MESH's Response to COVID-19

Against the backdrop of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak, our services will continue to operate. For the safety of both our staff and clients we are making some changes to how our services are delivered until the public health situation improves. All of our MIAMs, conflict coaching and mediation will be delivered virtually or via telephone, and we are working with our partners to implement a similar setup for our other services.

We would like to reassure all of our clients and partners that we are still operating a business-as-usual approach. Our offices are currently closed but our staff are continuing to work from home. 

We recognise that the need for support in dealing with conflict will not disappear and may grow as people self isolate in close confinement for extended periods of time. We suggest considering conflict coaching, which is available at a lesser rate than mediation. We also have a number of resources on our website, including self-help guides, which may be of use:

• 5 tips on how best to approach your neighbour with a problem

• How to approach conflict with your housemates

• Tips for Positive Communication: for parents & young people

Please continue to schedule services as usual, using email as the first point of call. Emails can be sent to enquiries@meshccs.org.uk. Please don’t call our office number at present but send an email and we will respond to all inquiries. If you wish to speak to someone directly, please include your phone number and someone will return your call within two working days.

For virtual sessions, all of our mediators are fully trained in hosting mediations online through platforms such as Zoom and are able to offer advice and guidance to clients in setting these up. 

These are difficult and uncertain times, together we can get through this. 

Useful Links

• NHS - Coronavirus (COVID19) overview

• NHS - Coronavirus symptom checker

• Government guidance on coronavirus

• Just For Kids: A Comic Exploring The New Coronavirus (NPR)

• #COVIBOOK Supporting and reassuring children around the world (Mindheart)

• This Guardian article explains more about how the virus is causing additional issues for those living with, or in recovery from OCD.

• Advice and tips on handling these anxieties and pressures (The Mighty)

• An article here from Chief Exec of OCD-UK (with lived experience) on OCD and Coronavirus

• Coronavirus and your wellbeing (Mind)

• Information about coronavirus in 20+ languages (Doctors of the World)

Self-isolation may be a particularly difficult time for those who are living in abusive households, and are afraid of being isolated with their partner or family member(s). Support for you is still available and you are not alone. 

IDAS run domestic abuse helplines in Sheffield and Barnsley and can be called 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays. IDAS are also running an online chat on their website between 4pm and 6pm on weekdays.

• Sheffield: 0808 808 224

• Barnsley: 03000 110 110

National Domestic Violence Helpline (24/7): 0808 2000 247