Gainsborough-based mental health and suicide prevention charity the Bearded Fishermen, has launched two new services for people worst affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

Rick Roberts and Mick Leyland, founders of the Bearded Fishermen, have enlisted seven volunteers to help provide additional mental health support services to some of Lincolnshire’s most vulnerable residents.

Usually, the charity delivers weekly face-to-face and virtual mental health support group sessions but because of social distancing measures, the charity’s in-person support is being temporarily suspended.

Keen to continue supporting people with mental illnesses, as well as those who may be finding isolation and social distancing especially difficult, the charity’s founders have found new ways of delivering their services.

The charity’s founder Rick Roberts said: “As a result of the current pandemic we’re facing several challenges and Mick and I wanted to ensure that people are able to still receive our support.

“Our former Tuesday evening sessions are now being held via Facebook Live and we have created a local information podcast which is shared across our social media channels.”

After issuing a plea on social media for old mobile phones, the charity received a donation of several devices from a local Gainsborough business.

Rick added: “In collaboration with West Lindsey Support Hub we have recruited seven volunteers who are answering calls, diverted from the hub, requesting help.”

“The phones were kindly donated to us by Riverside Training and have allowed us to offer support and companionship over the phone to people who may be struggling to adapt to being isolated in their home.”

As well as establishing a partnership with West Lindsey Support Hub, the Bearded Fishermen have also partnered with the Lincolnshire County Emergency Centre to offer their services more widely.

Co-founder Mick Leyland said: “As well as taking calls, our volunteers have been assisting the Lincolnshire County Emergency Centre by delivering essential items to the vulnerable and to those unable to leave their homes owing to medical reasons.

“We recently received a grant from the Lincolnshire Community Foundation to cover the cost of the delivery service which has made a huge difference to the amount of deliveries we’re able to make.”

As the demand for COVID-19 responders increases, the Bearded Fishermen are continuing to seek additional volunteers and drivers to help deliver their new services to Gainsborough and the surrounding area.

Mick added: “The response we’ve had from the public to our appeal has been incredible; our goal is to facilitate everyone that shows an interest in working with us.

“We’re still seeking additional mobile phones to help improve our response times and support even more people who are in desperate need at this difficult time.”

To become a volunteer for the Bearded Fishermen or to donate mobile phones to the charity, visit their Twitter or Facebook pages for more information.