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02
Oct 2020
Harrogate Mind increases services as demand for support grows
A charity offering counselling and befriending services in Harrogate has said it has seen an increase in demand - and is boosting its services in response.
Mind in Harrogate has raised concerns over the impact of tighter covid restriction on people's health.
As well as returning clients, the charity has received more calls from the public seeking advice and counselling. Common anxieties the charity is seeing include how the pandemic will affect people's health, the impact on jobs and personal finances, and loneliness and isolation.
In response, new services including a befriending initiative and out-of-hours mental health service have begun in recent months.
Its telephone and online counselling sessions are continuing but, now, face to face counselling can take place too.
Tina Chamberlain, chief executive officer of Mind in the Harrogate district, said:
Read more:
- Another Harrogate charity reports an increase in counselling requests.
- A Ripon-based dementia charity has warned on the impact of a second lockdown on its patients.
On Monday, the charity will begin to offer its befriending service. It will match volunteer befrienders with people who would benefit from community-based support, such as help with shopping and social meetings.
Tina added:
An out-of-hours support service has also been launched, enabling people to visit the Acorn Centre on weekend evenings until 11.30pm. It offers emotional support as well as signposting and referrals to other services for people experiencing mental distress.
The service can be accessed by calling 01423 647216 or emailing ooh@mindinharrogate.org.uk.
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