Staff Wellbeing

The wellbeing of staff is really important to us at Salisbury. We are providing a range of different ways to support our staff, from psychological support to ward buddies to restock staff rooms with refreshments.  ArtCare have created a leaflet to guide you through the wellbeing support available at the trust.

How do I look after my mental wellbeing?

Many of us will be feeling stressed and anxious at the minute. Stress is normal in such a situation and feeling this way is by no means a reflection that you are not doing a great job or that you’re failing. Remember you have your team around you for support!

There are lots of recommended free Wellbeing Apps, tips and advice available for you to access directly. In addition to the information contained on the SFT Staff Wellbeing page you can also find out more on: https://people.nhs.uk/help/

The following activities may also be of benefit:

• Limit checking in with news/social media to once or twice a day. Constant updates can contribute to stress and anxiety
• Take a break away from the clinical/work area – decompress, stop and take some deep breaths. If you can go outside and get some fresh air, it will help with your mood
• Eat as healthily as you can and keep hydrated. Try to avoid unhelpful coping strategies such as excessive caffeine, alcohol and nicotine
• Keep communicating with family, friends and colleagues. Talk over difficult situations and consider formal debriefs later, especially if you feel worried or upset. We can all support each other!
• Prioritise sleep – It’s important to keep you healthy and performing well at work. Anxiety can make it harder to sleep – try not to worry if this is the case. There are a number of free meditation apps that can help with this.
• Exercise is good for physical and mental health. It’s one of the best ways to reduce stress – even a few minutes of activity can help
• Continue to make time to do the things you enjoy outside of work. These can be a welcome distraction and a great way to reduce stress

Staff are also encouraged to use the free NHS FRONTLINE phone line on 03000 – 131 - 7000 to speak to volunteers who will listen and give psychological support to those in need. The phone line is open between 7am and 11pm every day, while the text service TESXT 85258 is available 24/7.

The Trust in the process of creating an internal directory of contact details of a range of SFT staff who will be available to listen to those who need a confidential opportunity to just talk about their worries.

Wellbeing helpline
NHS England and Improvement has launched a mental health hotline as part of a package of measures to support staff during the COVID-19 crisis. Staff can call or text a free number staffed by thousands of specially trained volunteers, to receive support and advice for the pressures you face.

The phone line is open between 7am and 11pm every day, while the text service will be 24/7.

The volunteers will listen and give psychological support to those in need.

Anyone who requires further help will be signposted to other services ranging from practical and financial assistance through to specialist bereavement and psychological support.

Who can I speak to if I am worried?

There are lots of recommended free Wellbeing Apps, tips and advice available for you to access directly. In addition to the information contained on the SFT Staff Wellbeing pages on our website you can also find out more on: https://people.nhs.uk/help/

Given the unpredictable nature of this crisis we have a duty to look after and support each other. Discussing concerns with your colleagues is likely to be a big help. So if you want to share ideas on how you are supporting each other contact the Communications Team via email on sft.covid@nhs.net and we can celebrate and share your idea across the Trust

If you are worried staff can also use the free NHS FRONTLINE phone line on 03000 – 131 - 7000 to speak to volunteers who will listen and give psychological support to those in need. The phone line is open between 7am and 11pm every day, while the text service is available 24/7. TEXT 85258.                                                                                                                           

We recognise that whilst there are lots of tools and resources on-line, or via helplines people also value human connections too.

There is a range of visible, available and supportive people in the Trust to help you during the COVID pandemic.  These people work across the Trust and information of who they are and how to access them can be found here.