Mental health support 24-hour helpline launches in December across Northamptonshire

Mental Health can affect us at any time, and the festive period and COVID-19 restrictions may have an impact our mental wellbeing this Christmas time.

There is 24-hour mental health support available this December for anyone in need of immediate advice, including during a crisis.

Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and mental health charity, Mind have established the mental health number which anyone living in Northamptonshire can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive mental wellbeing support.

The phone line will continue to provide 24/7 support all throughout Christmas (including Christmas Day). The mental health number has been designed to be the only number you need to call for mental health support in the county.

When an individual calls, a trained member of staff will find the right support for the person, whether this is from the NHS; the voluntary and community sector; or advice over the telephone.

Anyone in Northamptonshire is welcome to call, whether they are receiving mental health treatment or not. Existing service users can use the number as an alternative way to contact the service already supporting them as well as a way of speaking to someone out of hours.

Anne Rackham, Director of Mental Health at NHFT, said: “For some of us this time of year can be difficult, with the added change in COVID-19 restrictions we know that people may experience mental health difficulties this Christmas. As the community provider of mental health services in Northamptonshire, we are dedicated to ensuring that our communities know that there is support available to them.

“Our trained and friendly colleagues work with our partners at Mind to offer immediate support to anyone facing mental health problems this Christmas, whether you are facing a crisis or in need of advice and guidance. Please reach out if you need support this Christmas time.”

For mental wellbeing support for children or young people please visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/camhslive or they can text their school nurse on 07507 329 600. To find out more about mental health services across Northamptonshire, visit: www.nhft.nhs.uk/mentalhealth