Staff Wellbeing
Looking after ourselves as we look after our patients.
Staff Wellbeing
It has never been more important for all our NHS staff to have time and the resources to look after their own health and wellbeing.
Wellbeing is a personal thing. Different things work for different people. We hope the options below will be of use to you.
Looking After our Team
The unprecedented impact of Covid 19 and mounting general pressures of working in the NHS, have had, and continue to have an effect on everyone working across all roles in the NHS.
How often do you stop to consider your own health and wellbeing? Chances are not very often.
Leading the busy lives we all lead; juggling work and family life and dealing with financial issues, especially with the current fuel crisis. All these pressures add up and can impact on both our physical and mental health
We value everyone working both practice roles and our extended ARR team too.
With that in mind – we have put together a range of links and free resources/guides – covering topics such as stress, anxiety and depression, family issues, finances and more, which may be helpful for everyone.
These links and guides are there for everyone to use and we will continue to add to the list – so if there’s anything you have used and would like to add to the list please feel free to contact either Rob Henderson or Kathryn McHarg.
HealthHero Assist
The North East & North Cumbria Regional LMC-funded Employee Assistance Programme – HealthHero Assist- is available to all GP practice staff.
All staff employed within general practice (including locums) across Newcastle & North Tyneside are eligible.
Click the button or call 0800 970 9040.
North East and North Cumbria Staff Wellbeing Hub
The Wellbeing Hub is open to anyone who works in health or social care in the North-East or North Cumbria. Our service is free, easy to access and offers confidential support for any member of staff who needs it.
The support might be needed for challenges at work, at home or both. Visit the website or call 0191 223 2030.
Practitioner Health
Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating health & care professionals.
The service can help with a range of mental health conditions and addictions in primary care settings.
BMA
Supporting you. Uniting the Profession.
The BMA’s counselling service is open 24/7 to all doctors and medical students. It’s confidential and free of charge. In addition to the 24/7 counselling line, BMA members can also access a free structured course of therapy with a counsellor.
Physical Health and Wellbeing
The benefits of exercise and being active are well documented – and it is proven that taking part in regular exercise can reduce the risk of major illnesses. It also has a huge positive impact on mental health too.
Click the links to find out more.
Physical Health and wellbeing
A list of general links to organisation and initiatives to support your physical health and wellbeing.
Local Sport and Exercise
Jesmond Pool offers NHS staff corporate membership – at £27 a month to include gym, swim, sauna and steam room – 50% off classes and 10% off massage.
uSactive – supporting young people aged 12-25yrs with or at risk of developing mental health difficulties, helping them to become physically active and transform their lives
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We all need good mental health and wellbeing – it’s essential to living happy and healthy lives, and can help us sleep better, feel better, do the things we want to do and have more positive relationships. It can also help us deal with difficult situations both now and in the future.
Being Mindful
Mindfulness is about living more in the present moment, appreciating the here and now, and not dwelling too much on the past or future. While we have some control over the present, we cannot go back and change things that have already happened. We also have less control over future events than we might think.
This means we can spend a lot of energy worrying when it could be more beneficial to focus on and enjoy what is happening right now. Mindful living means paying attention to the present, appreciating what is happening and enjoying the simple things in life.
This can help us to feel calmer, reduce stress or anxiety, sleep better and might help us cope better with difficult situations.
Mindful Therapies
A not for profit organisation, based in Newcastle, work with individuals, groups and businesses – providing a range of courses, workshops and drop-in meditation classes. They also offer counselling and coaching.
Self-Help Leaflets:
There is a good range of interactive self-help leaflets available.
Other Useful Links
Everyturn Mental Health (formerly Mental Health Concern) – provide a wide range of national services on behalf of the NHS and local authorities including talking therapies, crisis support, dementia care, supported housing, nursing care and community wellbeing support. You can self-refer to this service.
Anxious Minds – Anxious Minds’ mission is to improve the mental well-being of the people in the North East.
Street Wise – aims to provide a free, confidential, non-judgmental information, advice and support service, that inspires and empowers young people (aged 13-25). The service is free with no need for an appointment.
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind – mental health support and counselling, including a range of services across Newcastle and Gateshead.
Financial Health and Wellbeing
Money worries can have a real impact on our health and wellbeing. Below is a link where you can explore a range of ideas to help support financial wellbeing.
NHS telephone support line
Provided by MoneyHelper Service for free and impartial money guidance.
Monday – Friday, 8 am – 6 pm.
Other Money Help Resources
More free resources, including budget planners, debt and borrowing, and benefits.
Preventative Health and Wellbeing
The most common causes of employee ill-health and work absence include stress, anxiety, depression (see Mental Health and Wellbeing section) and musculoskeletal disorders.
Bereavement, trauma – including dealing with suicide, bullying and harassment are also key factors.
Tyneside Musculoskeletal Service (TIMS)
TIMS is a joint Newcastle and Gateshead service which offers self-care advice and fast access to expert opinion, diagnosis and treatment of a variety of muscle, joint and soft tissue conditions and persistent pain.
You can self-refer to this service
Bereavement, and Crisis
Cruse offers bereavement counselling for adults, children and families across Newcastle and Gateshead. Call 0808 808 1677 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Samaritans – emotional support for anyone in distress – 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Call 116123 or Email [email protected].
Newcastle or Gateshead Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Service is available 24 hours a day every day for people with severe mental health crises or suicidal thinking.
Tel: 0191 814 8899. Or Free phone 0800 652 2863. There is also a text number for people who are deaf and or have communication difficulties – 07919 228548
Creative Links
Having time out or doing something creative, such as art, listening to or making music and or spending time in nature can be really helpful to both our mental and physical wellbeing.
Locally we have some incredible resources to tap into.
Recoco – offers a range of drop ins from creative writing to computer/geek club, collage club and music therapy check the website for regular updates.
Chilli Studios – provide an innovative range of creative based activities with the aim of improving the quality of life, health and social integration of its members.
The Vault – A creative wellbeing centre offering activities, groups and energy healing sessions, as well as counselling.
