Mental health charity expects rise in demand following new Christmas COVID restrictions

A North East mental health charity says it expects to see a continuing rise in demand for its services, following news of further COVID restrictions over Christmas.

The Government announced this weekend that an earlier plan, to allow mixing of up to three households from 23rd December, has been changed. The news means that families in tiers one to three, which includes the North East and North Yorkshire, can now only mix on Christmas Day itself. 

Dominic McDonough from the If U Care Share foundation says mental health and wellbeing are bound to be affected, at this important time of year:

The foundation, which is based in Chester-le-Street, has several key aims. It works to reduce suicide, provides support to those who have lost loved ones through suicide, as well promoting positive mental health. It says that since the start of the pandemic, its team has seen a doubling in the number of people getting in touch, at the same time as experiencing a drop in the money it collects through fundraising. After a difficult year, the signs are that 2021 will also bring challenges:

READ MORE: 275% increase in calls North East suicide helpline during lockdown