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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.
Toolkit
Our Frontline: support for emergency services
We know that people in the emergency services community are more likely to face mental health problems, but less likely to seek support. And that’s when things are normal. Right now, as you work to keep the country safe in extraordinary circumstances, it’s a particularly challenging time.
Let us help
Our Frontline offers round-the-clock one-to-one support, along with a collection of resources, tips and ideas chosen to support your mental health as you do your work to protect us all and keep the country going. For ambulance staff in England, call 0300 131 7000 from 7am to 11pm – or, for all other emergency services staff, text BLUELIGHT to 85258 for a text conversation or call 116 123 for a phone conversation at any time.
Whichever option you choose, it’s all in confidence, with a trained volunteer.
Below, you’ll find some more details about the help that’s available, and some other things that we think you’ll find useful. When you can, take a moment and have a look through. We’ll keep it updated as we learn more about what’s helpful to you over the coming weeks and months.
Resources in this toolkit:
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.
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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.
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Resources
10 stress busters
This web page from the NHS outlines ten easy ways for you to reduce the amount of stress you experience. Many of them are quick enough to slot into quiet moments before, during or after a shift.
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Managing stress and anxiety
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.
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Emotional energy
This PDF guide from Unilever explains what emotional energy is, and how it interacts with your wellbeing.
Sadly, we know that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be a risk for emergency services staff and volunteers, so it's worth learning about. This website has a good overview.
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Coronavirus and your wellbeing
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.