Havant mental health charity launch crisis phone line for young people across Hampshire

Havant and East Hants (HEH) Mind has launched a freephone mental health crisis helpline for 11 to 17-year-olds across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to provide immediate access to help for those experiencing difficulty with their mental health.

GP Dr Michele Legg said: ‘Accessing mental health services is more important now than ever.

‘The pandemic has had a major impact on the lives of our children and young people – and it’s important to know that easy-to-reach help is available.

‘With schools and colleges closed, we know some children and young people will be struggling due to being apart from their friends, having to learn in a different way, experiencing food poverty, or unfortunately domestic issues at home.’

Any young person living in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight can call the number and will speak confidentially to an experienced children and young people practitioner.

At the start of the call, the practitioner will take some basic details about the caller and then will provide one-on-one support.

The caller can then be signposted or referred to any appropriate local service.

If the practitioner is concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, then only after explaining this risk to the caller, will they get in touch with safeguarding organisations or urgent care.

Danielle Barnes, children and young people’s service manager at HEH Mind, said: ‘We are passionate about providing an easily accessible, confidential service for young people and glad to be launching this Freephone crisis line.

‘The line is there to support young people to de-escalate emotional crisis and promote positive mental health; to prevent mental health difficulties developing into severe and enduring health issues.’

The freephone number is 0300 303 1590, and is available Monday to Thursday from 3pm until 8.30pm.

The service has been commissioned by NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight Partnership of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCG) and North East Hants and Farnham CCG.

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