Therapists qualified in mental health interventions are being invited to get involved with a new, free therapy service to support vulnerable people during the coronavirus shutdown.

On Monday 23 March, website The Help Hub will launch free online mental wellbeing sessions for those struggling with self-isolation and social distancing and their knock-on effects such as anxiety and loneliness.

People will be able to book a 15- to 20-minute session, guided by a qualified therapist, who will assist in giving emotional or practical advice via Skype, Facebook Messenger or phone.

Established by qualified pyschotherapist, Ruth Chaloner, the online clinic was originally designed to unite local people in Oxford, UK during the coronavirus crisis, but it’s now being extended to provide support on a national basis.

The Help Hub aims to take care of and provide support for vulnerable members of society – especially those most at risk and the elderly.

Chaloner told Spa Business: “I started The Help Hub because I’m a big believer in community and I think that now it’s more important than ever to be connected. Although we’re in unprecedented times, communities are galvanising and coming together to help out those in need.

“I’ve experienced loneliness firsthand and know how crippling it can be so I want to spread goodness by paying it forward in the hope it will get passed on even further.”

Chaloner initially aimed to have a team of 10 therapists working at The Help Hub but having expanded to a national network she is now working alongside 150 therapists and hopes to double this figure.

Chaloner is requesting that anyone wishing to join the team and volunteer as a therapist should email: [email protected]

The organisation was created with support from Bleinheim Palace Estate, which provided an innovation team who’ve supplied marketing and design guidance, as well as Vello and Drop Consult who’ve helped Chaloner create the The Help Hub’s online presence and booking systems.