-109 Stoke Newington High Street, Stoke Newington, N16 0PH
• Wandsworth – 463-465 Wandsworth Rd, Wandworth, SW8 4NX
• West Wickham – 46 High Street, West Wickham, BR4 0NG