Derbyshire mental health helpline receives nearly 20,000 calls in first year

A mental health helpline – which was launched last year to help Derbyshire people struggling during the Covid-19 crisis – has received nearly 20,000 calls in its first 12 months.
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The helpline, which is free to call on 0800 028 0077, was established by Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust on April 6 last year.

Between then and March 31, the 24/7 service has taken a total of 19,342 calls from local residents - an average of more than 1,600 a month or more than 50 a day.

The helpline has been made a permanent service.The helpline has been made a permanent service.
The helpline has been made a permanent service.
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Recently the figure has been as many as 2,200 calls a month.

A trust spokesperson said: “The helpline supports people with a wide variety of mental health needs, ranging from anxiety and depression to those in a mental health crisis.

“The reasons why people contact the service are very individual, however common themes in our conversations include relationship issues, financial or economic difficulties, bereavement, problems at work, eating issues or disorders and wider feelings of isolation due to Covid-19.”

Derbyshire residents of any age can dial the helpline number and benefit from telephone support, not only to help them with their mental health but also to talk through practical issues that may be causing them concern or anxiety.

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The helpline team consists of staff from the charity P3 and clinical workers from Derbyshire Healthcare.

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One caller gave this feedback: “The young lady who answered my call was very understanding and put me at ease. I have never been able to talk about my anxiety, so it was nice to know I was not alone and there is somewhere to contact.”

Ifti Majid, chief executive of the trust, said: “We are delighted to mark the first anniversary of our mental health helpline.

“The helpline has supported and helped many Derbyshire people who have struggled with their mental health to start to deal with their difficulties and move forward.

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“Rapid and accessible support from trained advisers can make all the difference.”

The helpline has now become a permanent service as part of improvements being made through the Joined Up Care Derbyshire programme.

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The helpline has its own webpage – www.derbyshirehelpline.com - which includes full details of the service and what it can offer.

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