A 24/7 helpline that provides around the clock mental health support to people across the Black Country is in line for a national award for the second year running.
The Black Country 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline, run by Rethink Mental Illness, has been shortlisted for the ‘Helpline of Year Award’ at the national Helpline Awards.
The helpline is free and available 365 days a year to provide immediate access to advice, triage, referrals and signposting for people experiencing mental ill health.
Mental health professionals are on hand to help callers and avoid a crisis by providing emotional support to callers in distress and for times when people need someone to listen.
One such professional at the team is Demi Shakespeare, who is in the running for the ‘Employee of the Year Award’, in recognition of her commitment to her role, her team and service users.
Demi is also shortlisted for ‘Mentor of the Year’ for her dedication to providing a mentorship role to her colleagues.
Demi, a team leader and mental health recovery worker, said: “It is an honour and total privilege to be part of someone's journey, the listening ears we all need from time to time, so although this nomination has my name on it, it is for those who I have supported past and present.”
Demi and the Black Country 24/7 team will find out if they have won at the Helpline Awards in Birmingham on 2 November.
The service is commissioned by Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT), the lead provider of mental health, learning disability and autism services across the Black Country.
Marcus Law, Senior Commissioner for Mental Health at BCHFT said: “We are delighted the 24/7 Black Country Helpline is being recognised for the incredible support it provides to people across the Black Country. It is also wonderful to see Demi being recognised for her commitment and hard work to helping service users and her team.
“We would like to thank Rethink Mental Illness and their team for their unwavering support of our communities, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“The helpline is an invaluable support to our communities and we are proud to commission this important service as lead provider for mental health services in Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton.”
Lindsey Gooding, Head of Community Services North at Rethink Mental Illness said: “We are so proud to see the team’s hard work recognised with this nomination for the second year running.
“The helpline is such a crucial resource to support people in the Black Country who are struggling with their mental health and the team are really dedicated to being there for people and making sure there is a compassionate response that helps callers to get the support they need.
“We’re also delighted to see Demi shortlisted for two awards, it’s really encouraging to see the helpline recognised nationally in this way.”
To contact the Black Country 24/7 Urgent Mental Health Helpline, 0800 008 6516 or text 07860 025 281.