People in Calderdale now have access to a mental health helpline 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The new confidential helpline offers support and guidance to anyone registered with a GP practice in Calderdale by calling free on 0800 183 0558.

As well as information and advice, trained telephone advisors can help people access local mental health and emotional wellbeing support.

People don’t have to have used mental health services before. Carers, or those concerned about a loved one or friend, will also be able to telephone for advice.

Dr Caroline Taylor, Calderdale NHS Clinical Commissioning Group’s clinical lead for mental health said: “We are living through really difficult times at the moment, and the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown is having a very real effect on people’s mental health.

“Calderdale has fantastic mental health support programmes, commissioned and provided by the NHS and community organisations, but this helpline means people can access meaningful support 24 hours a day. People calling this number can also be referred directly to existing support across our area.

NHS Commissioners in Greater Huddersfield, North Kirklees, Calderdale, Wakefield, Leeds and Barnsley have invested almost half a million pounds into a new mental health helpline for local residents, which is provided by NCHA Care and Support.

Support for health and social care staff and volunteers in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield has also been put in place. All healthcare workers, including those working in care homes, providing home care, and the thousands of volunteers who have registered to support their local health and care services respond to COVID-19 can access the support for 12 months.

The support is in addition to wellbeing offers already in place at workplaces and resources put in place by the NHS nationally.  

Dr Taylor added: “It’s important we look after the people who look after others. Working through the Coronavirus pandemic is very challenging and emotional. Staff and volunteers are balancing additional demands of work and family life during this time. This support has been put in place to help staff and volunteers stay healthy and protect their emotional wellbeing.”