Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what mental health support is available to freelancers in the digital, culture, media and sport sectors who have not received an income for over four months as a result of the covid-19 outbreak and who are not eligible for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

We are committed to supporting everyone’s mental wellbeing, during this unprecedented period. National Health Service mental health services have remained open for business throughout this time providing ongoing support, including for people who work freelance if they have a clinical need. For those with severe needs or in crisis, all NHS mental health providers have established 24 hours a day, seven days a week mental health crisis lines. We have also published official guidance on mental health and wellbeing on GOV.UK and the Every Mind Matters campaign and website contains tailored, practical steps that the public can take to support their wellbeing and manage their mental health during the pandemic.

The Government has provided additional funding of £9.2 million for mental health charities to support adults and children struggling with their mental wellbeing during this time.

We are also working with the NHS, Public Health England and other key partners to gather evidence and assess the potential longer-term mental health impacts and plan for how to support mental health and wellbeing throughout the coming weeks and months.