A Derry mental health support group is extending its online and telephone services to help people cope during the coronavirus crisis.
A community-led initiative, Community Crisis Intervention Service (CCIS), at Hollywell Trust, provides a range of services for people who are in distress and are potentially vulnerable and at risk of suicidal behaviour.
CCIS provides interventions through a non-clinical, community response to those going through social, emotional or situational crisis. Its purpose is to help those in crisis manage and deal with the immediate situation.
In normal circumstances, CCIS operates over weekends from its city centre base from 8pm to 8am from Thursdays to Sundays as these are times of particular demand. However, with the onset of the coronavirus crisis, the organisation is no longer able to operate from its headquarters because of the lockdown.
A spokesman said the service continued to operate through other methods such as telephone, WhatsApp and video calling.
“In line with government guidance on social distancing and coronavirus, CCIS operating hours will be as normal. However, we are not seeing people in our premises,” he said.
The spokesman said CCIS now intends expanding its operations to deal with the current pandemic.
“Recognising the possible detrimental effects that this current situation could be having on people’s emotional wellbeing and, mindful of how some may now be feeling more isolated than normal. CCIS will now be operational during the following additional hours:
“Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (5pm-10pm); Thursday 8pm – Sunday 8am,” he said.
The organisation urged anyone who was in crisis and in need of support or anyone who observed someone in distress to contact them. CCIS also urged anyone who was at risk of harm through self-harm and suicidal behaviour to call them at 028 71 262300.
The CCIS spokesman said anyone who needed to speak to someone urgently should contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or the Samaritans or should attend the emergency department at their local hospital.
