A PROJECT which supports vulnerable women in the York area says it is offering emergency counselling after seeing a rise in mental health problems because of the coronavirus crisis.

Kyra Women’s Project, which is supporting more than 90 women, says the problems are particularly acute for those living alone and have been exacerbated by the cancellation of its regular groups and drop-in services.

However, a spokesperson said that funding awarded by the National Emergencies Trust, paid out via the Two Ridings Community Foundation, has enabled it to offer an immediate emergency counselling service -for which there is usually a waiting list - to provide vital mental health support.

They said women were already feeling the benefits, with one woman who received emergency counselling having said: “I was feeling suicidal, but now feel stronger and know I will get through this."

Yvonne Copley, CEO of Kyra Women’s Project, said: “We are delighted to have received support from the National Emergencies Trust via the Two Ridings Community Foundation. This has enabled us to offer emergency counselling to some of our most vulnerable members - women who otherwise would have remained isolated through this challenging time.”