No one currently knows what will be the lasting effects of the pandemic on the nation’s mental health.

Before March 2020 resources for those most in need of help and support were already stretched and with recent research into the UK’s mental wellbeing showing a radical decline in mental health, future funding is going to be drastically required for all those that require support.

Children and young adults, although often quite resilient and able to bounce back, have found the isolation and pressure of the lockdowns extremely difficult, which has affected their outlook on the future and their current mental wellbeing.

Young Minds, a charity whose aim is to stop young people’s mental health from reaching crisis point, by making sure all young people can get the mental health support they need, when they need it no matter what, carried out regular surveys over the past year and found that in January 2021 the latest lockdown had the most devastating impact on young people.

The survey carried out with 2,438 young people aged 13-25, between 26th January and 12th February 2021 showed:

• 75% of respondents agreed that they have found the current lockdown harder to cope with than the previous ones including 44% who said it said it was much harder.
• 67% believed that the pandemic will have a long-term negative effect on their mental health.

Although more promisingly;

• 79% of respondents agreed that their mental health would start to improve when most restrictions were lifted, but some expressed caution about restrictions being lifted too quickly and the prospect of future lockdowns.

Needless to say, the long-lasting effects of the pandemic will be with us for years to come, however, on Monday 10th May the Government announced an investment of £17 million into mental health funding for schools and colleges to help them recover from the challenges of the pandemic.

Unfortunately for many young people who are struggling with their mental health, there comes a point where residential care is required to assist them. When this does happen it’s important that they attend a setting that is not only safe but creates an environment that aids with rest, relaxation and the overall healing process.

Danfloor work with many product manufacturers in helping to create facilities all over the UK that cater for those requiring counselling, support and therapy.

One of the projects Danfloor worked on is Junction 17 (J17) a specialist Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for young people aged 13 – 17 who require assessment and treatment for a range of complex mental health difficulties.

The team at J17 provide a range of services within a double award-winning state-of-the-art inpatient unit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As well as inpatient services, J17 operates a five day a week service for young people with mental health needs.

Junction 17 moves away from the traditional and stereotypical “psychiatric ward” and creates an inspiring environment for young people.

Whilst creating a safe environment the Greater Manchester West Mental Health Trust worked hard to design a stylish and colourful interior that would resonate with the residents and patients. Striking colours were selected from the Equinox Stripe and Tones ranges to create a coordinating, inspiring and welcoming setting.

The Equinox collection was selected for its exceptional performance characteristics, sound absorption properties and a10 year wear guarantee. In addition to this, the ranges have a luxurious and quality look to them whilst still providing a cost-effective flooring solution for the unit. Furthermore, in years to come the carpets will maintain their look and feel even when subject to liquid spills and abrasive cleaning regimes.

Junction 17 and the Trust are dedicated to investing in mental health services for young people and the centre demonstrates their commitment to improving the quality of mental health services for young people in Greater Manchester.

Staff and NHS Trust managers were exceptionally pleased with the Equinox Stripe and Tones ranges which provide the following key features:

• Made from Prism™ Fibre which enhances the colour of the carpet and minimises the effects of visual soiling.
• Includes Bi-Ome® an antimicrobial yarn treatment that kills 99.99% of micro-organisms when they come into contact with the fibre and is also effective again viruses including SARS-COV-2.
• Has an impervious membrane that stops surface spills from reaching the subfloor
• Has great sound absorption qualities which reduce noise reverberation times and creates a “therapeutic environment” in which people tend to communicate more quietly and aids rest and relaxation.
• Can be adhered directly to the floor without the need for sharp grippers and underlay.

For more information about the benefits of the Danfloor carpet collection for Mental Health settings visit danfloor.co.uk