Many individuals, who are being asked to self-isolate, will struggle with thoughts of anxiety or stress without having anyone to talk to – and this is where Penny Appeal hopes to help those most in need.
Many individuals, who are being asked to self-isolate, will struggle with thoughts of anxiety or stress without having anyone to talk to – and this is where Penny Appeal hopes to help those most in need.
With the Coronavirus pandemic halting much of normal life around the world, the award winning humanitarian agency Penny Appeal have launched a new “Listening Line” for those whose mental health and well-being have been under extra pressure during the current crisis.
Tens of thousands of lives remain at serious risk from COVID-19, and Penny Appeal hopes that this “Listening Line” will be a part of the solution towards ensuring those most vulnerable are taken care of during these trying times.
The “Listening Line” will offer confidential and active listening support, open to all adults who find themselves worried, anxious, or lonely during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will offer support to those who may need someone to talk to. Many individuals, who are being asked to self-isolate, will struggle with thoughts of anxiety or stress without having anyone to talk to – and this is where Penny Appeal hopes to help those most in need.
The emergency helpline (0300 303 1360) will operate in the UK between the hours of 12PM to 8PM, 7 days a week including bank holidays, for any adult feeling stressed and isolated during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Those calling in can expect non-judgemental help and support for however long they need.
Run by fully trained and experienced practitioners, the helpline will provide a sensitive and supportive lifeline for those in need of someone to talk to. Penny Appeal is also providing guidance towards secondary and tertiary care providers.
Alongside the “Listening Line”, Penny Appeal is also working with Age UK Bradford as well as with other local and national partners to help support those most vulnerable during this crisis with funds towards food and hygiene packs, as well as an awareness campaign.
Penny Appeal’s Interim CEO Harris Iqbal stated:
COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge to our public health, and must be met with an equally unprecedented response in community services for those who are particularly vulnerable or in need. Our ‘Listening Line’ is essentially a lifeline for the most isolated in our communities. Loneliness is a silent killer and we are doing what we can to tackle it head on.”
The “Listening Line” can be found by calling 0300 303 1360.
To learn more about Penny Appeal and the work they are doing during the current COVID-19 pandemic, click here.
