New Free NHS Phone Line to Help People Suffering from Stress

Published on: 11 Apr, 2024
Updated on: 14 Apr, 2024

First Steps to Support is a free and anonymous NHS phone line to help people, their friends or family with life stresses they are facing.

This service has recently been launched and is available to residents across the borough of Guildford and beyond.

The NHS Healthy Surrey support service says the key aim of First Steps to Support is to “catch people early and really help prevent mental health issues from escalating by providing a single point of access to support people across a wider range of issues”.

It adds: “There is no waiting list, so contact us to help ease the pressure. You can call, text or email. Tel: 0333 332 4753. Text: 07860 026657. Email: dohel.firststeps.surrey@nhs.net

“The friendly staff at First Steps to Support are here to listen to what’s troubling you, understand what things you would like to change and find what works for you. Guide you to the right support and services to lighten the load, help you cope better and enjoy life again. Act as an anonymous and confidential service that won’t pass on your details, unless you ask us to.”

The service is available during the following times: Monday 8am to 3pm, Tuesday 9am to 4pm, Wednesday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 10am to 2pm.

People making contact outside of these hours are welcome to leave a message, or email dohel.firststeps.surrey@nhs.net from which you will be contacted.

The chief operating officer at Dorking Healthcare, Jemma Millman, whose surgery is one of those delivering the First Steps to Support service, said: “As the need for support with emotional and mental wellbeing continues to increase in Surrey, I’m delighted to have this opportunity to shape a local service that will help people get the right help at the right time.

“Our surgery has a long history of supporting physical, emotional and psycho-social wellbeing. Our teams work together to develop new services based on what people need most and we believe strongly in the benefits of adopting a holistic approach.”

Click here for First Steps to Support’s website.

And here for Healthy Surrey’s Health and Wellbeing website.