Supporting the mental health of frontline charity workers ‘must be a national priority’

The leaders of almost 20 mental health organisations have said supporting the health of frontline workers, including those in the voluntary sector, “must be a national priority”.

In an open letter to people working in health, care and formal and informal education, the chief executives of charities including Mind, Samaritans, Rethink Mental Illness and Young Minds acknowledge the pressures faced by frontline workers in the UK.

“We are grateful for your courage, resilience and humanity in the face of ever-changing circumstances and relentlessly difficult choices,” the letter says.

“We also acknowledge the pressures on your mental and physical wellbeing. Supporting you must be a national priority over the coming months.”

It says that while the leaders of some organisations have prioritised the wellbeing of their staff, “this has not been a universal experience”.

It goes on to say that it is vital that excellent mental health support is available in all organisations, and it wants workers to be aware of the help that is available through a service called Our Frontline, which offers one-to-one support by call or text for all health, care, emergency, education and key workers.

“This is a heartfelt message of recognition and solidarity with you and your families,” the letter says.

“It is important to take the wellbeing of key workers seriously, both now and for a long time to come. We will work tirelessly to ensure your mental health is at the heart of the recovery.”

Our Frontline can be reached between 7am and 11pm on 0800 069 6222 for people in England, or 116 123 from anywhere else in the UK. 

People can also text FRONTLINE to 85258 at any time.