Post by wendy on Mar 24, 2008 12:47:41 GMT -1
CRISIS LINE TO CLOSE
The Oxfordshire Mind Crisis Line will close on March 31st 2008. There are 3 reasons for this:
1. The level of use:
The level of use has steadily dropped over the past 3 years despite extensive work publicising the line. In 2004 there was an average of 6 calls per night. This dropped to 3 calls by 2007.
2. Difficulties with volunteer recruitment:
Volunteer recruitment has always been challenging but over the past 18 months it has been particularly difficult. Towards the end of 2007 this meant that Mind were unable to run a 7 day-a-week service.
3. Inappropriate use of the service:
There has always been a low level but persistent number of abusive callers, inappropriately sexual callers and hoax callers. This has significantly added to the difficulty at a time when volunteer numbers have been stretched.
The service is not ending because of funding cuts.
Where can people get help?
There are several services that exist to help people in distress and in a crisis. Some services anyone can use (Oxford and Banbury Samaritans, NHS Direct, Out-of-Hours GP services. Others may require some sort of referral,like the NHS Crisis Resolution and Early Intervention Teams).
For information on mental health services call OMHI (Oxfordshire Mental Health Information) between 9.30am and 4.30pm on 01865 24778 www.OMHI.org.uk
OXFORDSHIRE CRISIS HOUSE PROJECT
For years a number of people from all sectors have asked for a Crisis House that users of mental health services can go to fro a short while to work through any crisis. This is to prevent any deterioration in their mental health and prevent having to be admitted to hospital.
To be continued...
The Oxfordshire Mind Crisis Line will close on March 31st 2008. There are 3 reasons for this:
1. The level of use:
The level of use has steadily dropped over the past 3 years despite extensive work publicising the line. In 2004 there was an average of 6 calls per night. This dropped to 3 calls by 2007.
2. Difficulties with volunteer recruitment:
Volunteer recruitment has always been challenging but over the past 18 months it has been particularly difficult. Towards the end of 2007 this meant that Mind were unable to run a 7 day-a-week service.
3. Inappropriate use of the service:
There has always been a low level but persistent number of abusive callers, inappropriately sexual callers and hoax callers. This has significantly added to the difficulty at a time when volunteer numbers have been stretched.
The service is not ending because of funding cuts.
Where can people get help?
There are several services that exist to help people in distress and in a crisis. Some services anyone can use (Oxford and Banbury Samaritans, NHS Direct, Out-of-Hours GP services. Others may require some sort of referral,like the NHS Crisis Resolution and Early Intervention Teams).
For information on mental health services call OMHI (Oxfordshire Mental Health Information) between 9.30am and 4.30pm on 01865 24778 www.OMHI.org.uk
OXFORDSHIRE CRISIS HOUSE PROJECT
For years a number of people from all sectors have asked for a Crisis House that users of mental health services can go to fro a short while to work through any crisis. This is to prevent any deterioration in their mental health and prevent having to be admitted to hospital.
To be continued...