Big Hearts launching helplines to maintain vital support amid Covid-19
Big Hearts, the charity of Heart of Midlothian FC is shifting their activity to focus on phone and online support, through four new dedicated helplines launched today.
Click here to download the helplines list
Over the past two weeks the Big Hearts’ team of 9 staff has been working on alternative ways to maintain their vital work to local groups at a high risk of loneliness, poor mental health, complex family issues and food poverty.
The four new Big Hearts helplines are designed to provide regular support over the phone and use digital means to address vulnerable people’s urgent needs – whilst ensuring the safety of all staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
Until recently, Big Hearts was supporting more than 150 vulnerable adults and children on a weekly basis through a range of programmes including our Kinship Care after school club, The Changing Room project and Football Memories for over 65s.
Craig Wilson, Big Hearts General Manager comments: “On 13th March we decided to suspend all our face to face activity to ensure everyone’s safety. Our staff team has been working remotely, completing hundreds of calls to families, isolated adults and older people to assess their immediate needs and offer some guidance and support. After a couple of weeks working in this new setting, we are delighted to announce a new series of landline numbers that people can call for a confidential chat, access some support or have a blether with our team.”
Kinship Care Helpline: 0131 603 4927
Open 10am-4pm, Mon-Thu.
Advice on parenting strategies, peer support & service referrals for local kinship care families.
The Changing Room at Hearts: 0131 603 4929
Open 10:30am-3pm, Mon-Thu.
Mental health support, wellbeing info and regular peer support in partnership with SAMH.
Community Helpline: 0131 603 4928
Open 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri.
Social connection & advice for participants and volunteers at risk of loneliness & poverty.
Big Hearts Office: 0131 603 4926
Open 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri.
General enquiries, including volunteering, fundraising & media requests.