Helpline dedicated to stressed NHS staff

THE NHS has launched a mental health hotline to give psychological support to 1.4 million staff on the front line.

It comes amid warnings of rising numbers of front-line workers suffering panic attacks, anxiety and insomnia as pressures on services mount.

The helpline and text service run by more than 1,500 volunteers will be backed by free meditation apps.

The volunteers, including from Hospice UK, the Samaritans and Shout, will listen to NHS staff and give psychological support as well as offering advice.

Staff can also be signposted to further support, such as financial assistance or specialist bereavement and psychological services. The phone line will be open from 7am to 11pm every day and the text service will be 24/7.

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.” The NHS has also partnered with Headspace, Unmind and Big Health to offer free apps to staff. They include areas such as guided meditation, practical help with anxiety and help with sleep problems.

Danny Mortimer, chief executive of NHS Employers, said: “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 heartening to see this kind of support will be available.”

The phone number is 0300 131 7000 while staff can text FRONTLINE to 85258.