"Research repeatedly demonstrates that support from another human being is closely related to one’s ability to cope through adversity. It decreases the likelihood of long term negative consequences. Providing access to such support is likely to make a significant difference to a substantial number of people during the very challenging aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to reduce its spread. Even with that support in place, there will be some people that will benefit from more specialist therapeutic support; in an ideal world there would be a smooth transition for people between support and specialist provision. Those providing the support are well placed to link the affected person with the appropriate specialist service. The impact of C-19 will be devastating in so many ways – the psychological impact is one of the impacts that we can be mitigated".

David Trickey - Consultant Clinical Psychologist & Co-Director of the UK Trauma Council