New mental wellbeing helpline launched

Gloucestershire County Council is investing up to £1.4million over the next 7 years in a new helpline to support the mental wellbeing of adults in the county.

The new helpline, ‘Connect and Offload’, or CandO (pronounced ‘can do’) for short is designed to provide support when someone first notices signs and symptoms of their mental health worsening.  It will be open to any adult who is experiencing issues with their emotional wellbeing, such as low mood, anxiety, stress and loneliness.

It also includes support and advice for individuals seeking help with self-harm allowing them to receive the support they need, alongside wider support for their overall emotional wellbeing.

The ‘Connect and Offload’ helpline will:

• Offer support to adults (aged 18 plus) without the need for a referral, or an appointment.
  
  
• Enable people to access help anonymously, between the hours of 2pm-9pm, seven days a week, 365 days per year, via
  
  
  • Phone on 0808 801 0606
  • Text 07537 410 022
  • Webchat via the website
  • Email cando@rethink.org
    
    
• Provide emotional support, information on local services and a ‘listening ear’.
• Promote coping strategies, safety planning and advice on self-care.
• Give advice and support to carers, friends or family.
• Signpost to sources of community-based support and other mental health services, or to organisations who can help with wider issues such as concerns over finance, debt, bereavement, or employment.

The new helpline is delivered and managed by Rethink Mental Illness, a leading mental health charity that offers a range of services across England and Gloucestershire, including award winning helpline services.

Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council said: “We are committed to helping everyone to look after their mental wellbeing and receiving help and support early is crucial to prevent symptoms getting worse.

“The new Connect and Offload helpline is a great addition to the range of mental health support services available in Gloucestershire and I know it will make a difference to individuals, and their families and friends.  I’d encourage anyone who is struggling to get in touch, so we can help you to get the support you need.”

Janice Laverick of Rethink Mental Illness said: 

“For lots of reasons, it can be difficult for people to reach out for help when they are experiencing mental health concerns or worries.  Our Helpline team promise a safe, confidential space in which people can remain anonymous and talk to someone about their concerns and how they are feeling.   Having that safe space in which to talk things through and be truly heard can make a real difference.  Being able to contact the Helpline by text, webchat or phone gives people the opportunity to use a method that they feel comfortable with.   I would encourage anyone experiencing any concerns with their mental wellbeing to contact us, so we can offer support for what they are going through.”

More information about mental health support services in Gloucestershire can be found at Be Well Gloucestershire - When life gets tough, find the support (bewellglos.org.uk)

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• Rethink Mental Illness is a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. They aim to improve the lives of people severely affected by mental illness through their network of local groups and services, expert information, and successful campaigning.

Issued by – Communications team, Gloucestershire County Council, 01452 427554, communications@gloucestershire.gov.uk