How isolation is affecting the mental health of society's most vulnerable

  • Video report by ITV News Meridian's Sarah Saunders

As we continue to highlight Mental Health Awareness Week, ITV News Meridian has been looking at how coronavirus is bringing mental health challenges to vulnerable people in our communities.

While lockdown restrictions have begun to ease, allowing many to start venturing out more, there are those who must continue to isolate.

77-year-old Linda Davies from Herne Bay lives alone.

To protect her health, she is self-isolating and hasn't left her home for weeks.

While staying home for their health is risking a loneliness epidemic among some older people, there is help out there.

Linda has family and the charity Age UK has been offering support.

Identical twin boys Edward and Austin

While some face lockdown alone, others are facing isolation as a family.

Four year old identical twin boys Edward and Austin have leukemia, so the whole family must shield until what is likely to be next year.

Katie Tupling is a disability advisor for the diocese of Berkshire and Oxfordshire

According to ONS figures, another group hard hit by isolation are those with disabilities.

Born with cerebral palsy, Katie Tupling is a disability advisor for the diocese of Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

She says there is a lot support out there and that no one should feel that they can't pick up the phone.