A NEW service in Hereford will stop waiting lists and referrals for adults when they seek help with their health.

The 2021 Herefordshire community wellbeing survey showed COVID-19 has had a severe effect on adults across the county.

It revealed that 28% of respondents had reported high levels of anxiety.

Then 33% admitted they were doing less exercise and 30% were sleeping less well than the previous year, with 32% of people had experienced a drop in household income.

Herefordshire Council have invested a part of their grant funding for its COVID-19 recovery plan into Qwell.

Qwell supports adults aged 19 years and over with their mental health through free digital counselling and emotional support that will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and there will be no waiting lists or referrals.

Councillor Pauline Crockett, cabinet member health and adult wellbeing said: "Qwell adds to the services already available and is funded as part of the £6m investment for Herefordshire's COVID-19 recovery plan, supporting economic recovery and improving wellbeing in the county".