Mental health support
Working in the NHS can be incredibly rewarding however it can also be challenging. The operational pressures, exposure to high-stress situations and potentially traumatic experiences mean that colleagues must give time to their mental health and wellbeing.
Who to talk to?
Mental Health Crisis Access Line (for all)
If you, a colleague, friend or family member are in acute distress and require immediate mental health support you can contact the Mental Health Crisis Access Line (provided by Turning Point in Partnership with Nottinghamshire).
Call 0808 196 3779 for free, confidential support, available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Alternatively, call NHS 111 and choose option 2.
Support for colleagues
Colleagues can talk to VIVUP about any worries they have whether home or work-related, or both.
A free telephone helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year - call 0330 380 0658.
Clinical Psychology Service
Where colleagues feel that the support they require is greater than that provided, they should discuss access to the Clinical Psychology Service for colleagues.
Our Clinical Psychologist can see colleagues who are experiencing emotional distress or mental health difficulties related to their work, such as anxiety, depression, or traumatic experiences due to events that have happened at work.
For more information and referral criteria see the Clinical Psychology webpage.
Counselling
Free counselling for colleagues
Counselling is free for colleagues and this is accessed by initially calling VIVUP 0330 380 0658 where the options will be discussed including the option to see a counsellor in person on-site.
Free counselling for all (including family, friends, the public and patients)
If you live in England and are aged 18 or over, you can access NHS talking therapy services for anxiety and depression.
NHS talking therapies services offer:
- talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, other therapies, and guided self-help,
- help for common mental health problems, like anxiety and depression.
You can refer yourself directly without a referral or your GP can refer you.
Find an NHS talking therapies services - NHS.
Free resources
Unmind App
Unmind is a mental health platform that empowers staff to proactively improve their mental wellbeing.
Using scientifically backed assessments, tools and training you can measure and manage your personal mental health needs, including digital programmes designed to help with stress, sleep, coping, connection, fulfilment and nutrition.
They have now extended their offer and are offering free access to NHS staff until the 31 December 2025.
How NHS staff can get access
- Download the Unmind app from your app store.
- Sign up with your NHS email address and create an Unmind account.
Your organisation name is ‘NHS’ – if you do not see your NHS email domain please contact support@unmind.com and include your email domain.
