Phone help and mental health cafes expanding

SERVICES THAT BEGAN DUE TO PANDEMIC TO BE PERMANENT

SERVICES created at the beginning of the pandemic to help people struggling with their mental health have been expanded to cope with expected winter pressures on the NHS.

One of the newest services, the round-the-clock Mental Health Central Access Point helpline, is among those to have been made permanent.

Created to help those struggling at the start of the pandemic, the helpline can take calls from people in a crisis about their mental health or from people worried about someone else’s.

Fiona Myers, interim director of adult mental health at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “We’ve been developing many of these services over the past 18 months, some of them in response to the pandemic, so people had more support during an incredibly stressful time.

“Now as we move into the busy winter period, we want to make sure people know about the support that is out there and, most importantly, how to get hold of it.”

A network of crisis cafes has been created to offer further support. The cafes operate as drop-in centres to provide a safe space, emotional support and one-to-one sessions for people struggling with mental health issues.

Three cafes are in operation, at:

Loughborough Wellbeing Centre, Woodgate; Leicester City Crisis Cafe, St Martin’s House, next to the cathedral; and Market Harborough Crisis Cafe, The Symington Building, Adam and Eve Street.

“We are expanding our network of cafes so there will soon be one close to where most people live, but for now, the cafes we have are open to all,” said Ms Myers.

“We are urging everyone to use our services and not to struggle on their own. Please pick up the phone and take the first step.”

Anyone who is struggling is advised to call the Mental Health Central Access Point on 0808 800330 or one of these other services: Samaritans: 116 123. SANEline: 0300 304 7000, 4.30pm to 10.30pm, daily.

Combat Stress: 0800 138 1619 – for veterans.

Shout Text 85258.

For support on mental health issues, people can also call NHS 111. If there is a threat to life, call 999.