Our Frontline: support for emergency services

Shout provides a free 24/7 text support service for emergency services staff and first responders. Text BLUELIGHT to 85258 to talk by text with a trained crisis volunteer.

Ambulance staff in England can call Samaritans' dedicated confidential support line for the NHS, 7am–11pm every day of the week. This page shows you how to access it.

For all other emergency services staff working on the frontlines, Samaritans are there to listen - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call free on 116 123 to speak in confidence with a trained listening volunteer.

You can also talk to trained staff and counsellors who are experts in bereavement, grief and trauma, provided by Hospice UK and Just B for health, care and emergency workers during the pandemic. Call 0300 303 4434 free and in confidence, 8am to 8pm 7 days a week.

This web page lists the practical, emotional, and financial support that police officers, staff, volunteers and their families might need to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

Even during the COVID-19 crisis, ambulance staff must deal with traumatic situations every day. The Ambulance Staff Charity have collated a number of resources to support your mental health during this time.

These four guides are specifically tailored for the ambulance service, fire and rescue, the police, and search and rescue. They don't take long to read and can help you manage feelings of anxiety and stress.

In the emergency services, the possibility of dealing with death and bereavement is always there. The fact is, those issues have come to the forefront - and working with that can take its toll. This guide can help make it a little easier to think, and talk, about.

It isn't only about work, though - you might have other worries and issues during the pandemic. This short guide explores some of the mental health difficulties you might experience, and some ways to stay well.