Phoneline of positive messages flooded with calls from NHS workers

In the last seven days almost 100 NHS workers have called a dedicated phoneline every hour, to hear positive messages that have been left for them.

Hopeline19 was set up in September, but more people from the health service have called in the last week than in the whole of the last four months.

Claire Goodwin-Fee is the CEO and founder of Frontline19, the free London counselling service for frontline staff, which created this service.

"We often hear that people feel very isolated and alone with some of the very traumatic and difficult experiences that they have and so it was a small way to offer some hope, positivity and some support to people so they know that there are still people here who believe and support them in what they are doing."

"Somebody made the comment that they were having a very very bad shift at work and were crying in the toilet and then actually decided to phone and said it gave them a boost to know that there were strangers out there who were actively cheerleading and supporting them."

"All of the messages have to be screened before they are put on the phoneline and we have hundreds of calls waiting to be processed and as I look at the figures they go up and up."

"I think the key message that comes across very strongly is that people are incredible supportive of the workers in the NHS and it's just a lovely thing to experience."

In the messages that have been recorded so far, members of the public have praised the dedication, expertise, compassion, kindness and patience of those working in the NHS.

"You are quite extraordinary "

"The care that you gave really helped in my Mothers passing, thank you so much. "

"It's been the worst 18 months or so for all of us, but for you so much worse, I can't even begin to say thank you enough."

"You're amazing, we love you so much. "

"You are unique, you are special."

"No matter what your role in the NHS you have played a massive part."

"You've kept the world going and I can't imagine what you've been through."

"You are loved and appreciated."

The number to call Hopeline19 0808 19 665 19, press option one to record a message and option two to listen.

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