A non-profit service has launched offering counselling and support for vulnerable people who are housebound due to coronavirus.

Covid Herts Counselling, was set up last Tuesday (March 24) with more than 30 qualified volunteers to speak to people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government announced last Monday (March 23) that people should only be allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping, medical reasons, to help a vulnerable person and to travel to and from work, if absolutely necessary.

Business such as pubs, clubs and restaurants were also called to close earlier this month, causing financial uncertainty.

The service is aiming to help people who are elderly, vulnerable, an NHS or care worker or someone who is isolating due to the virus.

It is only temporary and will discontinue once the pandemic is over and once people have been told to stop self-isolating.

There are counsellors and psychotherapists who will be offering free telephone support during the crisis.

So far, 12 vulnerable people have been set up with counsellors since the launch. The aim is to help those in the community who do not have any relatives to call and talk to them.

Counsellor and psychotherapist Cheryl Sandford said: "In these uncertain times, we all have loved ones who may fall victim to isolation.

"This service will be invaluable to these individuals whose limited social interactions have been stripped away.

"I'm aware that the need for counselling at this time would be likely to increase with people having little to no access for support.

"So far, I have currently brought together 36 qualified therapists.

"It is something that is being developed day by day. I am currently working to set up a website for the service.

"It is not a charity, or business, there is no profit being made at this service dissolve after isolation period ends."

The service is also calling for more volunteers who can spend a minimum of one hour per week talking to someone over the phone.

To be a volunteer, you must be a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) or Ayanay Psychological Accreditation (APA).

To get in contact with the service, call 07375 922 224 or email cs@covidherts.com. You can go online for more information at http://www.crisisherts.com/