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Student Minds are part of a major coalition of mental health charities seeking an urgent Mental Health Renewal Plan for England in response to Covid-19. Together the coalition is asking for a “New Social Contract” between the government, mental health charities, and other supporters to deliver crucial support in response to the pandemic. We have added our name to a list of over fifty co-signatories who bring a wealth of expertise from across the mental health sector. The letter, which has been submitted to the Prime Minister, champions the importance of listening to those with lived experience. Together we argue that we are presented with a rare opportunity to improve and protect the mental health of every person in our society, in spite of the difficulties posed by the pandemic. At Student Minds, collaboration is one of our core values, and we believe the New Social Contract will enable mental health charities, voluntary organisations, and the government, to meaningfully work together. Mark Winstanley, CEO of Rethink Mental Illness said: “Mental health care has been chronically underfunded for decades and we were only just starting to see the impact of investment when the pandemic hit. “Covid-19 has changed the course of the journey we are on and we need to pool all our knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges ahead, with support at every level of government. There's an opportunity here to provide the nation with a renewal plan for mental health and to reduce some of the most damaging health inequalities in society. If we do not seize this chance, we will feel the impact of that failing for decades.” Reflecting on the significance of this for students, Rosie Tressler OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Student Minds, said: “As the UK’s student mental health charity, we understand the importance of teaming up with a broad coalition of partners dedicated to improving mental health across the country. Different groups in our society are exposed to the mental, emotional and economic difficulties posed by the pandemic, which could be felt for years to come. These difficulties could have a long-lasting impact if they are not properly addressed. We believe it is a question of intergenerational, societal fairness that we join calls for a Mental Health Renewal Plan for the nation, which also includes and addresses the specific needs of students. “We are vehemently in support of the letter’s call for health inequalities, which are being exacerbated and deepening in the wake of the pandemic, to be front and centre in a renewal plan and will continue to advocate for the needs and experiences of our diverse student population.” Read more about the New Social Contract and read the open letter to the Prime Minister. 
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