By providing free emotional support to people who are isolated and feeling fearful, The Help Hub is offering a much needed talking space and access to professional therapists, wherever you live

The Help Hub, a concept that began as a free online community counselling scheme, has been rolled out across the UK. Over 600 volunteer therapists are now remotely helping people who are struggling emotionally because of lockdown and the uncertainty around the current pandemic.

Free twenty minute emotional support sessions are now available, and can be booked online at The Help Hub.

How The Help Hub began

Psychotherapist Ruth Chaloner wanted to develop a form of free professional support for community members with mental health challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and her focus was initially on her local area of Oxford.

However, after The Guardian heard about the project, and the Today Programme and BBC Radio Two subsequently interviewed Ruth, it became clear that there was a wider need for safe, online, emotional support for people impacted by coronavirus. In response, the project expanded to help people up and down the country.

Helping People Across The UK

Today, The Help Hub is up and running, thanks to a lot of dedication and quick working from the voluntary team behind the initiative. As a result, people who are experiencing loneliness, distress, fear and anxiety due to the challenges brought about by COVID-19, can now book a free 20 minute slot to speak with a qualified therapist over the telephone or by video call.

The 20 minute session will enable people to articulate their concerns freely, to someone who is able to professionally hold that space for them, and respond in a helpful way

The Help Hub is open to anyone who might need the service.

Can you help The Help Hub?

Over 600 qualified therapists are already volunteering their time to take calls and chat with individuals who need support. After just a week of being operational, however, The Help Hub team are sure that the demand will continue to grow at a rapid rate over the coming weeks and months, and will extend to after lockdown lifts.

The Help Hub needs more qualified therapists to support the free community service, so if you are qualified and able to offer three or more hours a week, please contact The Help Hub through their site.

Article updated 17.04.20

Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash