Salford has seen the launch of a new mental health initiative to offer support to those who need it during COVID-19.

NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Salford City Council have worked alongside mental health group Mind in Salford, mental health charity START and Six Degrees Social Enterprise to form a new supporting service called Beyond.

Mental Health Inforgraphic Created by Aroob Raja

Judd Skelton, Assistant Director Integrated Commissioning for Salford CCG and Salford City Council, said: “The fantastic partnership working we have in Salford has enabled us to work quickly and effectively with our voluntary sector colleagues in assembling a unique mental health support offer.

“Beyond truly demonstrates the Spirit of Salford and will provide helpful and compassionate support to people who are struggling with their mental health in the current challenging situation.”

The service offers support for people who are struggling with their mental health during the Coronavirus pandemic but are not known to Salford’s mental health services.

Beyond offers a range of services, including:
• Online support (e.g. mindfulness, self-help support packages)
• Telephone support (e.g. problem-solving approaches, talking therapies)
• Support to adapt or establish a routine whilst self-isolating/social distancing

Beyond, offers mental health support to those who need it, from the right service, at the right time.

Lawrence Caygill from Mind in Salford said: “Mind in Salford are excited to be a part of this innovative new collaborative, offering mental health support to people at a time when many need additional help due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Factors such as social isolation and loneliness have a significant impact on our wellbeing, and we believe it is important that we come together as a community to offer mental health support to people when they need it most.”

The new service has been created quickly due to the partnerships between the many existing groups and charities that Salford already has to offer.

Many organisations have been creating resources to help keep people occupied and have a healthy mindset during the crisis.

Michelle Dennett from the mental health charity START, said: “There are lots of great resources being generated to support people during this difficult time however there was an increasing need to create a localised offer for people who may be struggling with their mental health.

“To be able to provide tailored support relevant to each person’s circumstances is crucial and we are proud to be part of such an exciting development for Salford.”

This new service, Beyond, has come at a crucial time for people in Salford as many are living in a life of uncertainty and stress.

“For many of us the COVID pandemic has turned life on its head and added considerably to the stress of our lives.” Comments Phil McEvoy, Managing Director for Six Degrees a supporter for mental health.

Mr McEvoy went on to say: “This is especially so for people who have tragically lost loved ones, are worried about their health and finances, or the well-being of friends and family.

“We are having to do without the usual routines and distractions that help us to maintain a sense of being in control.

“Living alone or being all day together with partner or children without a break can add to these stresses and makes us more vulnerable to depression, anxiety and addictions.
“We are pleased to be part of the new Beyond collaborative to support people in these challenging times”.

This new collaborative service offers support for anybody struggling with their mental during these challenging times.

Referrals to the service are through the Spirit of Salford helpline, organised by Salford City Council on 0800 952 1000, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 1pm.

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