Covid-19 mental health helpline launched for frontline professionals
abu dhabi — A special Covid-19 helpline to provide mental health support to frontline professionals has been launched in the UAE. The support line is available on 800-HOPE (800-4673) from 8am to 8pm and aims to offer long-term mental wellbeing support to frontline professionals through a team of 55 trained volunteers.
The initiative was launched after a research conducted by the Frontline Heroes Office revealed that 46 per cent of professionals felt Covid-19 had impacted their mental health. A quarter of the surveyed frontliners reported burnout, while 81 per cent expressed concern about contracting the virus.
“This initiative falls under the framework of the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, in his role as chairman of the Frontline Heroes Office, to support frontline professionals in facing the Coronavirus pandemic on a national level,” the Frontline Heroes Office said in a statement.
The first-of-its-kind helpline in the region is supported by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre and the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (Seha).
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al
Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of the Frontline Heroes Office, said: “Across the globe, frontline professionals have faced the brunt of the pandemic. Despite feeling the burden of the pandemic more than most, they have continued to get up every single day and help keep this great nation going.
“Their selfless work has meant that the UAE has been one of the leading countries in tackling the pandemic with sincerity and passion, which is why we must take care of them in appreciation of their dedication and generosity.”
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, said the community has to come together to support the health of frontline professionals “in the same way that they have selflessly protected us”.