Welcome boost as Norfolk mental health support line becomes free

A Norwich charity has pledged to do all it can to help those struggling with mental health problems after making a recently at risk helpline free of charge to all users.

Earlier this year, we told how the helpline, run by Norwich and Central Norfolk Mind, was at risk after Norfolk’s clinical commissioning groups pulled their funding.

However, the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation Trust (NSFT) stepped in to provide funding for the service to continue until March 2016, but only for people in north Norfolk, Norwich, south Norfolk and west Norfolk and at a cost to the user.

Now, Norwich Mind has announced a new number, 08088 020288, which will be free of charge and available to provide support and practical advice to eligible clients when they feel they are not coping well with life, are highly anxious or are at risk of going into crisis.

One million older people in need ‘struggle alone’

There are 10 million people over the age of 65 in England

A million older people in England struggling with everyday tasks, such as washing and dressing, are being left to fend for themselves, campaigners say.

The Age UK review identified more than three million people aged over 65 with a care need, but found just two-thirds of them were actually getting help.

Warning of impact of £73m cuts on Norfolk’s disabled people

Dan Grimmer
Mark Harrison, CEO of Equal Lives. Picture: ANTONY KELLY

Norfolk County Council needs to make £111m of savings over three years

A disability rights organisation has warned that worst case scenario cuts of £73m in spending on adult social care could leave some of Norfolk’s most vulnerable people “dejected and abandoned”.

Norfolk County Council needs to make £111m of savings over three years, so every committee has been asked to plan to be spending 25pc less in three years time.

That would save £169m, so not all the cuts and savings proposed will happen, but councillors wanted options so they have some element of choice.