Solent Mind launches accessible wellbeing app to offer free emotional support to users
A NEW free wellbeing app has been launched to help support people with their mental health.
Charity Solent Mind has created an app full of tips and advice for living well, as well as mindfulness exercises, positive news stories, healthy recipes and employment advice.
Users can take part in weekly wellbeing challenges and personalised activities to help track their emotional wellbeing while at home or unable to have face-to-face support.
Solent Mind chief executive Kevin Gardner said: ‘In the midst of a pandemic and with technology playing such a big part in our lives, there has never been a more vital time to offer the extra mental health and wellbeing support that can now be found in our new app, alongside our current services.’
Ron Shields, chief executive of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, added: ‘The new wellbeing app is an easily accessible way of getting the extra support we need in maintaining our mental wellbeing, particularly in such difficult times.’
The charity teamed up with mental health non-profits, Fareham-based We are Hummingbird and Happy Days for Everyone, to help create the app.
We Are Hummingbird was launched last year by Ian Hurst from Fareham and the 38-year-old put out a YouTube series at the beginning of September with fellow mental health non-profit Panic Loves Company.
During the pandemic, wellbeing advisors at Solent Mind have offered support over the phone to those suffering poor mental health or wellbeing issues, with face-to-face services being limited.
It has now extended its coronavirus wellbeing phone line and people will now also be able to reach help out-of-hours thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.
The Solent Mind Wellbeing App is now available to be downloaded for free from Google Play or the App Store.
The coronavirus wellbeing helpline will now be available to residents in the Hampshire County Council area and the Isle of Wight on 023 8017 9049 Monday to Friday from 8am until 9am and 5pm until 8pm, and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.