Mental health charity launches round-the-clock phone line for Christmas Day

A new mental health support line has been set up by mental health charity Mind and Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust for round-the-clock support on December 25.

It also means that there is 24-hour mental health support available this December for anyone in need of immediate advice, including during a crisis.

The mental health number can be called by anyone living in Northamptonshire seven days a week, and the phone line will continue to provide 24/7 support throughout Christmas Day.

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.”

The mental health number has been designed to be the only number someone in need has 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 and it is not dependant on whether they are receiving mental health treatment or not.

It comes as a NHFT 'Changing Minds' team is also providing support throughout Christmas, which offers support for anyone over the age of 17-and-a-half, and living in Northamptonshire.

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.

For mental wellbeing support for children or young people, visit www.nhft.nhs.uk/camhslive or they can text their school nurse on 07507 329 600.