Funding for mental health issues secured
FUNDING has been secured to support residents whose mental health has been affected by the pandemic.
Halton Borough Council said it was “delighted” to have successfully bid for the Public Health England grant, which is part of the Government’s Mental Health Recovery Action Plan 2021-22. A spokeswoman for the local authority said levels of feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression have risen “on a scale not seen in recent times” during the pandemic.
She said Halton Council has used the funding to launch bereavement support for children, young people and adults and to help residents experiencing financial insecurity.
Three organisations have been commissioned to deliver services through the programme: Child Bereavement UK, Listening Ear and Citizens’ Advice Halton.
The funding has been secured ahead of World Mental Health Day on Sunday, October 10.
The spokeswoman said: “From local intelligence we knew people were struggling with bereavement and financial insecurity and the lack of support in these areas was impacting their mental health.
“We knew we needed to address these issues as soon as possible.
“If we can help people at an early stage before they need intervention from mental health services this is better for the individual but also reduces pressure on local mental health services.” Nicola Creaser, of Child Bereavement UK, said: “We are able to offer support to children and young people under the age of 25 who live in Halton who are bereaved of anyone important to them as well as adults bereaved of a child of any age.
“We can offer this support at our centre in Wides as well as via video call, telephone call or instant messenger.”
To make a referral for support to Child Bereavement UK call the helpline on 0800 028 8840.
Listening Ear will be providing counselling and support to anyone aged 18 and over in Halton who has been bereaved including one-toone or group sessions, a friendshipafter-bereavement group, and a helpline.
Paul Etherington, of Listening Ear, said: “Anyone who has been affected by the loss of a family member, friend or someone they’ve cared for can access the service. Our trained staff will help talk it through with you, in confidence.”
Call the service for free on 0800 048 5224, 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
More information is available at listening-ear.co.uk.
Hitesh Patel, Citizens Advice Halton chief executive, said: “We are really pleased to be involved in this important partnership with Halton Council.
“Covid has had a huge impact on local people, especially those with low income.
“Recent news has confirmed what advisers at Citizens Advice
Halton were already seeing: more people struggling to keep up with rising fuel prices, more people worried about job insecurity due to furlough ending, more people affected by relationship breakdowns, more people coming to us with poor mental health and wellbeing.
“Anyone struggling to make ends meet, worried about their personal debt, or wanting support to find a job or access training, should get in touch ASAP - our advisers are here and ready to help.” Call Citizens Advice Halton on 0151 257 2443.
Halton’s public health department will also be working with the Halton Youth Cabinet to provide activities for children and young people to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Cllr Marie Wright (health and wellbeing) said: “The pandemic seems to have made it easier for people to speak up when they are distressed or struggling, but they are then faced with a lack of support or long waiting lists when they try to access support.
“We hope that these three new services we are announcing today will be a great step forward to helping local people cope with the significant challenges we have faced over the past two years”. Other support is available at halton.gov.uk/ mhinfopoint, or by texting REACH to 85258 from the free, anonymous Shout service any time of day or night, 365 days a year.
Anyone in urgent need of help can call Halton’s free 24-seven mental health crisis line on 0800 051 1508.