A helpline offering advice and emotional support has been extended to be available 24/7 as Prestonians deal with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on their mental health.

The helpline, operated by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, is available for anyone who is struggling to cope, feeling isolated or experiencing mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.

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Perri McGovern, Acting Service Manager for the Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline, says it is a really uncertain and worrying time for the community.

She said: “It can be difficult to manage mental health and wellbeing when you are not able to do the things that matter most to you, like seeing your family and friends or just simply going out to work.

“We recognise this and want to support people whenever they are feeling this way. I am pleased that we’ve been able to extend our usual service hours to be available 24/7 at a time when people really need some extra support. It is important everyone knows you’re not alone and support is much closer than you think.

“I would urge anyone who needs support, a conversation or is suffering with a mental health problem to call or text us for emotional support and a listening ear.”

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The helpline expanded in September last year when it added a text service for people to make contact without having to speak to anyone. Feedback from service users since then demonstrates that 100 per cent of people who have used the service would do so again.

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The helpline can be contacted on 08009154640 or by texting ‘hello’ to 07860022846.

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