West Sussex Mind adapts mental health services to support people through coronavirus crisis

Many people are struggling with their mental health during the coronavirus crisis and West Sussex Mind remains available to offer support.
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The Worthing-based charity has quickly adapted to offer help via online video calls, phone conversations and video group sessions for people who want help with how they are feeling at this difficult time.

The charity works in Worthing, Shoreham, Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Chanctonbury, Chichester and Midhurst, and has recently expanded its services to offer one-to-one sessions and video group calls in the evenings.

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Katie Glover, chief executive, said: “In these exceptional circumstances, worrying and feeling anxious is normal. But some people will be struggling in a more significant way, where anxiety or feeling worried or other mental health difficulties are really impacting on their life and ability to cope.”

West Sussex Mind chief executive Katie Glover, speaking at a public meeting in Littlehampton in 2018. Photo by Derek Martin DM18102743aWest Sussex Mind chief executive Katie Glover, speaking at a public meeting in Littlehampton in 2018. Photo by Derek Martin DM18102743a
West Sussex Mind chief executive Katie Glover, speaking at a public meeting in Littlehampton in 2018. Photo by Derek Martin DM18102743a

Things to look out for include very disturbed sleep, difficulty eating or concentrating and not being able to do normal day-to-day things which you usually enjoy and would normally help you cope with life.

To get help from West Sussex Mind, email [email protected] and preferably give your phone number, then someone will call you back.

You may be offered an initial one-to-one phone or video call session with a mental health recovery worker.

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You could then join some of the online video groups which include a women’s group, men’s group, tips on coping with isolation, mindful breathing, social chat, quizzes, workshops on food and mood, music and mood, choir, art groups and poetry.

The charity expects the numbers of people seeking support to rise due to several factors, including social isolation and loneliness, stress, health anxiety, bereavement and financial difficulties.

At the same time, West Sussex Mind faces a drop in income from its own events and fundraising activities. Though affiliated to national Mind, the local charity is separate and relies on donations and fundraising for much of its work.

Visit www.westsussexmind.org for more information and to make a donation.

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