Rochdale Mind continues to offer support

Local mental health charity Rochdale and District Mind is continuing to offer support via telephone, email, messaging and video as it prepares for an increase in demand for its services.

In line with government advice, Mind’s offices have closed, and all face-to-face and group activities have been suspended. Its Compleat Cafes in Rochdale and Middleton have also closed, which has had an impact on funds.

Face-to-face services have moved to telephone, email, messaging and video: Mind’s Men’s and Women’s Support Groups, Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse Groups, Social Cafes, Living Life to the Full Courses and Yoga Classes are being delivered via telephone, messaging and video.

Additionally, Mind is creating podcasts for its Relaxation Classes and the Creative Writing Groups are continuing with their creativity by emailing their words each week. Wellbeing Coordinators are in contact with all service users, checking in on them and seeing what help they need through this difficult time.

Hayley Price, Information, Communications and Marketing Coordinator of Rochdale and District Mind, said: “We are facing a very difficult time as a nation and the need for support with mental health and wellbeing is heightened.

“Rochdale and District Mind has supported the mental health and wellbeing of our communities for over 30 years, the passion and commitment we have as a team means we will not stop now.

“We understand that the current situation may be causing concern and anxiety for our communities, and we want to reassure them that we are changing how we deliver our services and we will continue to be there for them.

“We are preparing for increased demand in our mental health services within our community in the coming months and we welcome donations to help us fund this increase.

“There are fun ways to raise funds for us from home, from donating your commute money to creating isolation challenges like a sponsored run in your back garden. We have lots of ideas so please get in touch for a friendly chat.”

She continued: “We are adapting to the situation not only to help people cope with the impact of the pandemic but also recognising the effects that this will have far into the future. We are planning this carefully by listening to the needs of our community and responding to them in the best way possible.

“We will continue to plan, review and revise our strategy to adapt to the community's needs as they change.”

Hayley concluded: “We want to reassure everyone within Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood that although our offices are closed, we are still very much here for them. It’s important to look out for one another, please check in with others, in a safe way, and if anyone is struggling with their mental health and wellbeing, please contact us.

“We would also like to thank our community of donors, fundraisers, and volunteers; their passion to support us is truly valued and appreciated.”

Mind will review its current procedures on Tuesday 14 April.

Mind has an online self-referral form here: www.rochdalemind.org.uk/refer and its Information Line can be reached on 01706 752 338.