ABTA Lifeline offers mental health support

Monday, 03 Jun, 2020 0

Charity ABTA Lifeline is urging members suffering from mental health issues to get in touch with its partner, The Centre for Crisis Psychology (CCP), which is providing telephone support to those struggling during the pandemic.

A recent survey of travel industry employees found that 57% have suffered mental health issues during the crisis and 11% said it has had a ‘significant’ impact on their wellbeing.

In addition to providing telephone support, the charity can also help with crisis grants, food vouchers and bereavement financial assistance.

ABTA LifeLine director Trudie Clements said members were facing several issues, including financial stress due to redundancy, being self-employed and unable to access income support, or furloughed with a reduction in income.

She said overseas workers who have returned to the UK face the uncertainty of not knowing when they can return to their jobs.

"On top of that you have pressures of work, some that are trying to work whilst caring for or shielding a vulnerable family member, those juggling work with home schooling, and those that have suffered bereavement," she said.

Some had worries before Covid-19, which the crisis has escalated, she added.

"We want people to know that we are here to help where we can. We can help with crisis grants, food vouchers, bereavement, and mental health support. We can offer expert advice through our partner Citizens Advice Manchester, on debt, benefits, housing and budgeting. And we can sign post people to further help and advice."

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk

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