Catalyst's Support-Connect Helpline Service - 6 months on

source: Catalyst 4 Change CIC
published: 15 May 2021

This service is discontinued until further notice!

Catalyst 4 Change (in partnership with four West Midlands African & Caribbean mental health service providers), launched the SUPPORT-CONNECT helpline service in December 2020. This new regional initiative is funded by the Coronavirus Community Support Fund  (distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund ), and also by The Heart of England Community Foundation.

SUPPORT-CONNECT is a new freephone helpline service available to African and Caribbean people with mental health support needs living in any of the areas listed below, across the West Midlands area. See previous article here.

Now at its 6-month point, we wanted to give an update on its progress.

Catalyst Director, Beverley Stephens, said;

"Over the span of this much needed initiative the participating SUPPORT-CONNECT partner organisations worked diligently and passionately to ensure that the operational needs were designed with the recipients in mind. The helpline volunteers, who also form part of the partner organisations counselling teams, have expressed their thanks for the additional communication boost this service has provided over the COVID-19 pandemic. Our working relationships are extremely cohesive and the whole journey has been one of cooperation that reflects a 'we’re in this together’ ethos allowing the project to thrive."

If you (or someone you know) need to talk, call the number that covers the area where you live.