App supporting mental health of West Sussex's ambulance staff and volunteers
South East Coast Ambulance Service is the first ambulance service to offer a version tailored specifically to staff and volunteers.
Ambulance staff and volunteers across West Sussex now have access to a wellbeing app which is designed to support their mental health.
Backup Buddy gives staff and volunteers, including Community First Responders, an additional opportunity to get help and advice privately and informally on a range of mental health matters.
A number of police services are already offering the app to staff, but South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SECAmb) is the first ambulance service to offer a new version tailored specifically to its staff and volunteers.
The app, which runs alongside support offered by SECAmb’s Wellbeing Hub, provides 24 hour access to information, advice and tips on how to maintain good mental health, as well as how support can be offered to others.
It also contains several useful contact numbers for help and support.
There is also a stories section on the app where a selection of staff share and talk about their mental health experiences.
SECAmb wellbeing manager, Jade Bennett, said:
"We are pleased to offer this app which we hope will further encourage our staff and volunteers to think about and, and if they wish, speak to others about their mental health.
"This is a great addition to the support available at SECAmb and a subject which should be discussed.
"In these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever that we take care of ourselves and each other."