A helpline will offer advice and support to people experiencing emotional distress or those with mental health needs.

Callers can talk through their problems and get advice on accessing services such as housing and benefits.

Bromley Mental Health Helpline is not a crisis service and those in life-threatening situations must call emergency services.

Bromley and Orpington Samaritans helped train staff for the helpline, which is open from 10pm to 7.30am every day.

It is a partnership between Community Options, an organisation supporting people with mental health needs, Bromley Council and the NHS.

The helpline pilot will run for 15 months and the number is 08000 197383.