The Somerset Mental Health Alliance, working in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, Somerset NHS CAMHS and Young Somerset, has launched the first 24-hour mental health telephone support line in Somerset to help people who are experiencing mental distress.
Expanding on the existing successful Somerset Mindline service, the round-the-clock helpline will make it quicker and easier for people in Somerset to get the right advice they need for their mental health. Open 24 hours a day, seven-days a week, it is open to people of all ages who need urgent mental health support.
Partner mental health and emotional well-being organisations in the Somerset Mental Health Alliance have also stepped up additional services that Mindline can direct people to, depending on their needs and circumstances. This will help people in the county to access additional support more easily if they are struggling with their mental health.
Jane Yeandle, Service Director for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said:
“I am delighted that we now have a dedicated local 24-hour helpline for people with concerns about their mental health. The service will make a really positive difference to local people by helping those that need specialist support in a timely, person-centred way. Launching a new service in such a short space of time, under the current circumstances, is testament to the teams and I would like to say a big thank you to all involved.”
Katherine Nolan, Chair of the Mental Health Alliance/CEO of Spark Somerset said:
“This is a really significant step forward in helping people who are going through a mental health crisis and is the first 24/7 telephone service for Somerset. There are many times when people need help but previously they have only been able to access support like this during office hours. Even knowing such a service exists will be extremely reassuring for local residents, as whenever they need support – day or night – they won’t have to suffer in silence.”
Andrew Keefe, Deputy Director of Commissioning, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, at Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, welcomed the news:
“It’s important that we look after our mental health as well as our physical health. It is okay to feel worried, anxious or frustrated during these times, but I would like to remind everyone that support is available for when you need it. This expansion to the existing Mindline will be better able to ensure the right help can be provided by the right people at the right time. We all need help sometimes and this initiative will enable even more people in Somerset to receive the support they need.”
What to do if you need urgent mental health help:
- If you are concerned about how you are feeling, please contact Somerset Mindline – 01823 276 892
- The helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages
- The helpline is the first port of call for mental health help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you.
- You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring mental or physical health assistance