LANCASHIRE and South Cumbria Trust are appealing for volunteers to support its wellbeing helpline. 

Over the last 12 months, the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Wellbeing helpline took over 8,000 calls with a team of 80 volunteers helping to run the support service.

Following an increase in demand, the Trust is looking to recruit further volunteers to help operate the service.

The Helpline & Texting line is a Freephone out of hours, person-centred listening service for anyone requiring emotional support in relation to their own mental health or someone they are worried about.

The service aims to empower callers to make their own choices about how their health care needs may be met, and is run by fully trained volunteers who give their time to listen and support callers.

Service Manager Lorraine Khalaf said: “We’ve always relied on an incredible team of volunteers and look to recruit additional support regularly throughout the year. Sadly over the last couple of years, we’ve not been able to recruit the normal levels as a result of the pandemic.

“We are seeing a huge increase in demand to the service so are urgently looking to increase our team of volunteers."

Anyone can apply for the positions, and if successful will receive full training as well as a comprehensive support package of supervision and one to one.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact the Wellbeing office on 01253 447900 or email Listening.Helpline@lascft.nhs.uk