NHS sets up new ‘credit crunch stress line’

The NHS has set up a new helpline offering practical aid for people distressed by the impact of the recession on their lives.

Trained health staff will give callers self-care and self-help advice to protect and improve emotional resilience in the face of their difficulties. They will also signpost worried callers to appropriate sources for advice and help to tackle any underlying debt, redundancy or housing issues.

Callers’ levels of distress will be assessed and, if necessary, they will be referred to local NHS services listed by Primary Care Trusts on NHS Choices or, in serious cases, to immediate support through NHS Direct.

The helpline comes as NHS Choices continues to expand its content on the credit crunch stress, depression, anxiety, counselling and talking therapies. Online information is available at www.nhs.uk/creditcrunch and the new helpline can be contacted on 0300 123 2000.