The Scottish government has introduced a mental health helpline for healthcare and social care workers to support their mental wellbeing during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
The national helpline, NHS 24, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, gives care workers the opportunity to seek mental health advice from fully-qualified psychological wellbeing practitioners. The practitioners will be on hand to listen, as well as offer advice on mental health issues and sign post any additional services they may need.
NHS 24 will sit alongside the wellbeing hub that the government introduced for staff in May 2020 which gives employees access to self-care and wellbeing content.
Clare Haughey, minister for mental health, said: “I am deeply grateful for the hard work, commitment and professionalism of those working in health and social care services at this time of unprecedented challenge.
“The national wellbeing hub has had over 30,000 online visits since its launch in May and the new helpline will complement that service. Whatever your role and wherever you work, I would encourage you to make use of the many resources on the Hub, including advice on managing stress and anxiety, fatigue, sleep, relaxation and exercise.
“For those who need one-on-one support, the new mental wellbeing support line will be available around the clock to help staff access appropriate additional support.
“We are continuing to monitor the impact of the pandemic on our valued workforce and will do our best to ensure that appropriate support services are put in place to help them.”