Posted on: 8 October 2021
West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership has added a self-referral option to the range of support offered by its Staff Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub, making it easier for people who work in health, social care services and the voluntary community social enterprise sector (VCSE) to get the help they need as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.
Staffed by a dedicated professional team, the hub is a confidential, free of charge service funded by NHS England / Improvement that builds on existing wellbeing support that is available in hospital Trusts, councils and the many voluntary services organisations that make up WY&H HCP. The Hub provides intensive, individual treatment as well as self-help resources that people can use to cope with feelings of bereavement, burnout, stress and trauma.
Professor Brendan Brown, CEO for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and CEO Lead for WY&H HCP Workforce Programme said:
“As the pandemic stretches on and winter approaches, uncertainty caused by changes to routine and the working environment, together with prolonged periods of stress continue to put extraordinary strain on our people. We know that people who work and volunteer in health and social care are often reluctant to seek help for themselves, seeing themselves as care-givers not care-takers, so we are keen to make it as easy as possible for people to get the best advice and treatment whatever their role.
“The self-referral option is online so that people can fill in the simple form at a time that suits them best, and our helpline is open every day for immediate access to trained listeners by phone or online chat. Our team of psychologists is standing by to deliver personalised, confidential treatment to any colleague who needs it.”
Dr Sara Munro, CEO for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and CEO Lead for WY&H HCP Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Programme said:
“Staff mental health and wellbeing is a top priority across our Partnership with many leaders highlighting concerns about stress and burnout over the past 18 months. This Hub provides extra support for people who have been under sustained pressure from day one of this pandemic, helping them to recover and continue in the careers that they love.
“We are proud to say that this service is open to every one of the 100 000 people who work in health and social care and the VCSE in West Yorkshire and Harrogate, free of charge, every day.”