Nearly 1,500 Islanders have been supported by the Listening Lounge, the provider of free mental health support for adults aged over 18 in Jersey, during its first year of operation.
1,429 clients have taken advantage of the Listening Lounge’s self-referral service, far exceeding expectations when the pilot was launched on 4 November 2019. It has been confirmed that the service will continue into 2021.
Lucy Nicolaou, Head of the Listening Lounge, said there had been many positives during a very busy first year: “Our objectives were focused on improving access to support and we set about achieving this by removing as many barriers as possible. The figures from the past year have evidenced that this type of early intervention service is both much needed and very welcomed by Islanders. We could not have predicted that Covid-19 would happen and this has definitely increased demand this year. We were able to continue our service online and over the telephone, but the level of activity we have seen has been significant.”
When it was launched one year ago at Charles House in Charles Street, St Helier, the Listening Lounge was the first service providing islanders aged 18 and over with free, accessible mental health support, with a focus on early intervention. It also offers wider choice and self-referral options to help prevent problems escalating.
To cope with demand extra sessions made available and three additional counsellors were recruited. 97% of clients reported that the Listening Lounge, however they accessed the services (online, in-person, telephone) had a positive impact on their wellbeing.
“There have been many highlights during our first year but demonstrating that talking therapies can be offered on a self-referral basis and be delivered safely and effectively, while maintaining minimal waiting times, has been key”, says Lucy Nicolaou. “We have helped tackle stigma by having people with lived experience of mental health difficulties and recovery within the team, which has been a huge success. It has also showcased the value of partnership working, both with government and our partner agencies, which has been a very positive experience.”
The Listening Lounge service is delivered by LINC in partnership with Health and Community Services and supported by the Government of Jersey, as well as various charities and agencies. The Listening Lounge is a physical space that is informal and welcoming with comfortable seating and private rooms. Islanders can receive a range of support between 10am and 10pm everyday and access services such as counselling, bibliotherapy and online therapy. Restrictions introduced due to covid-19 have resulted in some changes to the service, which now operates on an appointment only basis – with a total of 119 appointments with the team now available each week.
Access to counselling on a self-referral basis with appointments offered online, by phone or face to face can be made using the online referral form.
The counselling team can be contacted directly for more information at counselling@listeninglounge.care
Appointments can be booked with a peer worker either by phone or email: 01534 866793 / peer@listeninglounge.care
