New mental health wellbeing hub for health and care workers goes live

New mental health wellbeing hub launches across West Yorkshire and Harrogate

West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership (WY&H HCP) has opened its staff mental health and wellbeing hub, supporting people who work in health, social care services and the voluntary community social enterprise sector (VCSE) as they deal with the impact of COVID-19.

Staffed by a dedicated professional team, the hub is a confidential, free of charge service funded by NHS England / Improvement that builds on existing wellbeing support that is available in hospital Trusts, councils and the many voluntary services organisations that make up WY&H HCP. The hub will provide a range of services, from intensive, individual treatment to resources that can support people to help themselves cope with feelings of bereavement, burnout, stress and trauma.

Staff can access the new hub online at https://workforce.wyhpartnership.co.uk/ or by phoning the dedicated Freephone number 0808 1963833.

Professor Brendan Brown, CEO for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and CEO Lead for WY&H HCP Workforce Programme said:

“As the pandemic stretches on, global and personal uncertainty caused by changes to routine and the working environment, together with prolonged periods of stress are putting extraordinary strain on our people. We know that people who work in health and social care are often reluctant to seek help for themselves, seeing themselves as care-givers not care-takers, so we are keen to make it as easy as possible for people to get the best advice and treatment whatever their role.

“Our helpline is open every day for immediate access to trained counsellors and our team of psychologists is standing by to deliver personalised, confidential treatment to any colleague who needs it.”

Dr Sara Munro, CEO for Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and CEO Lead for WY&H HCP Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Autism Programme said:

“Staff mental health and wellbeing is a top priority across our Partnership with many leaders highlighting concerns about stress and burnout over the past year. This hub provides extra support for people who have been under sustained pressure from day one of this pandemic, helping them to recover and continue in the careers that they love.

“We are proud to say that this service is open to every one of the more than 100 000 people who work in health and social care and the VCSE in West Yorkshire and Harrogate, free of charge, every day.”