A new 24 hour mental health helpline is now available for residents in Leeds and neighbouring areas (Calderdale, Kirklees, Wakefield and Barnsley).
The helpline provides confidential support, advice, information and guidance for anyone concerned about their mental health. Trained telephone advisors will provide support for people in distress who need someone to talk to, and also refer people to services for further help. Carers, or those concerned about a loved one or friend, will also be able to telephone for advice.
Dr Gwyn Elias, GP and Clinical Lead for Mental Health for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group said “We know that the coronavirus pandemic and the impact of lockdown are impacting a lot of people. Many will be feeling worried, anxious or overwhelmed right now. It is really important that you ask for help if you are worried about your mental health.
“The new helpline gives people an opportunity to talk to someone who can help them find the right support. The NHS is still here for you and we have lots of different services in the city that can help.”
Anyone registered with a Leeds GP can call the helpline on 0800 183 0558.
The new service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and complements mental health services already available in Leeds. These include:
- Connect – a survivor-led local helpline which offers emotional support and information to people in Leeds every night from 6pm-2am on 0808 800 1212. Connect also provides online support through instant chat for people – www.lslcs.org.uk. Connect specialises in working with people at risk of suicide and self-harm and those with complex mental health needs.
- MindWell – the mental health website for people in Leeds. The site includes a coronavirus mental health information hub which brings together information about mental health and Covid-19 for people in Leeds. www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk
- Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service – anyone aged over 17 and registered with a Leeds GP can use online therapy courses and self-management tools which are available at any time day and night to help with a wide range of issues including stress and anxiety, mindfulness, depression and bereavement. Help is available immediately at https://leeds.omnitherapy.org/
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (LYPFT) Crisis Resolution Intensive Support Service (CRISS) team provides assessment and intensive support to adults 16-65 years who are experiencing a mental health crisis. It’s open 24/7, every day. If someone needs help urgently they should call 0300 300 1485.
- Children and young people can visit the Mindmate website for information and support about their emotional health and wellbeing – www.mindmate.org.uk
Anyone whose life is in immediate danger should call 999.