A new service is being established to support people aged 18 and over whose mental health has been affected by Covid-19.

Rise & Shine will be delivered by Elmore Community Services, an Oxfordshire-based mental health, complex needs, and domestic abuse charity, in partnership with Connection Support, an Oxfordshire-based charity supporting people to overcome complex life challenges.

Both mental health service providers are founding members of the Oxfordshire Mental Health Partnership and the Oxfordshire Homelessness Alliance.

Read again: How did MPs vote on social care funding

Caseworkers will work alongside people accessing the service to provide support for up to six months, and people are being encouraged to refer themselves.

Caseworkers can meet regularly face-to-face, over a videocall, or by telephone, and will start by talking through what is going on for the person they are supporting right now, identify what they’d like to change, and support them to meet their goals.

Tom Hayes, chief executive of Elmore Community Services, said: “It’s been more than 18 months since the first lockdown was announced and the impact of the pandemic is far from over.

Read more: Plans for student accommodation blocks approved

“With many feeling worried, anxious or isolated during these challenging times, the new service Rise & Shine will support people to look after their mental wellbeing to prevent these concerns from becoming more serious.”