An award-winning mental health helpline for people living in Bradford and Craven is now offering support in the morning for the first time.

Guide-Line, run by the charity Mind in Bradford, is now open between 8am until 12am [midnight] 7 days a week, providing telephone and live-chat support every day of the year.

The support service was set up more than 20 years ago and originally answered evening calls from adults struggling with how they were feeling.

The service has grown to help people of all ages who live in Bradford district and Craven who are seeking help with their mental health and emotional wellbeing, and carers and professionals looking for advice, both over the phone and online.

Between April 2021 and March 2022, the Mind in Bradford team of staff and volunteers took more than 8,000 calls. A growing number of people are now choosing the live-chat option to access the service. Telephone and live chat support can now be offered in more than 100 languages, including Urdu, Arabic, Polish and Punjabi.

Guide-Line Service Manager Phil Woodward said the service was continuing to expand to meet growing needs.

“With the extension of opening hours to 8am, we hope to be able to support people who may be unable to get through to their GP at that time and are left feeling anxious or frustrated,” he added.

“There is always emotional support available, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We can support and signpost but most importantly, we listen.”

A recent user said “I knew if I needed support, you were just there at the end of the phone. You have helped more than you can ever imagine.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Guide-Line can also arrange appointments with the new mental health crisis service Safe Spaces, which offers same-day support at hubs in Keighley and Bradford, drop-in sessions across the district and overnight stays for children and young people.

The Safe Spaces service helps people aged seven upwards who are having distressing feelings such as severe anxiety, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, intense depression or feelings of disassociation.

Support is confidential and can be completely anonymous. To talk to Guide-Line, call 08001 884 884 or chat online www.mindinbradford.org.uk/support-for-you/guide-line