Stories from Our Frontline – Mental Health At Work

Our Frontline never stops. Day and night, staff and volunteers are going out to work to keep us safe and able to go about our lives.

Here, people working on Our Frontline – and those supporting them – share stories and insights about their experiences.

You can also learn more about Our Frontline here, or see what support is available.

What we do is positive - it's caring, it's empathy, it's for the greater good

Paul, an anaesthetic practitioner, talks about the strains and heartbreak of working in an intensive care unit during the pandemic, the experiences he shares with all healthcare workers, and what helps him to cope.

A painting of a doctor in an intensive care unit

Sometimes we are the ones who need some care

'Dr J', a Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, urges colleagues to seek help when they need it.

You help others. Let us be there for you

Brenda Phillips, a volunteer on Samaritans’ dedicated support line for NHS and social care staff, reflects on the challenges frontline workers have faced over the past year since the first COVID-19 lockdown.

Tackling mental health stigma within the NHS now is critical

Stephanie Slater is a junior doctor training to be a GP. Here she shares her experience, and calls for NHS staff and management to recognise how important it is to look after their mental health during the pandemic.

Raising funds for Our Frontline: a grateful patient gives back

After two operations for cancer, Henry felt determined to give back to the frontline staff that were there to support him. On February 20th 2021, he climbed Bredon Hill to raise funds for Shout and Mind, as part of Our Frontline.

A message of solidarity

Leading organisations have come together to highlight the pressure that key workers are under, co-signing this letter to encourage everyone on the frontline to reach out for support with their emotional wellbeing.

My main support through the whole situation this year has been people who are in the same boat as me

Nikki is a firefighter in London. Here, she shares her experience of managing the risks of covid while still carrying out her vital work.

My advice would be to turn to each other

Shaun works for Royal Mail. Here, he shares how important it has been to take time for his own mental health, and the wellbeing of his colleagues.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had a little cry when I’ve felt overwhelmed

Becky from Twinkl introduces offers some advice and support for educators working during this stressful time.

The signs that a colleague may be struggling are as diverse as the people themselves

Abi is the Manager of Freeman Brothers Funeral Directors. They have pulled together as a team to ensure their mental wellbeing is supported.

I’ve seen people having to say goodbye to their loved one, knowing they would die alone

Jane Osborne is Clinical Nurse Specialist at St Clare Hospice. Here she shares her experience of working on the frontline, the ongoing pressure on nurses and how her team have been coping throughout the pandemic.

To see and talk to people face to face was something I never thought I would take for granted

Leading Firefighter Nakita has been working on the frontline throughout the pandemic. She spoke to us about some of the challenges she's faced and what is helping her get through it.

My years as a police officer didn't prepare me for these scenes

Jane, an officer in the Metropolitan Police, describes her experience as part of a Pandemic Multi-Agency Response Team.

We should be proud of what we are doing - we will be part of history

Syed Asim Shah, 37, is a Shift Station Supervisor at London Bridge. He shared his experience of working on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic.

It's not like anything we've ever experienced

Denise Birkett shares her experiences as a Ward Sister on a respiratory ward affected by coronavirus, and as a Samaritans volunteer.

You matter - not just as a frontline worker, but as a person

Dr. Radha shares a message of support for all frontline workers during the pandemic: your feelings matter, and you aren't alone.

Breaking the stigma around mental health in teaching

Bethan, a teacher, shares her experience of working in a profession that still struggles with discussing mental health.

Life on the frontline in a care home during the pandemic

Colette, a care worker for Care UK, shares her experience of the pressures she has faced working in a care home in this difficult time.

Helping teachers support their mental health during the COVID-19 crisis

Leon Smith, Twinkl’s Chief Customer Officer, explains the unique challenges faced by teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Everyone deserves to refuel before they can give

Many of us have a frontline worker in our lives. Here, a mental health clinician at Shout shares tips on how to support them to take care of themselves.

As a Samaritans listening volunteer, I'm lucky

Anne, a Samaritans volunteer since August 2018, shares her experiences as a volunteer during the coronavirus crisis.

Working and volunteering during the pandemic

Anne, a GP and Samaritans volunteer, tells us a bit about what life has been like supporting vulnerable people at this time.