A HELPLINE offering advice and emotional support has been extended to be available 24/7.

The NHS helpline will offer support to people across Lancashire and South Cumbria to deal with the implications of the coronavirus pandemic on their mental health.

The helpline is operated by the area’s leading mental health provider Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust and is available for anyone who is struggling to cope, feeling isolated or experiencing mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression.

Perri McGovern, acting service manager for the Wellbeing and Mental Health Helpline said: “It can be difficult to manage mental health and wellbeing when you are not able to do the things that matter most to you like seeing your family and friends or just simply going out to work.

“We recognise this and want to support people whenever they are feeling this way.

"I am pleased that we’ve been able to extend our usual service hours to be available 24/7 at a time when people really need some extra support. It is important everyone knows you’re not alone and support is much closer than you think."