More than 1,700 calls a MONTH to Cornwall's mental health helpline
The 24/7 Connect line has received over 15,000 since it was fast-tracked, shortly after the start of the pandemic
Last updated 19th Aug 2021
Cornwall's freephone mental health helpline has received over 15,000 calls in little over a year.
Since launching 14 months ago, calls to the dedicated 24/7 Mental Health Connect Line have steadily increased.
The team are now dealing with over 1,700 calls per month.
The creation of the helpline, run by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, was fast-tracked last April (2020) as the pandemic hit.
It is so callers could speak to a professional day or night when they had concerns about their mental health or the emotional wellbeing of someone else.
Jane Pitts, operational lead for crisis mental health at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said: “Our local crisis line along with the others around the country have now received 3 million calls, so they’ve been vital in ensuring support is provided during the pandemic.
“Anyone in crisis can call us, but even if people wish to call about their friends or family members, we can offer advice or signpost to various forms of help and support. Parents can call for their children, and support is available for all ages.”
“The number of calls has increased but that just shows it’s a service which is needed in the community. We want people to know that they can call us and that they’re not wasting anyone’s time. If people are in any doubt about dialling the number for their own mental health, or for that of someone they know, they should just phone us and we can discuss things".
The helplines have been set up by the 54 mental health trusts across England.
They are also open to professionals such as police and paramedics who may come across people experiencing mental ill health.
Staff working on the line can also refer people to local urgent, acute and routine mental health services.
You can talk to a mental health professional at any time, 7 days a week on 0800 038 5300.
More information and advice to support mental health can be found on the NHS Kernow website.
Rehab 4 Addiction offer guidance and support for people experiencing problems with substance misuse and co-occurring mental health problems in Cornwall.