Oxford mental health charity Elmore Community Services is tackling lockdown by using smartphones to give online and telephone support.

The charity was given £5,000 worth of smartphones conferencing software by Co-op Midcounties.

Elmore chief executive and city councillor Tom Hayes said: “Physical distancing strategies may be critical for reducing the spread of disease, but they increase the sense of loneliness and isolation among Elmore clients, which can deepen their anxiety and depression.

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"We are seeing enormous demand for our support, but face-to-face contact has been suddenly halted and many of the services that we would refer people onto are suspended, meaning that Elmore is providing more support.

“At this challenging time, we are quickly innovating how we deliver our life-saving services, making use of digital technologies to address people’s anxieties right now.

“A number of the people we’re supporting do not have smartphones. Now, thanks to the generous donation from Co-op Midcounties, Elmore’s caseworkers can provide video calls to our clients experiencing digital exclusion and isolation.”