HELP is available at the end of a phone to people across the district who are in need of urgent mental health support.

Extra phone facilities have been set-up as face-to-face contact is limited due to the coronavirus outbreak.

First Response, a district helpline for people experiencing emotional distress, continues to operate 24 hours a day – on 01274 221181.

And charities have moved ‘safer space’ crisis services to telephone support.

Mind in Bradford, the Cellar Trust, Creative Support and Bradford Youth Service all have trained staff manning phone lines.

Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust said anyone needing urgent mental health support should contact First Response initially.

“We have lots of experienced telecoaches ready to take calls and assess people’s needs,” said a spokesman.

“The most important step is to make the call so we can support anyone in distress at this difficult time and help keep them safe.

“We will be able to refer people to different services across the district and prevent them being admitted to hospital.”

Safer space services offer a calm and supportive environment for anyone across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven who is experiencing emotional distress.

For those aged 16 and over, referrals can be made to Haven – at the Cellar Trust – which operates between 10am and 6pm, and The Sanctuary – run by Mind in Bradford – which is open from 6pm to 1am.

There is a separate service for children, young people and parents, between 9am and 7am weekdays and 7pm to 7am at weekends.

All have moved to phone support and people can be referred through First Response and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

A spokesman for the charities said that through the switch to phone support, staff were offering the same level of help while minimising the risk of transmitting coronavirus.

The spokesman added: “This is a really difficult and stressful time for lots of people, but we want them to know we are working together to ensure that we’re ready to listen and support them. All our staff have been trained to help people in crisis situations and they are incredibly supportive and understanding.”

For non-urgent mental health support over the phone, people can call Mind in Bradford’s Guide-Line. It is available every day on 01274 594594, until 9pm. Online non-urgent support can be found at bmywellbeingcollege.nhs.uk. And Kooth ­– kooth.com – is a confidential support service for young people.

More details about wellbeing services can also be found at healthyminds.services.