A mental health charity from North Wales has expanded its telephone services to meet increased demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Conwy Mind had to suspend all its face-to-face services including groups, courses and one-to-one appointments, in March because of the restrictions around social distancing.

However the charity has been able to step up its telephone services after receiving a grant of £7,237 from the Steve Morgan Foundation Covid-19 Emergency Fund.

Following increasing reports of anxiety and isolation, Conwy Mind has launched a new slogan: “You’re not alone. We’re always here to listen and signpost.”

Denise Roberts, chief executive of Conwy Mind, said: “We’ve seen an increase in general anxiety. People are feeling lonely and isolated, trying to deal with events beyond their control.

“As the leading mental health charity in Conwy, we are very much still here and available for anybody who needs us. Expanding our telephone support in Mental Health Awareness Week is very timely.

“Although we can’t currently be there for people face-to-face, we are making sure that we can support them effectively in other ways.”

Workers with financial worries and carers struggling without support are among the groups struggling with anxiety issues.

Following the emergency funding from the Steve Morgan Foundation, Conwy Mind has enhanced its support strategy with telephone counselling, headed up by qualified counsellor Claire Guest.

Callers can access one-to-one counselling sessions, following an initial assessment.  Up to six sessions are available free-of-charge.

Since the beginning of lockdown in late March, more than 25 million people in the UK have reported high levels of anxiety. A newly released report by the Office of National Statistics reveals that the number of over-16’s experiencing ‘deep levels of stress’ has more than doubled since late 2019.

The Steve Morgan Foundation has already helped more than a million people in North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside since launching its Covid-19 Emergency Fund in March to help vulnerable people impacted by Covid-19.

Founder Steve Morgan said: “Mental health is a growing problem made worse by feelings of isolation, loneliness and financial stress.”

Contact Conwy Mind on 01492 879907 or email  info@conwymind.org.uk or visit the website https://conwymind.org.uk/