Mental health helpline open for Christmas

THE Staffordshire Mental Health Helpline, currently operating 24-hours a day, will be open as normal during the festive period.

Brighter Futures, provider of the Helpline, is keeping a vital source of support open for people at a time of year when mental health is on the rise.

The Hanley-based organisation received nearly 5,500 contacts in December 2020. More than any other month in the year.

Operating hours will continue to be 24-hours a day right through Christmas – and provide a listening ear for anybody over the age of 18 in Staffordshire with a mental health concern.

Eunice Burke, operational manager of the helpline, said: “Christmas is supposed to be a happy time of the year, but we know this isn’t always the case.

“Things like underlying family issues, financial strain and added social pressure during the festive period can be a struggle. We recognise this and know that it’s vital we provide the necessary support available.

“If anybody is struggling this Christmas and feel like they may need our support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You don’t have to let your feelings escalate and feel like you’ve got no-one to talk to if things get pressured. We’re here to listen.”

Anybody needing to contact the helpline can do so for free by phoning 0808 800 2234, texting 07860 022821, emailing staffordshire.helpline@brighterfutures.org.uk, or instant message through the Brighter Futures website.

One person said about the helpline: “If it wasn’t for you guys, I wouldn’t be here now, this service is a life-saver”.

The Brighter Futures Rough Sleeper Team will also be working across the Christmas period to help people move on from the streets.

Brighter Futures has been supporting mental health, homelessness, and complex issues in Staffordshire, and the West Midlands for 45 years.