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.
Our Frontline: support for social care workers
If you work in social care, talk with someone who
gets it.
For free, confidential, emotional support:
- Call 0300 303 4434 from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week, for trauma and bereavement support from Just B
- Text FRONTLINE to 85258
- Or call 0800 069 6222 from 7am to 11pm if you’re in England, or 116 123 any time if you’re elsewhere in the UK, to talk to Samaritans
All in confidence with trained volunteers.
Discover resources recommended for social care workers below, or click here to see a longer list of resources..
Resources in this toolkit:
Shout provides a free 24/7 text support service for social care and health staff who are working on the frontlines right now. Text FRONTLINE to 85258 to talk by text with a trained crisis volunteer.
When times are tough, having somebody listen to you without judgement can make a huge difference. Essential services staff who are working on the frontlines, such as social care workers, can call the Samaritans for free to speak in confidence with a trained listening volunteer.
While much of the country stays at home, care workers aren't in the same boat. This page has tips for taking care of your mental health and wellbeing, help with understanding difficult feelings, and ways to find support.
Care workers are recognised by the World Health Organisation as facing particular pressures right now. This article is an easy-to-read summary of their advice on staying well.
The fact is, COVID-19 is causing many people to die before their time. As a care worker, you might feel used to dealing with loss, but it hasn't been like this before. This guide can help make it a little easier to think, and talk, about.
Contacting relatives by phone to communicate the death of a resident during the COVID-19 pandemic
Breaking the news of the death of a resident by telephone, rather than face-to-face, can have an impact on your mental wellbeing. This guide talks you through making such a call in a way that is sensitive, compassionate and protects your wellbeing.
The coronavirus lockdown might be affecting your mental health. This guide suggests ways of staying positive and getting into a healthy routine.
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.
Supporting bereavement
If someone you work with has experienced a bereavement, this guide can help you to provide the support they might need.