News

Personalised Helpline For Filipino NHS Staff Launched

A new, dedicated NHS bereavement and trauma telephone support line for Filipino staff impacted by the coronavirus pandemic launched today, run by qualified and trained Tagalog speakers.

The new care line follows wide engagement on support needs with Filipino colleagues across the NHS.

The confidential, free to access line is available seven days a week between 7am and 11pm, along with a 24 hour text hotline.

It comes as part of an additional package of measures to support the NHS’ 1.4 million staff as they help people deal with impact of coronavirus.

Tagalog-speaking specialist counsellors and support workers will be on hand to support staff who have experienced bereavement, or who need to discuss anxiety or emotional issues experienced as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

No referral is necessary and call handlers will listen to Filipino staff and give psychological support to those in need. The helpline is supported by charity Hospice UK.

Professor Em Wilkinson-Brice, NHS Deputy Chief People Officer said:

“The NHS is pleased to back this support helpline for Filipino staff working across the NHS which has been developed after active listening, consultation and engagement.
“It is just one of a number of health and wellbeing care offers that are part of a current package of mental health and long term crisis support offers, several of which have been accessed by staff across the NHS thousands of times.”

The NHS has also partnered with Headspace, UnMind and Big Health to offer a suite of apps for no charge to assist staff with their mental health.
The apps offer support in everything from guided meditation, tools to battle anxiety and help with sleep problems

How to access support:
Helpline: 0300 303 1115, open 7am-11pm
Text: Frontline 85258 (24hr)

Additional Support across the NHS:
#OurNHSPeople Wellbeing Support

  • A range of support offers are in place for NHS staff, both in local teams and organisations, and nationally through telephone and text support lines with access to bereavement support, wellbeing apps, welfare advice and virtual staff common rooms
  • A free wellbeing support helpline 0300 131 7000, available from 7.00 am – 11.00 pm seven days a week, providing emotional support from trained volunteers and onward signposting to specialist financial advice, bereavement care and coaching
  • Online peer to peer, team and personal resilience support, including through Silver Cloud, and free mindfulness apps including Unmind, Headspace, Sleepio and Daylight
  • This package of long term support is based on world class research, working with key national partners including Samaritans, Hospice UK, Citizens Advice, Silver Cloud, NHS Practitioner Health, Sandhurst Military Academy and NHS Leadership Academy.