A new mental health service allowing people in Newcastle and Gateshead to share mental health worries "safely and anonymously" has gone live, with a top local GP highlighting how it will hopefully be a much-needed "helping hand" for people struggling.
The new service is called Togetherall and is a free and anonymous online community for people in our area to use to connect with others and express feelings they might not otherwise feel comfortable disclosing. The service is moderated to ensure that people remain safe at all times.
Dr Mark Dornan, a GP in Gateshead and chair of the Newcastle Gateshead NHS CCG said: "The last couple of years have been tough for us all and many of us are now needing a helping hand with our mental health. Sometimes it's difficult to open up to friends and family.
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"Togetherall means we can share our feelings safely and anonymously, while there are also courses and resources to help you manage their own mental health. It's a safe place to connect with like-minded people, with tools to help with anxiety, depression, low mood or stress."
Dr Dornan said that this formed part of a "range of options" available to people in Tyneside who might need emotional support. Other services include the mental health support phone line operated by Tyneside and Northumberland Mind - along with online counselling service Qwell.
Henry Jones, chief exec of Togetherall, added: "Sharing thoughts, feelings and experiences with other people is a vital part of the support we all need, but especially in these difficult times.
"Not everyone has someone they can speak to, and some people don't feel comfortable talking openly. We're delighted that with Togetherall, everyone in Newcastle and Gateshead now has a safe, free and anonymous community to join for support, night or day."
To access Togetherall, visit togetherall.com.
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