Working in the emergency services has always been a challenging job, but the coronavirus pandemic has made it even harder for you. We know that many of you have faced additional challenges to your mental health as a result.
We're currently developing new support and information for staff, volunteers and employers in the emergency services to help you and your colleagues to cope during the pandemic and beyond. Below you can find out about our support available right now, a range of resources and more information about the programme.
If you're struggling, you're not alone. We have round–the–clock support for emergency responders on Our Frontline to help you and your colleagues manage your mental health during the pandemic.
You can also call, email or text our Blue Light Infoline for more support. Our advisors are trained in supporting emergency services staff, volunteers and their families.
As part of the latest programme, we will be working with The Ambulance Staff Charity, Police Care UK and The Fire Fighters Charity to ensure emergency responders have access to support.
Image credit: Metropolitan Police
Image credit: London Ambulance Service
We have a range of specialised information and advice to help you to manage your mental health at work. These resources are for anyone in the emergency services and are available below.
As part of the programme we will be producing new specialised information resources to help you cope during the pandemic. The first resource will be available here from April 2021.
You can play a crucial role in challenging stigma and ensuring your colleagues are supported with their mental health and wellbeing.
Image credit: West Midlands Police
Help keep your staff and volunteers well by giving them the mental health and wellbeing support that they need, with our resources, the support of local Minds and the support of our partners.
Staff, volunteers and employers from across the emergency services have shared their experiences, tips and advice about looking after your mental health at work.
Over the coming months we'll also be sharing more lived experience stories to support you in managing your mental health during the pandemic.
Image credit: London Ambulance Service
Our training courses are developed to meet the specific needs of the emergency services workforce. They help you to manage your own and others' wellbeing at work, build resilience, and support colleagues after traumatic incidents.
Our existing courses are currently paused due to the pandemic. In response, we're currently developing new training and will have an update during the Spring. Find out more about our previous training below.
Image credit: London Fire Brigade
Much like our emergency services teams, our emergency department (ED) staff save lives every day, facing traumatic situations regularly - their mental health matters.
Our 'Taking Care Of You' campaign was aimed at ED staff. You can read our key messages, recommendations and access some tools and tips here.
Our research partner, Revealing Reality, conducted an initial scoping exercise to better understand the specific pressures or problems that cause poor mental health in the ED and what kinds of intervention would (or wouldn't) work – you can read their findings here.
We also asked them to conduct an evaluation of our campaign – read Revealing Reality's full report here.
Our Blue Light Programme is here to support the mental health of emergency responders in England and Wales in response to the pandemic.
From 2015 to 2019, thousands of people who dedicate their lives to saving others received information, resources, training, or accessed support through the Blue Light Programme and our network of local Minds.