Service launched to help health and care staff in Norfolk and Suffolk deal with pandemic pressures

The new service will provide rapid access to mental health support in the area

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 27th Jan 2021
Last updated 27th Jan 2021

Health and care staff across Norfolk and Suffolk are being offered better access to mental health support from local specialists.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Covid-19 support service, run in partnership by Suffolk Mind and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT), has been launched to help staff cope with the pressures of working through the pandemic.

Specially trained call handlers from Suffolk Mind will offer emotional support, signposting and referrals into a dedicated clinical support team within NSFT if needed.

Chief Executive of the Trust, Jonathan Warren, said: "Every one of us in the health and care system has been affected by the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this incredibly difficult time, our health and care staff continue to provide the highest standards of care to the people in our communities, and it's vital that we look after them while they care for others.

"This funding from NHS England provides us with an opportunity to enhance the existing national and local support on offer to these staff, improve the resilience of teams, and crucially help to keep our staff well and able to continue their fantastic work across the health and care system."

Tony Wooderson, from Suffolk Mind, added: "We are so pleased to be offering this service to the amazing professionals who are doing such a vital job on the frontline. We want to ensure they are receiving the support they need during this incredibly challenging time.

"We are here to be a listening ear, offer emotional support and signpost wherever necessary."

Health and care staff can call the confidential service on 0300 123 1335 Monday to Friday 09.30 - 16.30.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.