Home News Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner pledges support for national mental health campaign
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner pledges support for national mental health campaign
Sidra Hasan
Nottinghamshire Police & Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping has pledged his support for Mental Wellbeing Education Week, addressing the significance of maintaining mental well-being during the coronavirus outbreak.
The PCC said it was more important than ever to offer a lifeline to vulnerable people struggling to cope as the nation continues to battle the coronavirus threat.
Across Nottinghamshire, support services are continuing to develop new and imaginative ways to engage people and provide reassurance and support during the pandemic.
PCC Paddy Tipping said: "COVID-19 has changed people's lives in many ways and more people are facing additional worries, anxiety and fears over health, financial insecurity and loss of a support network.
However, help is available and Mr Tipping said nobody needed to suffer on their own.
"Now, more than ever, we are being tested with challenging situations and feelings as we continue to observe the lockdown.
"Many people will find the uncertainty and isolation overwhelming and those who suffer from existing mental health problems could find the new way of living particularly difficult to cope with.
"There is help out there, and I want everybody to know that professional, experienced people are waiting and ready to help.
"We've worked hard with our partners to ensure vital support services continue throughout the coronavirus and that immediate help is available even though this may be in a different way.
"These people are trained to intervene and I would urge anyone suffering to get in touch."
Mental Health Awareness Week is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation and runs from May 18-24.
This year's theme is 'Kindness' and the value in kindness in strengthening relationships, making people feel connected to the world around them and deepening solidarity.
Mr Tipping added: "We are living in unprecedented and uncertain times and it is important we are alert to the vulnerabilities of our friends, colleagues and family members who may be shouldering problems and emotional difficulties out of view.
"Initiating a conversation can be the first step to recovery.
"The world around us has changed but it presents us with an opportunity to change too and move forward with greater respect and understanding for people who are struggling, vulnerable or need help."
Nottinghamshire Healthcare Foundation Trust has launched a new mental health helpline for local people in crisis.
The helpline number is 0300 303 0165 and is available to anyone in a mental health crisis at anytime, anywhere across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
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