EMBARGOED: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Charity launches new telephone support service for those experiencing mental health crisis

Monday 6 April 2020:

The Folkestone Haven, run by charity Hestia, will open a new evening and weekend telephone support service for anyone over the age of 18 experiencing challenges with their mental health. This will include specific support to people across Folkestone and Hythe who may be struggling with their mental health during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The service aims to reduce the number of people accessing A&E departments and decrease pressure on other emergency services, including the police and the ambulance service. Callers will speak to a trained recovery worker, who will offer a listening ear and mental health support.

Funded by the NHS and a consortium of Kent based Trusts, include Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, the Folkestone Haven will provide advice for anyone feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Folkestone Haven service is opening in phases and will initially offer a telephone service. The Haven will transition to offering face to face sessions and support groups as soon as it is safe to do so.

Hestia’s Director of Operations, Gayle Lowery-Jones explained:

“One in four of us will experience a mental health crisis in our lifetime and we know that the outbreak of coronavirus is creating a lot of anxiety for many. Now more than ever, it is vital that we reach out to offer support to those who may be struggling.

We expect that over the next few weeks we will see more people needing support with their mental health as the impact of self-isolation and changes to usual routines are felt. Our new telephone service, will also offer support for many who may be experiencing bereavement, unemployment, financial difficulties or domestic abuse at this very difficult time. When you are isolated, human contact is so important and having someone who can listen and help to make sense of a situation is so important.”

The service open on April 6^th and will operate Monday to Friday: 18:00 - 23:00, and on weekends and bank holidays between 12:00 - 23:00. Anyone wishing to get support, can do so by calling the following number:

0808 1963 569

-ENDS-

About Hestia:

For 50 years, Hestia has provided support and hope every step of the way of recovery. Today, millions of people are experiencing domestic abuse, modern slavery and challenges with their mental health. Hestia believes no-one should suffer alone. Together, we can make sure people find a life beyond crisis.

At Hestia we support adults and children in times of crisis. We deliver services across London and the surrounding regions, as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with. Last year we supported 10,766 men, women and children. This includes victims of modern slavery, women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, young care leavers and older people. From giving someone a home, to helping them to get the right mental health support, we support people at the moment of crisis and enable them to build a life beyond a crisis. We are supported by nearly 600 volunteers across London who provide specialist skills such as art therapy, yoga, IT, gardening and cooking, as well as befriending and fundraising.