The NHS yesterday launched a mental health hotline as part of a package of measures to support NHS staff during the coronavirus outbreak.
NHS staff will be able to call or text a free number to receive support and advice from trained volunteers around the pressures they face during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Anyone requiring further help will be signposted to other services including practice and financial assistance, specialist bereavement support and psychological support.
NHS Employers chief executive Danny Mortimer said: ‘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.’
The phone line will be open between 7am and 11pm every day, while the text service will be 24/7.
More than 1,500 volunteers will staff the lines and have come from charities including Hospice UK, the Samaritans and Shout.
The NHS has also partnered with Headspace, UnMind and Big Health to offer free apps offering support including in guided meditation, tools to battle anxiety and help with sleep problems.
Chief people officer for the NHS Prerana Issar 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,’ he added.
