21.05.12
Calls to mental health helplines double since 2008
Mental health charity Mind has reported a rise in calls to their helplines since the start of the recession, with concerns over money and work contributing a significant proportion of the increase.
Calls on all topics have increased 28% this year compared to last year, and since 2008 calls about personal finance and employment have doubled.
Mind warned that there were not enough resources to fund the service to meet this demand, and stated that 40% of calls are currently going unanswered. The national service is currently available five days a week.
Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, highlighted the impact of job security and working conditions, and said: “All of these can be affected during tough economic times and, as we head back into recession, we are seeing an ever growing need for what we have to offer.
“The era of austerity shows little sign of abating and more and more people need our help.
“At the same time the local Mind network is facing the challenging situation of increased demand for services and potential cuts to funding.”
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