TWO new mental health services have been announced for Bury as part of a new regional response on mental health.

The COVID-19 crisis has put additional pressure on mental health services, with new cases caused by people’s sense of loneliness and isolation as well as the impact on staffing levels.

As a result, a range of digital services and online support have been launched for children and adults across Greater Manchester to minimise the need for people to attend GP surgeries or hospital. These services can be accessed by people who are already experiencing mental health issues as well as people who may be struggling with the new social distancing and self-isolation restrictions.

One service, Kooth, an online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children and young people, will be extended to Bury by May.

Other new support being offered includes the now-launched SHOUT service – a confidential 24/7 text service for people aged 16+, operated by trained crisis volunteers who will chat using text responses. Advice is available for anyone struggling with a host of issues, including: anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, abuse or assault, self-harm, bullying or relationship issues. The service is overseen by clinical supervisors.

SHOUT can be contacted by texting GMBury to 85258.

Other services that have been launched or will be launched include:

  • ChatHealth – a secure and confidential text messaging service for children and young people.
  • BlueIce – an evidence-based app to help young people manage their emotions and reduce urges to self-harm.
  • SilverCloud – an online therapy programme for people aged 16+ proven to help with stress, anxiety, low-mood and depression.

As well as this, work is ongoing alongside partner organisation Health Innovation Manchester to identify additional digital services that could support specific vulnerable patient groups.

The Greater Manchester Bereavement Service will be available by the end of the month, while NHS staff will be supported through the Greater Manchester Resilience Hub, set up in response to the Manchester Arena Attack in 2017.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “This is a difficult time for everyone at the moment, but we will all get through it together. It’s important to look after your own health and wellbeing and take time to look out for the mental health of others. I’m conscious that lots of people need support to look after their mental health and as we enter weeks four, five, six and beyond of this coronavirus crisis and the limitations placed on our day-to-day lives, it’s going to become even more difficult for some people.

“We need to act together to combat social isolation and find ways for people to connect or interact. I would encourage everyone to keep in touch with their friends, families and neighbours via phone or video calls and to get in touch with any of the support services available."

Sir Richard Leese, Chair of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “COVID-19, and the national measures being announced to delay the spread of the epidemic will inevitably have a significant impact on both demand for and capacity to deliver support for people with mental health needs, a learning disability or autism.

“Our overarching priority is to support mental health services to run as effectively as possible, ensuring that those seeking and needing mental health support and treatment receive this care. All mental health providers in Greater Manchester are trying to ensure as much continuity of care as possible."