The mental health and wellbeing hub for people working in health and social care across Gloucestershire will continue to be funded throughout 2023/24.
The Wellbeing Line was initially funded by NHS England as part of a national scheme to support anyone working in health or social care during the worst of the Covid pandemic. Once national funding ended, local health leaders across the integrated care system (ICS) decided to continue supporting the service in light of the continued pressure colleagues are under.
Dr Marie O’Neill is a Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for the Wellbeing Line.
She said: “Our service provides support to teams and individuals across Gloucestershire, all of whom work in either hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes, nursing homes or elsewhere in the community. This service is for anyone, working at any level, whether clinical or non-clinical and includes students, bank staff and volunteers.
“The Covid pandemic has had a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of our workforce, and we hear every day how much distress and in some cases trauma there has been as a result. This impacts people not only in their work lives, but often in their personal lives too. It is vital that our support is available and the continued funding agreed to extend the service for another year is hugely welcome”.
The Wellbeing Line team includes two clinical psychologists, two assistant psychologists, a health coach and an admin support officer. Since its formal launch in January 2022 The Wellbeing Line has supported in excess of 1,000 members of staff.
The service is provided in addition to organisational occupational health services and is completely independent and confidential. There is no need to complete a referral form and there is no waiting list. To gain support, phone The Wellbeing Line on 0300 421 7500 and speak directly with someone experienced in mental health. To find out more about The Wellbeing Line visit The Wellbeing Line | Selfcare is not selfish.