A new project in Cornwall is aiming to help people who are suffering with mental health issues while also assisting them with financial and employment worries.

The Mental Health, Employment Need and Debt advice outreach project (Mhend) is a joint initiative between Pentreath mental health advisers and Citizens Advice Cornwall (CAC) caseworkers.

It is supported with funding from Cornwall Council’s public health team and backed by Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health and Care Partnership.

The pilot project has been set up in direct response to an increase in mental health issues and debt issues during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mhend aims to ensure that people are able to access both support for their mental health whilst also getting advice and help with finance and employment issues.

Matt Bennett, project manager at Pentreath, said that previously those people who had been referred to Pentreath would have been guided towards the CAC for help, but this project ensures that all support is brought together.

He said that there were three workers at Pentreath and three caseworkers at CAC who would be helping people through Mhend.

Matt said: “When people are referred to us if we find that they are experiencing issues with finance and employment we will ask them whether we can pass their details onto CAC and we can then link them to the caseworkers who are working with us.

“That way we can help people with looking after their mental health while the CAC can work on their debt issues.”

Matt said that the pandemic had left many people facing unemployment or reduction in pay which has then led to issues with paying bills..

He said: “If you are sitting at home and you realise that your debt is spiralling you will then find that your anxiety and stress levels are also higher.

“What we would do is come in and try and stabilise things, how can we improve your mental health and at the same time how can we stabilise your debt.”

Matt said that similar projects had been set up elsewhere in the UK and had proved to be successful.

He said that while Mhend was a pilot project there will be constant reviews of its progress and that it could be considered for additional support to continue.

While previously Pentreath would refer people to CAC for support if needed it the Mhend project will help to speed up the process.

Demand for mental health support generally has been reported as being on the increase during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Matt said: “We are seeing people we wouldn’t have seen before, it is affecting everyone.

“The pandemic and lockdown can destabilise people – they have more time to think and worry. In this lockdown in particular we have seen an increase in demand.”

Matt said that it was also important that if people find that they are struggling that they do seek help and support.

He said that all healthcare providers are available to help if needed and that people should not hesitate to contact them if required.

Mhend is available to help people across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. People can refer themselves by calling Pentreath on 01726 862727 or go to www.pentreath.co.uk