The Help Hub
1385. Ruth Chaloner
Ruth Chaloner, from Woodstock in Oxfordshire, is a psychotherapist who launched ‘The Help Hub’, a free online service to help people experiencing loneliness and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic.
Initially intended to benefit those in her local area unable to have an appointment in person due to lockdown, Ruth soon received huge demand from across the country for her online service from people in self-isolation and with limited contact. More than 800 qualified volunteer therapists nationwide are now supporting ‘The Help Hub’ and able to provide over 2,500 virtual emotional support sessions via phone or virtual call a week.
In a personal letter to Ruth, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Allow me to express the gratitude of the whole country for all the support you are providing to those who are experiencing loneliness and anxiety at this time.
“I am lost in admiration for the many ways in which people are coming together to help one another as we unite to defeat this Coronavirus.
“The Help Hub” is a brilliant example of this solidarity and care for others, with more than 800 qualified volunteers holding thousands of virtual sessions to provide counsel, comfort and emotional support to those who need it most.”
Ruth said:
“I’m delighted to receive the Points of Light award from the Prime Minister – it’s been quite a surprise! It’s important to recognise that this is very much a group effort. ‘The Help Hub’ is a service of professional psychotherapists who are making themselves available free of charge to anyone in the UK over the age of 18 who is experiencing emotional difficulties at this time. Please go to our website and take a look. Please tell everyone you know about us so that they can look too, and book an online appointment for free. Thank you very much.”