The NHS has launched a helpline to provide mental health support to NHS staff during the Covid-19 pandemic, in partnership with Hospice UK and bereavement support service Just ‘B’ among other charities.
The support is provided by over 1,500 highly trained volunteers from Hospice UK, the Just ‘B’ service from North Yorkshire Hospice Care, the Samaritans, Citizens’ Advice and Shout, among others.
The mental health hotline is part of a package of measures that will support the NHS’ 1.4 million staff as they help people deal with the coronavirus.
Nurses, doctors and other key staff will be able to quickly receive help with grief, trauma counselling, relationships and financial issues, by calling or texting a free number staffed by specially trained volunteers.
The volunteers will give psychological support to those in need. Anyone who requires further help will be signposted to other services ranging from practical and financial assistance through to specialist bereavement and psychological support.
Prerana Issar, Chief People Officer for the NHS, said: “We need to do everything we can to support our incredible NHS people as they care for people through this global health emergency.
“That’s why we have developed a range of support for all NHS staff from one to one mental health support to a sympathetic voice to confide in.
“The NHS is rightly doing everything we can for our staff, but the best thing that the public can do if they want to do their bit for nurses, doctors and other NHS staff, is to protect them by staying indoors and washing your hands.”
Tracey Bleakley, CEO of Hospice UK, said: “We know how hard staff are working to provide care for patients both in the NHS and in our hospices across the country. We are delighted to have been asked by NHSE/I to help set up a service to provide grief and trauma counselling to people working in the NHS. We want to do all we can to help clinical and other staff working hard to beat the coronavirus. This helpline allows us to bring our expertise to care for people who are doing an incredible job.”
Chief Executive of Just ‘B’, Tony Collins, commented: “NHS staff across the UK are dealing with some of most challenging situations imaginable as part of their unwavering commitment to caring for our communities. So they fully deserve our support in return.
“Just ‘B’ is extremely proud to be working with NHS England, Hospice UK and the Samaritans to offer this emotional support hotline to our NHS colleagues at the toughest of times, to enable them to carry on helping others.”
The phone number is 0300 131 7000 or staff can text FRONTLINE to 85258. The phone line will be open between 7 am and 11 pm every day, while the text service will be 24/7.
The NHS has also partnered with Headspace, UnMind and Big Health to offer a suite of apps for no charge to assist staff with their mental health. The apps offer support in everything from guided meditation, tools to battle anxiety and help with sleep problems.
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