A helpline and texting service is available 24/7 for people in Lancashire and South Cumbria who are experiencing domestic abuse and would like advice, support or just someone to talk to.
The service operated by Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust is reminding people that they don’t have to wait until they’re in an emergency situation to get help. The helpline is available for people who need support for themselves or advice about a friend of family member they may be worried about.
Lorraine Khalaf, Service Manager at the Wellbeing and Mental Health Helping and Texting Service said: “This is a difficult time for adults who are spending extra time indoors due to social distancing measures but experiencing some form of abuse at home.
“There are many signs of domestic abuse all related to having control over a person such as making unreasonable demands, isolating someone from friends or family members and making threats. The behaviours would not always be classed as violent and it’s not always easy to spot the signs or recognise when to get help and support.
“There’s not a single person out there who should go through it alone – we are here to help and hope that the texting service in particular means that people can make contact discreetly when they’re in need of some support or advice.”
The helpline added a texting service in September last year for people to make contact without speaking and has more recently extended its opening hours to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The helpline can be contacted on 0800 915 4640 or by texting ‘hello’ to 07862 022846.
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