Corby Mind ready to lend an ear with emotional support during lockdown with free helpline

The phone service is in addition to their regular 'Crisis Cafe' which has remained open throughout the pandemic
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People in and around Corby will be able to access a free mental health helpline after receiving funding from Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

The six-day-a-week service is to help anyone who is struggling with their emotions during the lockdown, enabling them to access support safely and remotely.

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Callers will be sign-posted initially to assess their requirements after which a counsellor will either speak to them immediately or call them back after arranging a convenient time.

Jessica Invernizzi, communications and volunteer lead at Corby Mind, said: "It's so difficult. Mental health is getting worse but this new service will offer a friendly voice at the end of the phone.

"If people are struggling at work - maybe they work for the NHS - then they can call us during a break and we can arrange to speak to them later in the evening when they are back home.

"People who are struggling with their emotions or anxiety, feeling lonely or isolated can call us. We can help them or signpost them to the best service for them.

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"It's a way we can help people who are struggling without risking their physical health."

The free helpline can be used by people needing emotional supportThe free helpline can be used by people needing emotional support
The free helpline can be used by people needing emotional support

The service runs Monday to Saturday from 11am to 1pm and 3pm to 5pm and after the initial call Mind can arrange to call clients back to prevent excessive bill charges.

Throughout the pandemic, Corby Mind's Crisis Cafe has been continuing to give essential support to the most vulnerable, and some peer group counselling sessions have been moved online.

Jessica said: "Our Crisis Cafe has been carrying on helping people. We are an essential service. A&E is really busy and we've got PPE and keep well protected.

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"We are also looking to run remote courses for people who cannot leave the house.

Library Photo l-r CEO Corby Mind Jo Gratrick, Mayor of Corby Ray Beeby and wife Toni and fundraising lead Morgan HayLibrary Photo l-r CEO Corby Mind Jo Gratrick, Mayor of Corby Ray Beeby and wife Toni and fundraising lead Morgan Hay
Library Photo l-r CEO Corby Mind Jo Gratrick, Mayor of Corby Ray Beeby and wife Toni and fundraising lead Morgan Hay

"But if people feel that they are struggling they should give us a call."

The Crisis Cafe in the Mind centre in Argyll Street, Corby, is open three-days-a-week, Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm to 9.30pm, and Sundays from 2pm to 7.30pm.

Anyone wanting to access the new emotional support helpline and speak to mental health support worker can call 01536 292001.

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People who are in mental health crisis can call the countywide NHS service Integrated Response Team on 0300 330 1011 which is staffed 24-hours-a-day. Click here to find out more.A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

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