Pendle News Room

“During national Mental Health Awareness Week we are stepping up communication to let people know they do not need to feel alone with problems of loneliness or mental health issues.

“Support is available, and this includes for people who are self-isolating,” he said. 

Pendle Council opened The Pendle Community Support Hub at the start of the lockdown to get people the professional help they need.

As well as practical help with things like food shopping, the team of volunteers from Pendle Leisure Trust also signposts people to local and national organisations who can help with loneliness and mental health problems.

“The friendly team can also direct people to the help they need with financial and debt advice and to support dealing with the mental stress which these problems cause,” added Councillor Iqbal.
The Pendle Community Support Hub is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm & 10am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday and will be open  as normal on Bank Holiday Monday 25 May.

Alison Goode Chief Executive of Pendle Leisure Trust said: 

“If you, or a vulnerable person you know, could do with some help please call us on (01282) 661743 or email: helpneeded@pendle.gov.uk  or fill in an online form via  www.pendle.gov.uk/communitysupporthub

“Since we opened at the start of the lockdown, we have dealt with nearly 1000 enquiries.

“We’re working with organisations like the Burnley and Pendle Voluntary Council for Voluntary Services and local charities, to get people the help they need,” she said.

Dean Langton, Pendle Council’s Chief Executive said:

“The Pendle Community Hub team is doing a brilliant job.  

“Last week they contacted over 900 vulnerable people on their books to check that they are still getting the help they need, and people have told us they are well-supported.  

“But we recognise that across the UK during this pandemic there is a trend towards declining mental health and an increase in suicide, which is very worrying,” he stated.

Pendle Council has updated its www.pendle.gov.uk/coronavirus web pages to include a directory of mental health and wellbeing advice and helplines which can be found via the heading support for individuals.

Or follow this direct link https://www.pendle.gov.uk/directory/39/mental_health_support_services
“Don’t forget, if you need help The Samaritans in Pendle is open 8am - 8pm every day and they can be called on  01282 694929,” said Dean.

“Or telephone the national Samaritans number 116 123 – it’s free from any phone and there are people available to help at any time of the day or night,” he stressed.

Good advice on mental health and wellbeing is available on NHS Every Mind Matters website
www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/

Minds Matters is providing telephone support Tel: 01282 657927  (Mon-Friday 9- 4pm) for anyone struggling with mild to moderate mental health.

“Also in Lancashire, anyone over 50 who is feeling isolated can contact Age UK on 0300 303 1234 or email gooddaycalls@ageuk.lancs.org.uk – they are offering daily calls to over 50’s, which is a real lifeline," said Dean.

And there is good advice on the NHS advice website   https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/