HUTS Workshop has been offering help to people with Mental Health problems in Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire for over twenty-five years. It is well known for running craft workshops from its premises in Newcastle Emlyn and also offers a befriending service for South Ceredigion. Following the Covid 19 outbreak, HUTS was forced to suspend its usual face-to face contact with members. Realising how lonely and frightening the impact of the virus would be, it was decided to set up a call and chat service to offer reassurance and company for people overwhelmed by the effects of the pandemic and to ease the isolation and loneliness that people feel.
A grant of £14,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund top-up scheme has enabled us, to not only keep our staff employed but also to extend the hours which our call and chat service is available. We will now be able to answer calls throughout the whole week including weekends and early evenings.
Anyone over 18 can use the service, which offers the opportunity for a friendly chat about everyday things, just as you would have a chat with a friend or relative. Our aim is to help reduce the effect of loneliness and to encourage a more positive outlook. If we feel a caller needs more than we can offer them, we can signpost them to other organisations which we feel may help them.
If you know of someone that you think may benefit from a friendly call, please pass on the Call and Chat Service’s number or get in touch with HUTS yourself. The Call and Chat number is 01239 562036. It’s a ring back service, where the caller may be charged by their phone provider for their initial call but HUTS can call them back at no cost to the caller. All calls are confidential and the line will be open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Friday, 10am and 4pm Saturdays and between Midday and 6pm on Sundays.
Visit: www.hutsworkshop.org
