A mental health hub has launched same-day appointments online for people who need support.
New service Hope Haven is due to open a walk-in centre in Whitehaven, Cumbria, at the end of the year.
While refurbishment on the King Street site is under way, it is offering one-off video call appointments, which people can access without a referral from 16:00 to midnight every day.
The virtual sessions can be booked online and are run by trained mental health support workers, who can help with social, emotional and practical issues.
Samantha Kitula, from Everyturn Mental Health, one of the hub’s partners, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of Hope Haven, offering new ways for people in Copeland to get mental health support.
“This virtual appointment option means that people who struggle to attend in person can still reach out and easily get quick, personalised support.”
The scheme is designed to improve mental health access in Copeland and is a partnership between Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (CNTW), Cumbria Health, and a number of charities and organisations that offer wellbeing and community support.
Hope Haven also offers weekly, community drop-ins at the Senhouse Centre, wellbeing walks around Whitehaven and a Chatty Cafe – a scheme to help tackle loneliness.
Volunteers are available at dedicated table at The Next Chapter Coffee House, in Kells, and people can join for a chat or support.