THE 'huge contribution' of a mental health charity has been praised by Oxford East MP Anneliese Dodds, as it calls for more donations.

Elmore Community Services, a specialist charity providing mental health and complex needs support, has shifted to a phone-based service due to coronavirus.

Elmore is also going to be rolling out a video calling service with some clients in Oxford and across the county.

Ms Dodds, who is also Shadow Chancellor, added: "Every mental health and care professional in our city is a hero.

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"Together our third sector and NHS are making a huge contribution to the mental wellbeing of Oxford and Oxfordshire."

The organisation is now seeking financial donations to contribute to the costs of meeting this new demand, in particular basic smartphones which enable face-to-face calls between our vulnerable and isolated clients and their caseworkers.

In addition Elmore is asking for donations of jigsaws, puzzles, colouring pads, children’s books, and toys to provide entertainment and stimulation to vulnerable people that help to prevent any deterioration in mental health during the lockdown.

Tom Hayes, chief executive of Elmore, said: “Coronavirus isn’t stopping Elmore from delivering services to the people who desperately need them and, like our charity partners, we’re innovating to meet new challenges.

"The lockdown is tough for everyone, but it’s particularly hard on people with mental ill health."