Solent Mind launches out-of-hours coronavirus mental health helpline

Solent Mind has extended its coronavirus wellbeing phoneline and people will now also be able to reach help out-of-hours thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Wellbeing advisors have worked throughout the pandemic to offer support over the phone to those suffering poor mental health or wellbeing issues, with face-to-face services being limited.

Staff will continue to help with wellbeing tips, listening to worries, offering information, signposting and bitesize support.

Solent Mind chief executive Kevin Gardner said: ‘The effect coronavirus is having on the mental health of communities is still very much ongoing.

‘We know that the next huge challenge to people’s mental health will be the economic and employment consequences of the crisis, so I am delighted we are able to extend this helpline and support even more people going forward.’

It comes after support organisations across Portsmouth saw a high increase in the demand on services in the last six months and bosses told The News they were worried that the coronavirus will bring a ‘third wave’ of worsening mental health issues.

Nicola Youern, group chief executive of The YOU Trust, which run Advice Portsmouth and Social Prescribing, said: ‘Mental health support is sadly insufficient and I think one of the things that will come out of this is that there is going to be a massive demand for support and it is about how do we respond to it.

SEE ALSO: Mental health support across Portsmouth, Fareham, Gosport, Waterlooville, Havant and Hampshire

‘Our counselling waiting lists are just getting longer and longer. I think voluntary and charity organisations have stepped in where they can but for many people they need more and there will be more people needing more.’

The cSolent Mind coronavirus wellbeing helpline will now be available to residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight on 02380 179049 between Monday to Friday from 8am until 9am and 5pm until 8pm, and between 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Solent Mind can be contacted during weekdays on 023 8202 7810 or by emailing [email protected]

Further information and free downloadable mental health toolkits for the whole family can be found by visiting solentmind.org.uk/coronavirushub

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