Salford launches a new collaborative today to offer mental health support to people affected by COVID-19.

Working together, NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Salford City Council have supported Mind in Salford, mental health charity START and Six Degrees Social Enterprise to form a new service called Beyond.

Beyond will offer support to people who are struggling with their mental health due to COVID-19, but are not known to Salford’s mental health services. To meet people’s needs, a range of options is on offer, including:

• Online support (e.g. mindfulness, self-help support packages)
• Telephone support (e.g. problem solving approaches, talking therapies)
• Support to adapt or establish a routine whilst self-isolating/social distancing

This new collaborative has been set up quickly thanks to the existing relationships developed as part of the Living Well UK programme. This saw Salford working in partnership with the Innovation Unit, funded by Big Lottery, to help people who often fall between the gaps of primary and secondary care mental health support.

Spirit of Salford

Beyond will make sure that people get the mental health support that they need, from the right service, at the right time. Referrals to the service are through the Spirit of Salford helpline, organised by Salford City Council on 0800 952 1000, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday, 9am to 1pm, or www.salford.gov.uk/spiritofsalford.

"This is especially so for people who have tragically lost loved ones, are worried about their health and finances, or the well-being of friends and family. We are having to do without the usual routines and distractions that help us to maintain a sense of being in control. Living alone or being all day together with partner or children without a break can add to these stresses and makes us more vulnerable to depression, anxiety and addictions. We are pleased to be part of the new Beyond collaborative to support people in these challenging times”.

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