The Bishop of Paisley and Vice-President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, John Keenan, has pressed churches across the country to maintain “meticulous” hygiene standards for the benefit of parishioners and other members of the public suffering from mental health troubles as a result of the pandemic. “Among the many terrible effects of this pandemic is a surge in cases of depression, hopelessness and suicide’, the Press and Journal quoted Bishop Keenan as saying. “The loss of normality in all its facets has left many feeling bereft and desolate, in need of spiritual solace, like never before.” Bishop Keenan also said, “It is in times of greatest peril that we need the spiritual comfort of public worship most. “Now, more than ever, our church doors need to be open, so that worshipping in safety can continue.” Bishop Keenan's statement came after the UK government awarded a £27 million contract to mental health charity Think Ahead. The funding was announced as part of a recruitment drive to enlist 480 new mental health social workers over the next three years who will help 10,000 people living with serious mental illnesses. Research by the Centre for Mental Health that half a million more people in the UK may suffer from mental health issues due to COVID-19 and that those with pre-existing mental health conditions are at greater risk of significant, long-term negative effects. Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Nadine Dorries, said that ‘this new funding will boost support for the most vulnerable at a time when they need it most.”