We have featured the below release on behalf of our charity partner Solent Mind.
Monday 20th April 2020
Solent Mind launch Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Helpline
Leading Hampshire and Isle of Wight mental health charity Solent Mind have launched a free helpline, available to those experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing issues as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Experienced advisors can offer bitesize support to those feeling anxious or low as well as practical guidance on keeping mentally well during isolation. The confidential service can also signpost callers to specific local support, such as benefits advice or bereavement services.
Solent Mind Chief Executive, Kevin Gardner says: “We’re seeing that Coronavirus has significantly impacted the emotional health of our communities through the uncertainty attached to income, housing, family and relationships. Our knowledgeable staff, many of whom have their own personal lived experience of mental health issues, can offer useful ways to move forward.”
Solent Mind supports over 25,000 people each year through a network of Wellbeing Centres, talking therapies and specialist recovery-focused services across the Solent region. Although face-to-face appointments have been temporarily suspended, many core services continue to operate a vital telephone service for both new and existing service users alike.
It is hoped that the introduction of the Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Helpline and the adaptation of Solent Mind’s mental health services can reduce the pressure on NHS services and the risk of people experiencing an urgent mental health crisis.
Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust Chief Executive, Dr Nick Broughton says: “Charities such as Solent Mind play a vital role alongside NHS mental health services and we need to work together now more than ever. I welcome the new helpline and applaud colleagues at Solent Mind for adapting their services to continue supporting people in need during this extraordinary time.”
The Solent Mind Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Helpline is available to residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm (except bank holidays) on 023 8017 9049.
Further details can be found in Solent Mind’s Coronavirus Wellbeing Hub, which contains up to date service information and free downloadable mental health toolkits for the whole family: www.solentmind.org.uk/coronavirushub.
ENDS
Notes to Editors overleaf:
NOTES TO EDITORS
Suitable for immediate release.
For further quotes and a range of free images, please contact:
Kate Blake, Solent Mind Communications and Engagement Team Leader: 07717 376467 [email protected]
Our Signposting Resource Pack contains flyers, graphics and suggested social media content for health care professionals.
Solent Mind: We’re Solent Mind, the leading mental health charity across Hampshire.
We’re here to make sure anyone with a mental health problem has somewhere to turn for advice and support. We offer a range of vital services that aim to improve mental wellbeing and we campaign to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues. We’re here so that no one in our diverse community has to face a mental health problem alone.
www.solentmind.org.uk