New 24-hour helpline launches for those struggling with affects of pandemic

News – 4 September 2020

A new 24/7 phoneline to help people cope with the pressures of Covid-19 and beyond has been launched for people in the Bristol, North Somerset and South Glos region.

The 24/7 Support & Connect Helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people over 18 who might be struggling with issues such as debt, loneliness, relationship worries or employment problems.

Calls are handled by fully-trained counsellors who can give immediate help who also have access to a database of more than 300 organisations which can help a caller find further advice.

The confidential helpline is funded by Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (BNSSG CCG), in partnership with Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP) and run by Vita Health Group.

Call 0800 0126549 or visit the website for further information: www.vitahealthgroup.co.uk/247supportandconnect

Whilst the line was set up in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, it is planned to be a continued part of the support system and remain available to those living within BNSSG, who may wish to call about other concerns in the future.

All calls are confidential and callers will only need to provide limited personal details.

The helpline is there for anyone who may be struggling, whether they have concerns over employment as the furlough scheme comes to an end, finances, health worries or issues with family or bereavement. It’s here to provide people with a first port of call for any issues that may be concerning so that they can be given some immediate help as well as advice on where to get further help.

— Dr Umber Malik, clinical lead for mental health at BNSSG CCG

New 24-hour helpline launches for those struggling with affects of pandemic

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