The mental health charity Mind in Harrogate district has had two years like no other, with lockdown causing more people to reach out for additional support.

The charity is affiliated with the larger national charity Mind and was founded in 1973.

It offers counselling, a telephone befriending service and numerous group workshops for people suffering with their mental health.

The main aim of the charity is to be the place people come to if they are struggling. Its befriending and counselling services will continue throughout December although during the week between Christmas and New Year, it will only be available for telephone support.

Helen Greensit, centre development manager, said:

“Over the last two years referrals have been constant. I wouldn’t say that the Christmas period has been any busier than the rest of the year but certainly there are no signs of the referrals slowing down.”

This week alone the charity has received five referrals for support, which included telephone support, registration requests to join group activities and referrals to the counselling service.

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Ms Greensit also said lockdown had increased the number of people struggling with social anxiety. She said people coming to the charity were still struggling to go out because they lacked the motivation to do so.

She said:

“With covid, we have seen a lot more people struggling with loneliness and isolation. Other main reasons for referrals are depression and anxiety.”

The charity has nine members of staff and numerous volunteers who help with the befriending service, which works to reach some of the most isolated in the district. Ms Greensit said:

“Within the last two years the charity has diversified in order to meet the growing needs of our community.”

Mind in Harrogate is calling for more volunteers for its much needed mental health befriending service after only a “few” come forward.

The service gives those struggling with their mental health, or perhaps isolated due to the pandemic the opportunity to make social connections by matching them with a volunteer.

The initiative has seen the charity receive numerous referrals but these are yet to be matched by the small number of volunteers that have come forward so far.

Helen Greensit, centre development manager at Mind in Harrogate, said:

“We’ve had a few really keen volunteers but by no means do we have enough. We are getting a lot of referrals for people needing this service. We will need a lot more volunteers.”

The charity is putting a call out once again for people who have time, even an hour or two each week, to chat, meet and socialise with another member of the local community.

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Volunteers will receive the appropriate training and choose the amount of time they offer to the individual.

The team is also hoping to reach out to rural communities such as Masham and Pateley Bridge. If they don’t have a car and rely on a limited public transport service, people living in those areas can become isolated.

Helen added:

“It is a service that is needed. The need for mental health services has certainly increased during the pandemic.

We need to remember to look after everyone in our communities to help them get through it.”

To hear more about becoming a volunteer ring 01423 503335 or email office@mindinharrogate.org.uk.