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A new service has been developed to support people with urgent mental health needs in South Tyneside and Sunderland.

It will support adults aged 18 and over, including older people aged over 65, to address crisis situations in their lives and develop the coping skills needed to deal with similar situations in the future and reduce the need for clinical support.

The service is being provided by Mental Health Concern. Currently it is being offered remotely by phone or video call due to the coronavirus pandemic, however longer term it will be provided in community settings to enhance the access to locally based mental health provision in both South Tyneside and Sunderland.   

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "There are times when people need help to overcome a crisis situation such as unemployment, family breakdown, a bereavement or periods of loneliness.

"Mental Health Concern can offer the support people need and signpost them to third sector community organisations that will be able to offer help in the longer term."

She added: "We recognise the current crisis is leaving many people, especially some of our older residents, isolated which can impact negatively on mental health. I would encourage people to reach out and access the help they need."

The provision of this new service will hopefully reduce pressure on hospital services whilst providing more sustained mental health crisis care.

Dr Jim Gordon, a GP at Imeary Street Surgery and clinical director for mental health and learning disabilities at NHS South Tyneside Clinical Commissioning Group said: "Lockdown and the issues that it has presented over the past few months will have undoubtedly affected many people's mental health. Emerging problems such as health related anxiety, social isolation and the emerging economic downturn can result in people presenting in crisis. Mental Health Concern will provide rapid personalised psychosocial support for those presenting in crisis across South Tyneside. They will work alongside our specialist mental health crisis service.

"Many people may have been ignoring or just coping with mental health issues until the lockdown restrictions ease, however, we urge people to seek the help they need as early as possible."

People can contact the service via their GP, health or social care professionals. Alternatively, to find out more about the service, contact Mental Health Concern on0300 131 0333or by email:tiac.sts@nhs.net