People receiving mental health services from the NHS and charities will still be supported as the system adapts to the coronavirus pandemic.

The NHS in Kent and Medway has told patients who are currently using services that they will be updated on any changes and that they should speak to the person dealing with their care if they have concerns.

There are also restrictions being put in place on visitors to inpatient units, which include mental health, learning disability, forensic and mother and baby units.

Helen Greatorex, chief executive of Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust which provides mental health services in the county, praised NHS staff for their work in the face of the crisis.

She said: "We could not be more proud of our staff who are working together to look after our patients and their families as we tackle the coronavirus.

"To help prevent the spread of coronavirus, we have had to make the difficult decision to close our inpatient units to visitors. Families and loved ones are an important part of our patients care so we ask they contact the appropriate ward manager and we will work with them to find an alternative way to keep in touch."

The Trust a secondary care provider for mental health, learning disability, substance misuse and specialist services across the county.

Ms Greatorex also encouraged everyone in the community to give extra thought to their mental health at a time when this self-isolation and curbs on social interaction could leave some people feeling down.

The government is to write to around one and a half million people across the country this week telling them to self-isolate for 12 weeks due to underlying health issues.

She said: "As people self-isolate, we encourage everyone to be mindful of their health and wellbeing.

"Regardless of if you access mental health services, it’s really important we are all looking after each other. Mind has shared some really useful advice on staying well which includes tips on keeping active, and finding ways to spend your time.

"We will continue to keep in touch with our patients to keep them updated on any possible changes to our services but urge our patients to speak with the person dealing with their care if they are concerned. Together we will get through this."

Mind, a national charity with local branches providing mental health services in the community, is also adapting how it delivers its work to ensure the safety of staff, volunteers and users during the outbreak of the virus.

Maidstone and Mid-Kent Mind has announced that it will now begin to deliver its services online and by telephone, with all face-to-face services will be suspended.

A statement on its website says: "We are aiming to implement an assortment of support to ensure that we are able to benefit our frequent service users with wellbeing support throughout this difficult period. A large majority of our face-to-face support will take place through a virtual platform.

"We will also be implementing a series of Wellbeing Calls for our frequent service users – ensuring that you are able to still interact with a member of staff over the phone and support in the form of ten minute conversation slots to help you maintain a sense of routine during this period."

In a statement on its website, East Kent Mind says: "We are decamping from our offices and outreach venues and, all apart from our Crisis Cafe, service are moving to a work from home first strategy.

"We believe we can continue to serve residents and carers and be here for you, if not in person, certainly by video, email, telephone and messaging, continuing to stay in touch and conduct our business in all ways other than face-to-face. Our Crisis Cafe will however remain open from 6-10pm every evening."

Talk It Out, a mental health hub founded to combat isolation among the most vulnerable in society, has also switched to a 'virtual' service.

Co-founder Tracy Carr and her committee made the tough decision to close their Deal base, used by people with anxiety and depression, on Tuesday.

Mrs Carr said: "It's such a scary time as we all suffer with anxiety and depression and all of sudden this lifeline has stopped. But we're making the best of a bad situation and it's working so far."

On its website, the charity Samaritans said: "Plans for staying at home and minimising direct contact with others under guidance from the government will reduce social contact for many of us, and in some cases will mean we're cut off from all contact for two weeks or longer for people who may be more vulnerable to the virus, such as older people.

"It’s normal that this will affect your mood, and it’s something we’d really encourage you to talk about, however you can, via video messaging, over the phone, texting or over the garden fence.

"Whilst we are physically isolated, it’s more important than ever for us to feel socially connected, so try and reach out to people to talk, and try to be there to listen to others."

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time

If you want to talk to someone confidentially, click here

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