New Northamptonshire helpline launched to help mental health issues triggered by Covid-19 pandemic

A new mental health hotline has been set up in Northamptonshire after the charity has received a £3,000 grant from Northamptonshire Community Foundation.

The free helpline, set up by relationship counsellors Relate, is available for all adults over 18 living in the county and facing issues around their mental well being triggered by the coronavirus pandemic.

Northampton Relate CEO, Carolyn Benjamin, said: "Traditionally, we’ve always delivered most of our work face-to-face but since social distancing this is no longer possible.

"We now deliver 100% of our counselling services virtually but people are really struggling to find an hour in their day to find a quiet confidential space that allows them to engage in counselling.

"This helpline enables access for 30 minutes to a fully qualified counsellor to discuss issues brought about due to lockdown, such as stress, anxiety, depression, difficult relationships, family issues and home schooling. Our helpline enables people to be listened to and given coping strategies to help them get through these difficult times."

Appointments can be made six days a week and are open to anyone living in Northamptonshire.

Carolyn said the Northamptonshire Relate branch is the first in the country to set this kind of over-the-phone service up and others are looking to roll it out across the nation if funding can be found.

She added: "The response has been extremely positive – people are really grateful to have a service they can use quickly to support them through the crisis.

"We are also able to signpost people to other local services to support them with issues around debt, domestic abuse, suicidal thoughts, other mental health services and local health and charity providers across the county to ensure they have all the support they need at this difficult time."

Ring 01604 634400 to speak to the support team.