A U-turn has been made on the decision to cut a valuable service for those with mental health needs in Suffolk, due to demand.
Suffolk Night Owls, a free telephone, text, and email support service run by mental health charity Suffolk Mind, is now set to continue operating until March 2025.
The service was no longer taking referrals, following a decision from Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Suffolk County Council.
The after-hours emotional wellbeing support has been running for nine years in the county.
It was announced that it was set to close this year as it was funded through a contract that was ending in March, and the funding was no longer available to continue the service.
Following the U-turn, the wellbeing support line will continue to be delivered by Suffolk Mind and funded by the ICB, following feedback from service users and staff.
The ICB says it will review the service using feedback from users and partners, "remaining mindful of other sources of help and support" that have developed alongside Suffolk Night Owls.
Jason Joseph, who leads adult mental health transformation at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, said: “We are grateful to everyone who took time to give their feedback on the Suffolk Night Owls service.
“We have listened to what we have been told and recognise the importance of the service to many people.
“We have reflected and believe taking more time to work with service users and partners to review the current service and determine how we best meet their needs is the right way forward.”
Anyone struggling with loneliness, depression, or anxiety, as well as those with complex emotional needs, can call the helpline and are listened to in a non-judgemental way.
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