Mental health and emotional support

The current COVID-19 situation has brought about many changes in our lives. It's also created feelings of uncertainty, stress, anxiety, low mood, loneliness, sadness and a whole range of other emotions. It's normal to experience emotional changes but it is important that we take the time to care for our mental health, the same as we do for our physical health.

The Government have produced a really detailed list of advice for supporting your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak (opens new window), which includes links to the NHS's support pages.

Local mental health support

If you're feeling low, anxious or stressed and you think that talking to another person may help you cope, you can call the new mental health helpline in Lincolnshire 0800 001 4331, which is open 24/7. 

If you are feeling lonely many of the volunteer groups listed with the Lincolnshire Coronavirus Helpline 01522 782189 are offering befriending. If you contact them they will match you with a volunteer who will call you for a friendly chat.

Online wellbeing and mental health support

The Samaritans have created a webpage with lots of useful information about managing your mental health (opens new window) during the current situation and are still operating their free call 24/7 confidential support line 116 123.

The mental health charity MIND (opens new window) also have a wealth of information on their website for self-care and ways to access support.

Kooth (opens new window) is a free, safe and anonymous online mental wellbeing community. Kooth offers online chat support for young people which is available Monday to Friday between 12noon and 10pm, as well as Saturday and Sunday from 6pm until 10pm.

Steps2Change is a free NHS service that provides a range of evidence based talking therapies for problems such as depression, anxiety, post-trauma reaction, panic, phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). You can refer yourself, or someone else with their permission, either on their website or by calling 0303 123 4000. For people aged under 19 years of age, please contact Healthy Minds on 01522 309777. 

St Barnabas have a free bereavement helpline to help support people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one at this time. If you need support, simply call 0300 303 1897 on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, as well as Monday and Wednesday evenings until 8pm.