GOING BEYOND FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT IN SALFORD

Salford launches a new collaborative today to offer mental health support to people affected by COVID-19.

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

Beyond will offer support to people who are struggling with their mental health due to COVID-19, but are not known to Salford’s mental health services. To meet people’s needs, a range of options is on offer, 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

This new collaborative has been set up quickly thanks to the existing relationships developed as part of the Living Well UK programme. This saw Salford working in partnership with the Innovation Unit, funded by Big Lottery, to help people who often fall between the gaps of primary and secondary care mental health support.

Beyond will make sure that people get the mental health support that they need, from the right service, at the right time. 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 or online www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford.

Lawrence Caygill from Mind in Salford said:

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“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.”

 

Judd Skelton, Assistant Director Integrated Commissioning for Salford CCG and Salford City Council, said:

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“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.”

 

Michelle Dennett from START said:

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“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.”

 

Phil McEvoy, Managing Director for Six Degrees, said:

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“For many of us the COVID pandemic has turned life on its head and added considerably to the stress of our lives.

"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”.