These are difficult times for everyone, and it's natural to feel worried or anxious. However, there is help available to prevent those feelings from becoming more serious – including confidential support from Samaritans Wolverhampton.
Pam, Branch Director of Samaritans Wolverhampton, said: "We are finding the coronavirus is affecting people's lives in a huge number of different ways, from general anxiety to financial worries and more. Many people are feeling more isolated and alone which we have found tends to lead to higher levels of anxiety in our callers.
"We are always there to provide a listening ear to anyone who has concerns, and that has not changed at all in recent weeks. We are still available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk to us and who needs emotional support.
"If you need someone to talk to you can call us on 116123. The phone is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you don't feel able to talk on the phone you can email us on jo@samaritans.org.
“When people ring, we can't see their phone number and when they email we can't see their email address. Our service is strictly confidential so we are providing a safe space for callers to talk to us about how they are feeling."
Anyone worried about their own mental health or someone else during the coronavirus outbreak can find resources and advice on the Samaritans website.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Please don't suffer alone – if you need help and support, talk to someone, whether that is family, friends or the team of volunteers at Samaritans."
Wolverhampton Samaritans is appealing for donations from local residents to help ensure its volunteers can continue to support people struggling to cope during this crucial time. To help out, please visit Samaritans Wolverhampton.
Public Health England's Every Mind Matters campaign has launched a new suite of tips and advice to help people look after their mental wellbeing during the coronavirus outbreak.
The new range of resources include a tailored COVID-19 Mind Plan – a quick and free interactive tool offering tailored mental well-being advice – along with COVID-19 specific content for individuals and their loved ones, and support for specific mental wellbeing issues such as anxiety, stress, low mood and trouble sleeping. Visit Every Mind Matters for more information.
The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages at Coronavirus advice and information. There’s lots of advice on how people can protect themselves and their families from coronavirus from the NHS at Advice for everyone – Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The council’s Stay Safe, Be Kind campaign offers clear and simple advice about how people can help themselves, and how they can support others who may be particularly vulnerable at this time. For more information, please visit Stay Safe, Be Kind.
