Can you help counsel those who are struggling during the latest lockdown?

The community helpline - which was set up by charities at the start of the pandemic - say they’re now getting hundreds of calls from people who’re struggling and they need volunteer telephone befrienders to help out.

The Helpline provides a mental health triage service for people suffering through the crisis but needs more people with counselling skills to volunteer to come forward.

A spokesperson for the helpline said: “We are seeing more and more people who are suffering as a result of this latest lockdown and we need to be able to help them.

“Many of us, during this pandemic and particularly during periods of lockdown, have experienced an increase in feelings of sadness, anxiety, fear and loneliness and people have been more tearful and lost motivation to maintain daily routines or self-care.

"So far nearly 600 people have contacted the helpline saying that their mental health is suffering and various agencies have been contacted including the Devon Clinic, MIND and StepOne.

"But the calls are continuing and whilst some just need to hear a friendly voice through the befriending service, others are struggling with more complex issues.

One of the specialists working in the triage service added: “Our specialist befriends have provided a vital connection to people who need some extra support and have helped to reduce the deep feelings of loneliness and isolation, which is so harmful to our emotional health.

Below is the full interview with Jess Slade, Torbay Community Helpline Manager

“We are looking for volunteers who have time to offer a supportive, understanding and listening ear. Some experience of supporting others who have experienced challenges to their emotional health and wellbeing would be great. “

If you feel you can help and have the required skills, please contact the Helpline on 01803 446022.

For more about the helpline click here

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• befrienders appeal torbay community helpline