News > SANEline and GMTV: working together during national depression week

Created: 2005-04-18 16:53:10

Dr Hilary Jones and the GMTV film crew visited the SANEline helproom on behalf of 'LK Today' viewers on Thursday 21st April, finding out about the depression related calls our volunteers answer and what kind of assistance the callers receive.

During National Depression Week (18-24th April 2005) GMTV addressed an aspect of depression every day, echoing Depression Alliance’s aims for the week: to raise awareness about the realities of depression and to reduce the stigma associated with it. In order to provide information and emotional support to viewers reacting to the programmes, SANEline’s number was broadcast daily and the helpline opened early that week, at 8.30am, with at least 300 morning callers mentioning GMTV.

During the live broadcast, SANE’s Chief Executive Marjorie Wallace talked Dr Jones through the types of call the helproom had received in reaction to the programmes, from those who were in quiet despair, feeling isolated or only given medication to treat depression to those who were suicidal or self-harming. Some of the most critical calls were from carers and families currently getting no help at all.

Reflecting on his visit, Hilary Jones said: "SANEline achieves superb results and is the only helpline offering such a comprehensive, person to person service for mental illness at the current time. I know as a GP that the NHS struggles to provide the same kind of service and it is imperative that SANEline is supported financially and in every other way in order to continue. SANEline gives people skilled time, which not only saves lives but the Government and taxpayer literally thousands and thousands of pounds."