A COUNCIL has stepped up its advice and support for residents suffering mental health issues due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Pendle leader Cllr Mohammed Iqbal said help was available both from the borough’s community support hub and other organisations it was signposting those affected to.

He said: “The coronavirus outbreak is understandably affecting people’s mental health, but we are keen to show that help is available.

“During national Mental Health Awareness Week we are stepping up communication to let people know they do not need to feel alone with problems of loneliness or mental health issues.

“Support is available, and this includes for people who are self-isolating.”

He said the the Pendle Community Support Hub, launched at the start of the lockdown, could get people the professional help they need, and the hub had contacted more than 900 vulnerable people to check they were getting the help they needed.