MORE people with anxiety, depression and other mental health problems are seeking help during the coronavirus crisis.

A rise in people suffering with mild anxiety in particular has been reported in recent weeks.

Dr Jeff Schryer, Bury NHS clinical commissioning group (CCG) chairman, said that more people are now seeking help from newly-created community hubs, rather than GPs.

He said: “People are presenting to us in different places. The neighbourhood hubs are dealing with some of the most vulnerable people. It’s testament to the really good relationship the hubs have with residents.”

Five community hubs have been set up across the borough to target help and support to the most vulnerable and needy during the COVID-19 crisis.

These “virtual” teams bring together the council, emergency services, housing, business and voluntary groups acting on one united front.

Their mission is to co-ordinate food, medicines, social contact and support for people without help.

Dr Schryer also highlighted the work of local organisations which are providing mental health support including the Creative Living Centre in Prestwich, the Bury Involvement Group (BIG) and Samaritans.

He added: “We are very keen to work with them to support people. We can see that there’s a lot of people with anxiety and depression and we think there will be a legacy as we move forward.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham announced a regional response on mental health earlier this month to complement work happening locally.

A range of digital services and online support are available 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.

New support offered includes the launch of the SHOUT service – a confidential 24/7 text service for people aged 16 and over, 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.

Other services available include:

ChatHealth – a secure and confidential text messaging service for children and young people which allows patients to easily and anonymously get in touch with a healthcare professional for advice and support. This will be launched soon.

Kooth – an online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform for children and young people who may be struggling with their mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. The platform offers a live chat function with qualified counsellors, chat forums with other young people, crisis information and self help resources.

BlueIce – an evidence-based app to help young people manage their emotions and reduce urges to self-harm. This app has launched and is available from a clinician working in CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services).

SilverCloud – an online therapy programme for people aged 16+ proven to help with stress, anxiety, low-mood and depression which launches Tue 7 April.

The newly-launched confidential SHOUT text service can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, simply by texting GMBury to 85258.

For further information on Greater Manchester mental health resources, visit hub.gmhsc.org.uk/mental-health/covid-19-mental-health-and-wellbeing-resources/