ST HELENS Mind is looking for volunteers looking to tackle lockdown loneliness during the pandemic.

Recent news reports about the rising number of people experiencing extreme loneliness during the pandemic are nothing new to St. Helens Mind. Within a week of the first lockdown they had established a service to tackle the effects of isolation in our town.

The ‘Check in and Chat’ service is aimed at those who may not normally fit the criteria for the Charity’s support but who are missing out on regular contact with friends or family.

This project is vital currently, providing a lifeline for those suffering from stress and anxiety, loneliness and isolation. Volunteers are recruited to make a regular phone call and check that someone needing support is doing OK and have a chat about whatever takes their fancy.

Gill Ellison, CEO said: “People may be surprised that St. Helens Mind doesn’t only support people experiencing mental health difficulties, we are also here to prevent people from becoming unwell. We quickly recognised the need for a support service that was for everyone and managed to secure Covid response funding to allow us to establish a new service at the start of April. This has proved invaluable for the people involved, including the volunteers who have joined us on a temporary basis to help brighten someone’s day.”

If you know someone or feel that you would benefit from a call from a friendly person on a regular basis, please email sue@sthelensmind.org.uk or send a message from the St. Helens Mind Facebook page or website.

Gill adds “St. Helens Mind are seeking volunteers to join this team. We have people who work, have been furloughed, or have some time on their hands to support a local person in need. If you are aged 18+, and who would like to brighten someone’s day by making a regular phone call until we are able to resume our lives as before, please get in touch.”

A recipient of one of these welcome calls says: “I have been happy to get the calls and being asked how I have been coping. It has helped me to see that other people do care about me and that I don’t need to be on my own. I can always ask for help at any time.”

A Check in and Chat volunteer states: “Befriending him is a constant reminder that we are all affected by Covid-19 - some more than others. Our conversations give me a sense of proportion, as well as an opportunity to listen and share experiences. At present it is easy to become self-absorbed and demoralised, so it is good to have regular and open conversations with others.”

If you would like to know more, please email Sue Mather at sue@sthelensmind.org.uk or send a message from the Facebook page or website at www.sthelens.org.uk.

If you know someone or feel that you would benefit from a call from a friendly person on a regular basis, please email sue@sthelensmind.org.uk or send a message from the St. Helens Mind Facebook page or website.