Help if you are feeling distressed
Find out more about the support available if you are struggling with your mental well-being.
Getting support
The current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is a difficult time for health and social care professionals. It will affect everyone in different ways: physically, emotionally, socially and psychologically. Being on the front line of health and social care services will mean you experience varying levels of stress and distress. This is normal.
However, it is important that you look after yourself and the people you care for so that you stay well, both physically and emotionally.
Support for all NHS staff
The NHS offers various forms of support for its staff:
- You can call 0300 131 7000 (7am to 11pm, 7 days a week) for support with mental health, financial help, bereavement care and coaching.
- You can access mental health and well-being apps for free including Unmind, Headspace, Sleepio and Daylight. Find out more.
- You can also text ‘frontline’ to 85258 for support over text 24/7.
- Download a flyer about support for NHS staff.
Support for Macmillan professionals
All Macmillan professionals are now able to access Macmillan’s Employee Assistance Programme. This programme, provided by Health Assured, offers a wide range of confidential services including:
- legal advice
- counselling
- financial advice
- health and well-being podcasts.
To access 24-hour support, download the Health Assured app.
Support for other health and social care staff
If you are not employed by the NHS, you can access a range of free well-being resources through the Samaritans. Find out more.
- Samaritans has a 24-hour confidential helpline that provides support. The phone number is 116 123.
- You can also text ‘frontline’ to 85258 for support over text 24/7.
Other helplines for staff including non-NHS
Find out more about the following helplines:
How we can help