DEMAND on one of the town's mental health charities has spiked during the pandemic.

Ipsum Swindon has recorded at least a 70 per cent increase of its referrals during the Covid-19 crisis, with more people experiencing low mood, anxiety, lack of confidence and higher stress levels. 

Director Julie Mattinson said her team has had to extend their opening hours. 

She added: “We are now in a position to offer a seven-days-a-week service. During lockdown, we created our virtual services and have taken this forward to create a blended service provision that can be accessed both face-to-face and remotely. 

“I believe this has enabled us to flex to meet the increased demand.”

The charity in Milton Road has taken on three new part-time staff members whose hours have been designed to meet the needs of the community it serves.

But while the team works under pressure, Julie said the feedback they received from clients is quite “humbling”. 

She said: “On a weekly basis we received thank-you letters, phone calls and personal cards from both services users, and their friends or family, sharing the different Ipsum has made to their lives. 

“Over the past five years we have made a difference to over 2,000 people. Our creative services are therapeutic and are designed to support both emotional and psychological needs.”

Ipsum provides a mixture of art, music, creative writing, and one-to-one counselling to support clients. 

“Ipsum believes in partnerships working as there is a wealth of great organisations within Swindon and between us working together will give the best support and opportunities for our community,” said Julie.

“Over the past two years Ipsum has been slowly increasing its counselling provision, and we are pleased and excited to now have over 40 therapists on board supporting us. 

“Every intervention offered by Ipsum is designed through conversations with our service users and other professionals to continually improve and adapt our services to the needs of our community.

“Ipsum will never stand still.”

The charity, which was launched in 2015, won a £184,000 in lottery cash back in April to help tackle isolation among youngsters. 

The money will be received over the next three years from the Big Lottery Foundation for its youth project set to help those aged 11 and over deal with mental health issues. 

Ipsum has an art room and a music recording studio to help people’s recovery. 

For further information or to receive support visit ipsum.care