Every year, approximately one in four people will experience mental health problems. As the country continues to fight the COVID-19 virus, it’s clear that this statistic is increasing considerably among the NHS frontline workforce. Working in the healthcare industry poses a number of challenges at the best of times, so the additional pressures of a global pandemic are having a devastating effect on the physical and mental wellbeing of our healthcare workers.
Whilst public appreciation is a welcome morale boost, we must continue to focus on prioritising the mental health of those working in the NHS, both now during this time of crisis, and in the future. Maintaining and improving the countless initiatives created to support NHS works is key in order to push the conversation forward.
We’ve compiled a list of resources for healthcare workers below, including mental health support contact information, free mobile wellness apps and details of NHS worker priority hours for shopping. Mayday Healthcare would like once again to extend our immeasurable gratitude to the NHS and healthcare workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mobile and Instant Support Options:
If you are an agency nurse or healthcare worker seeking mental health support, you can access this via a number of different routes depending on your preferences. If a life is in danger, please contact 999.
Support and Confidential Listening Helpline (run by Samaritans for NHS staff, open 7am - 11pm, 7 days a week) - 0300 131 7000
Bereavement and Loss Helpline (run by Hospice UK for NHS staff, open 7am - 11pm, 7 days a week) - 0300 303 4434
Text ‘FRONTLINE’ to 85258 for a text support service, free of charge on most major mobile networks
NHS Staff Offers and Discounts
Many businesses are offering NHS staff and frontline health workers access to their products or services at a discounted rate, to thank the healthcare workforce for their truly inspiring work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several NHS Staff offers and discounts can be found here, as well as details of store priority opening hours for frontline health workers.
Offers include up to 50% off food delivery services, free car breakdown assistance and reduced prices for electronics.
Online Resources:
NHS Horizons: Join a weekly online session with NHS Horizons #Caring4NHSPeople webinars, every Wednesday between 4pm and 5pm, and also available online afterwards if you’re unable to attend. Topics include “supporting working parents” and “the scope of support available within the national health and wellbeing offer – and how they can help you and your colleagues.”. You can find out more and register for the webinars here.
Free Mobile Apps:
Several mobile app providers are offering free access for NHS staff and their families;
- SilverCloud Health is a leading digital mental health company. Our range of programmes are used globally by over 300 healthcare providers, health plans and employers. NHS Staff can use the access code: NHS2020 and sign up here.
- The Stay Alive app is a suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information and tools to help you stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. Find out more here.
- Daylight is a smartphone-based app that provides help to people experiencing symptoms of worry and anxiety, using evidence-based cognitive behavioural techniques, voice and animation. They are offering free access for NHS staff until December 2020 using the access code: Daylight. You can access the site and download the app here.
- Sleepio is a clinically evidenced sleep improvement programme that is fully automated and highly personalised, using cognitive behavioural techniques to help improve poor sleep. They are offering free access for NHS staff until December 2020, using the access code: Sleepio. Sign up here.
- Unmind is a mental health platform that empowers staff to proactively improve their mental wellbeing. Sign up here with your NHS email address and download the app to gain free access to their scientifically backed assessments, tools and training to measure and manage your personal mental health needs, including digital programmes designed to help with stress, sleep, coping, connection, fulfilment and nutrition.
- Headspace is a science-backed app in mindfulness and meditation, providing unique tools and resources to help reduce stress, build resilience, and aid better sleep. Sign up here using your NHS email to gain free access and download from the app store. There is also more information here.
- Movement for Modern Life is a British online yoga platform. NHS staff are being offered free access to a range of resources, including breathwork sessions, stress reduction classes which can be done at a time convenient to you, in your home or in the workplace, a selection of energising morning classes and evening classes that aim to help you wind down or recharge. Sign up here using your NHS email to get free yoga classes, and download the app.
For further reading, visit the NHS website. If you're looking for career advice or market information, please don't hesitate to contact the Mayday Healthcare agency nurse recruitement team today.