The WAND Helpline is based in Barnstaple and has been helping people in Devon with mental health issues, their carers, family & friends over the phone since 1999.

Who are we?

We offer a confidential service providing emotional support and listening through an evening helpline staffed by trained, caring volunteers. Our lines are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and are open outside normal office hours, 8pm until 11pm - when people need us the most.

The helpline is free to call  from mobiles and landlines and is therefore ideal for everyone. WAND is a user led charity with most of the Management Committee having experienced mental health issues themselves. Also the majority of our volunteers have had direct or indirect experience of mental health issues.

We are members of both the Mental Health Helplines Partnership and the Helplines Association.

WAND are actively involved with mental health service users and professionals to promote and aid recovery.

Our History

1994 The North Devon Mental Health Service Users Forum was established by service users

1996 The forum split in 2 and Working Advocacy in North Devon (WAND) was founded as a  user
led organisation

1998 WAND received charitable status

1999 The Telephone Support Line was launched. It was open 2 evenings a week to North                                   Devon callers only

2000 The service was opened up to the whole of Devon

2003 WAND joined the Mental Health Helplines Partnership

2004 The Helpline was accredited with the Mental Health Helplines Partnership Quality                                         Standard - 6th in the country

2008 Stella Ansell was appointed as the new Helpline Coordinator.

2009 WAND’s helpline was reaccredited by the mhhp, Stella was appointed to the board of the mhhp. WAND celebrated its 10th anniversary.

2010 WAND redesigned their leaflets,  posters and website.

Working Advocacy in North Devon Ltd Charity No. 1071399 Charitable Company Number 3596533