New mental health helpline launched for Leeds residents

A new mental health helpline is now available for residents in Leeds and the wider region.

This helpline provides confidential support, advice, information and guidance for anyone concerned about their mental health. Trained telephone advisors are able to signpost and refer people into local services for further help. Carers, or those concerned about a loved one or friend, will also be able to telephone for advice.

Dr Gwyn Elias, GP and Clinical Lead for Mental Health for NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group said “We know that the coronavirus pandemic and the impact of lockdown are impacting a lot of people. Many will be feeling worried, anxious or overwhelmed right now. It is really important that you ask for help if you are worried about your mental health.

“The new helpline gives people an opportunity to talk to someone who can help them find the right support. The NHS is still here for you and we have lots of different services in the city that can help.”

Anyone registered with a Leeds GP can call the helpline on 0800 183 0558.

The new service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and complements mental health services already available in the local area. These include:

MindWell, the mental health website for people in Leeds. The site includes a coronavirus mental health information hub which brings together information about mental health and Covid-19 for people in Leeds. www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk

Leeds Mental Wellbeing Service – anyone aged over 17 and registered with a Leeds GP can use online therapy courses and self-management tools which are available at any time day and night to help with a wide range of issues including stress and anxiety, mindfulness, depression and bereavement. Help is available immediately at https://leeds.omnitherapy.org/

Children and young people worried or anxious about the coronavirus outbreak can visit the Mindmate website for information and support www.mindmate.org.uk

People already registered with specialist mental health services in Leeds may have a crisis plan with contact details. If you don’t have a crisis plan or are unable to find it you can call the single point of access team on 0300 300 1485.

If anyone feels they may be at risk of harming themselves or others they should call 999.