The NHS has launched a mental health hotline as part of a package of measures to support the NHS’ 1.4 million staff as they help people deal with the coronavirus.
NHS staff will be able to call or text a free number staffed by thousands of specially trained volunteers, to receive support and advice for the pressures they face every day during the global health emergency.
The volunteers will listen to NHS staff and 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.
The phone line will be open between 7am and 11pm every day, while the text service will be 24/7.
The more than 1,500 volunteers who will be staffing the lines have come from charities including Hospice UK, the Samaritans and Shout.
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. Click here for more information and to sign-up.
Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive of NHS Employers, says: “We know our teams are providing tremendous support, not just to the patients they’re treating, but to each other, across the health service. It’s extremely heartening to see this kind of support will be available to NHS teams, via phone, text and online. As the pandemic continues, our people will face new and growing challenges on a daily basis, and it’s therefore more important than ever that they are able to access resources to help them manage their wellbeing, in a way that suits their needs.”
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