Supporting colleagues in healthcare, social care and the police

•  NHS Talking Therapies

-  TALKWORKS: A free, confidential service for adults (18+) in Devon (excluding Plymouth). TALKWORKS is here to help you feel better by giving you the tools and techniques to improve your mental and physical wellbeing. Call 0300 555 3344, email dpt.talkworks@nhs.net or fill in the online referral form. 

-  Plymouth Options: Free, confidential service for people (16+) in Plymouth. They offer brief evidenced-based psychological therapies for people experiencing common mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression. Call 01752 435419, email plymouthoptions@nhs.net or fill in the online referral form. 

• Pastoral Care: Chaplains are trained to handle pastoral care issues that arise in a person’s day-to-day life. They provide a listening ear and emotional support to all colleagues regardless of their beliefs. If you are interested in our chaplaincy support, please discuss at an appointment with the Wellbeing Hub. Our Colleague Wellbeing Practitioners can discuss your needs and make a referral on your behalf.

• NHS text support: If you need someone to talk to, the NHS have introduced a confidential text support service. Text FRONTLINE to 85258 for support 24/7. This service is available to all NHS colleagues who have had a tough day, who are feeling worried or overwhelmed, or who have a lot on their mind and need to talk it through.

• NHS self-help website: Tips, guides, tools and activities to support and improve mental health. 

• NHS Every Mind Matters: A website with a Get Your Mind Plan, as well as expert advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.

• Nurse Lifeline: Phone support for nurses during 7pm – 10pm, Monday to Friday. The listening service is set up and run by nurses. Call 0808 801 0455.

• Practitioner Health: A free, confidential NHS mental health treatment service with expertise in treating healthcare professionals. Call on 0300 0303 300 or email prac.health@nhs.net. 

• Silvercloud: An online provider of evidence based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which helps provide people with the tools and strategies to manage their mental health and wellbeing in their own time. If you are interested in Silvercloud, please let your Colleague Wellbeing Practitioner know so they can set you up with free access to a package tailored to your needs. 

• Five ways to wellbeing: Simple but reliable steps towards living well. Use the self-help booklet which has examples and questions to aid reflection on your own life.

• Libraries unlimited: A charity looking after 54 local libraries across Devon. They offer welcoming spaces throughout Devon and Torbay which give everyone access to books and a wealth of digital resources, as well as free computer use and WiFi connection. With hundreds of active groups and a year-round calendar of events, they encourage and support everyone to realise their potential and improve their health and wellbeing.

• Recovery Devon: Mental health recovery and wellbeing support for individuals and organisations across Devon. Recovery Devon have also put together a book titled 'Strengthened by Storms' which features personal stories of recovery from people working in mental health services across Devon. You can view an online version of the book here.

• Devon Recovery Learning Community (DRLC): A Recovery College provided by Devon Partnership NHS Trust that offers a wide range of free, open access opportunities and courses to learn about mental health and recovery.

• Andy’s Man Club: A men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. Find your nearest group.

• Headspace: A science-backed app in mindfulness and mediation, providing unique tools and resources to help reduce stress, build resilience and aid better sleep. They have now extended their free offer and are offering free access to all NHS staff with an NHS email address until 31 March 2025. More information here.

• Unmind: A mental health platform that empowers staff to proactively improve their mental wellbeing. They have now extended their free offer and are offering free access to NHS staff until the 31 December 2024. More information here

• Pete’s Dragons: Suicide bereavement support for people and families of all ages. Call 01395 277 780, visit one of their locations (appointment only) or use the contact form to get in touch.

• Support After Suicide Partnership: A website developed by individuals with experience of suicide and professional bereavement organisations so you can explore practical information and find emotional support if you have been impacted by suicide.

• CRUSE: The UK's leading bereavement charity - helping people with bereavement support, information and campaigning. Local Devon phone number: 0300 330 5466. Helpline number: 0808 808 1677

• StrongMen: Support for men following bereavement. Visit www.strongmen.org.uk or email Hello@StrongMen.org.uk to find out more.

• BACP (private counselling):  Find a counsellor at https://www.bacp.co.uk/search/Therapists. Many counsellors often offer reduced rates or free counselling depending on circumstance however you would need to search for this directly through the BACP website and contact individual counsellors to find out more.

• Relate: Counselling for relationship issues, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health issues, stress, parenting, divorce and separation, loss and endings, sexual addictions and sexual difficulties. For couples or individuals. Relate aim to keep counselling costs as low as possible and some centres are able to offer a reduced rate, however you will need to contact your local relate to find out more. 

• Horizon Counselling Services: Professional talking therapies which include Counselling, CBT, Young person and Relationship therapy. They offer a discount for emergency services personnel and NHS staff. 

• Anxiety UK: National charity run by people with lived experience of anxiety, aiming to support everyone affected by anxiety through information and support.

• Rethink Mental Illness: Provides a range of support, advice and information services relating to mental illness.

• OCD UK: National charity working for children and adults affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Support services available Monday to Friday: call 01332 588112 9am-12pm, or email support@ocduk.org 

• Devon Mind:  A local mental health charity with over 35 years of campaigning and support services. Find local groups, courses and counselling on their website.

• ShinyMind: An evidence-based mental health and wellbeing app, co-created with the NHS. It has over 150+ interactive masterclasses, as well as a range of tools for people to explore, discover, learn and understand themselves better. All Nurses, Midwives, Healthcare Support Workers and Nursing Associates can download the nursing version of the app free.

• Qwell: A free, safe and an anonymous mental health and wellbeing online service for adults across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. Qwell offers a safe online space for adults to access therapeutic activities and content including a peer support community. This includes self-help articles, forums and discussion boards that are moderated by qualified practitioners. No referrals are required and there are no thresholds required to access the service.

• WorkLife Central: An online programme that offers expertise and support to help you balance work with family life. The app is free to NHS colleagues until 31 March 2024.

• Frontline19: Free, independent, confidential and UK based nationwide service delivering psychological support to people working on the frontline. 

• Hub of Hope: A national mental health database, bringing help and support together in one place, with a focus on grassroots organisations.

• You Okay, Doc?: A UK registered charity supporting Doctors' Mental Health. Text YOD to 85258 for free, confidential, 24/7 mental health SMS support from trained mental health support professionals.

• Doctors in Distress: A charity that promotes and protects the mental health of all healthcare workers and prevents suicides in the medical profession. They offer free group-based peer programmes that take place throughout the year. 

• GP Health and Wellbeing: A website with practical tips, projects and resources related to heath and wellbeing across the General Practice landscape.

• One You Plymouth: If you’re looking to make some changes towards living a healthier happier lifestyle, One You are here to help. Call 01752 437177 or email oneyou.plymouth@nhs.net

• Your Health Torbay: A community-focused health service for tackling inequalities and promoting healthy behaviours. It offers a range of services to support Torbay residents, including specialist support for quitting smoking, Tier 2 Adult Weight Management Support, and health coaching for adults. 

• Active Devon: Community- focused, non-profit organisation with a vision of everyone in Devon active for life. Search for activities, events or take part in a challenge. 

• Best-You Health and Wellbeing app: A free app for Devon residents that supports you to change your life and habits for a better you, including: being a healthy weight, eating more healthy food and drink and getting more active. The app is available on the Stop for Life Devon website, as well as in the App store and Google Play. 

• Vista Wellbeing: A Devon-based community interest company offering specialist and tailored activity programmes for those living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or who struggle to access mainstream activities and services.

• StopForLife Devon: If you're looking to stop smoking, StopForLife Devon offers free support. Get started online, call 0800 123 3866 or email Stopforlife.devon@nhs.net

• Drinkaware: Advice, tools and support to help you learn about the impact of alcohol on you, your family or friends.

• Together Devon: Drug and alcohol service offering recovery support. Find out what’s available in your area by calling 0800 233 5444

• Alcohol Change UK: A national charity providing information, tools and resources to check and reduce your drinking 

• Frank: Helpline for anyone concerned about drug or solvent misuse. Advice and information for drug misusers, their families, friends, carers. Helpline: 0300 123 6600 (24Hr). SMS: 82111

• Families Anonymous: Telephone helpline and other support services for families and friends of drug users. Throughout UK there are around 50 groups offering help and support to members via a 12 step programme. Helpline: 020 7498 4680

• DoingOurBit fitness platform for NHS staff: A free online fitness platform offering a wide range of bespoke workouts gifted by carefully selected PTs and fitness instructors.

• Find Football - England Football: Search a variety of football clubs in your local area for all ages and abilities, including walking football. 

• Better Health - NHS: Whether you want to lose weight, get active or quit smoking, Better Health is here to help with lots of free tools and support. 

• NHS Devon ORCHA: A Health App portal developed by clinicians with independent reviews, Browse apps that can help with mental health, healthy living, long-term conditions such as diabetes, and more.

• Macmillan Cancer support line: A free and confidential support line to people living with cancer and their loved ones. Call 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week 8am-8pm. 

• The Lodge Cancer Support and Information Centre: Telephone or face-to-face support available for anyone affected by cancer. You do not need a professional referral and may be having treatment at hospitals other than Torbay. Call 01803 656490, Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm.

• The Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre: Available to anyone affected by cancer, at any stage of the illness. Call 01752 430060.Open Monday to Friday between 9am to 4pm for pre-booked appointments (excluding bank holidays and public holidays). 

• FORCE Cancer Charity: Free support and information to anyone affected by cancer. The FORCE Cancer Support and Information Centre is on the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital’s Wonford site. It’s open Monday to Friday, except Bank Holidays, between 9:30am and 4:30pm.

• HOPE programme: Supporting people with long-term health conditions to build confidence and learn how to manage their condition.

• Menopause: NHS England have put together information on how to support colleagues affected by the menopause. The webpage also has information on how line managers and organisations can support their workforce.
The Cycle of Change: Understanding Menopause, is a short film that empowers women and shares real-life experiences from all stages of the menopause transition.  

• The Nest Southwest CIC: A VCSE organisation in Exeter that provides funded free and low cost support services for women and people who menstruate. They offer social, emotional and informational support around menstruation, pregnancy, birth and menopause by offering regular peer support groups.

• Long COVID: There is a range of support for colleagues affected by Long COVID on the NHS website. Please make an appointment with a Colleague Wellbeing Practitioner in the Hub if you’d like more tailored support around this.

• Devon carers: Provide unpaid carers with the information and advice they need in their caring role. Call 03456 434 435, Monday to Friday: 8am – 6pm; Saturday: 9am – 1pm

• Home-start: Support for parents, enabling families to get back on track. 

- Home-Start Exeter, East & Mid Devon – call 01395 542298 or email office@homestarteemd.org.uk

- Home-Start South and West Devon - call 07307873163 or email homestart.shpt@gmail.com

- Home-Start Torridge & North Devon – call 01237 423229 or complete the online form

• FamilyLine: Here to provide a listening ear, answer those particular parenting questions or help with guidance around more complex issues. They also provide longer term support through regular sessions with befrienders and counsellors. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm. Call: 0808 802 6666, email: familyline@family-action.org.uk, or text: 07537 404 282 – all free. Crisis line: text FAMILYACTION to 85258 for support out of hours.

• Tommy's: A charity offering mental health support and advice during and after pregnancy. Email midwife@tommys.org or call 0800 014 7800 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, for free.

• Men's Health Forum: A charity supporting men's health in England, Wales and Scotland. 

• Yoga for the frontline: A charity delivering accessible, culturally informed, job specific yoga training to front line workers, supporting the health or individuals and their organisations. You can find lots of helpful videos on their YouTube channel.

Please check your local intranet or contact us for more information about workplace support for your specific organisation, such as occupational health and employee assistance programmes (including CiC and Vivup)

• WORKWAYS: If you are in work at the moment and live in Exeter, East or Mid Devon, then WORKWAYS can provide support for both you and your employer. They provide information, guidance and practical support for people whose mental health affects their ability to find or remain in paid employment. Please speak to a Colleague Wellbeing Practitioner in the Hub to be referred.

• Able Futures: Support to people working and living with mental health difficulties, employers and providers of apprenticeships. Able Futures is a nationwide specialist partnership set up to provide Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

• The Guardian Service (For NHS staff): A free and confidential service for NHS staff who have concerns about work, particularly issues that may have the potential to impact on patient care, but also other issues too. This service can help you to speak up openly, confidentially and anonymously. You should be able to access your NHS trust’s guardian service through searching in your intranet. Alternatively you can find your guardian via the National Guardian Website

• Skills for care: Strategic workforce development and planning body for adult social care. They have a useful 'wellbeing resource finder' to help find services that are relevant to the social care sector to support wellbeing in the workplace, as well as investing in your own emotional wellbeing. 

• NHS Elect Coaching: Support for clinicians, executives, managers and other NHS staff. 

• Mindful Employer: Aims to increase awareness of mental health at work and provides accessible information to organisations and supports for staff members who experience stress, anxiety, or depression.

• Mental health charity, Mind, have put together multiple useful documents for line managers to support the mental health of their team members:

- Guide for Line Managers: Wellness Action Plans

- Line Managers Guidance

- Supporting the mental health of NHS staff

• Healthcare Workers' Foundation: A registered charity that covers the physical, mental and day-to-day needs of all healthcare workers. They offer financial aid, counselling, staff room refurbishments and bereaved families support to anyone working in a healthcare setting. Call 0203 576 0374

• Looking after you: Confidential coaching and support for the primary care workforce. Three coaching offers available; Looking after you too, Looking after your team, Looking after your career.

• The Mental Health Foundation have put together a useful 'how to support mental health at work' guide.

• Pete's Dragons offer support for organisations that have been impacted by suicide. They can send a team out to talk to you in groups or as individuals. Get in touch by emailing support@petesdragons.org.uk or visit their contact us webpage.

• Professional Support and Wellbeing (PSW): Support and development to postgraduate learners across NHS England South West to reach their full potential and provide safe patient care. Find our more by emailing PSW.SW@hee.nhs.uk

• Mental Health at Work: Ideas, examples, resources, tips and guides on different aspects of workplace mental health, bringing together the expertise of organisations and publishers all over the UK (curated by Mind).

• Samaritans NHS Employee suicide: Postvention toolkit: This toolkit is designed to help NHS organisations, particularly leaders in human resources, occupational health and health and wellbeing, to develop and implement a process to manage the impact of an employee suicide on colleagues.

• Oscar Kilo - The national police wellbeing service: Access to services, events, research, guidance, resources, and news

• First Response Service: A 24/7 crisis line providing urgent mental health support.

Devon: 0808 196 8708
Plymouth: 0800 923 9323

• Samaritans: Whatever you're going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free or email jo@samartians.org.

• Shout: A free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. Text 85258. 

• Grassroots Stay Alive app: A suicide prevention resource for the UK, packed full of useful information to help you stay safe in crisis. 

• CALM: The Campaign Against Living Miserably, taking a stand against suicide. Call their helpline: 0800 58 58 58, 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, or chat online.

• PAPYRUS: Prevention of young suicide is the UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. Call 0800 068 41 41, text 07860039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

• Crisis cafes: Out-of-hours support for people struggling with their mental health, in a non-clinical setting with a safe, calm and structured environment. There are four Crisis Cafes across Devon – Head Space in Plymouth delivered by Colebrook and The Moorings in Exeter, Barnstaple and Torbay, delivered by Mental Health Matters. 

• Staying Safe: This site provides vital 'safety plan' tools and guidance to help people cope with emotional distress. It also offers ways to help keep people safer from thoughts of harm and suicide, seek support and discover hope of recovery through powerful videos from people with personal experience.

• The Letter of Hope, Letter for Tomorrow and Hope Letter have been written by adults, young people and people with learning disabilities from Devon, who wish to offer help and hope to those who are thinking about suicide. 

Domestic abuse services:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline/Refuge: (24 hour, freephone), 0808 2000 247. Online chat also available Monday – Friday, 3pm – 10pm. 

• Devon Domestic Abuse Service (FearFree): Domestic abuse support for adults and children across Devon. Call 0345 155 1074 or email admin.devon@fearfree.org.uk

• Torbay Domestic Abuse Service: Domestic abuse support for adults and children in Torbay. Call 0800 916 1474

• Plymouth Domestic Abuse Service: Domestic abuse support for adults and children in Plymouth. Call 0800 458 2558

• NDADA (North Devon Against Domestic Abuse): Temporary refuge to women and children experiencing abuse. Email admin@ndada.co.uk or call 01271 370079/ 01271 370080

• SAFE: Trauma therapy services, training and research. Call 03030 300112, email info@safe-services.org.uk or make a referral online. 

• Bright Sky: A free to download mobile app providing support and information for anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

• Karma Nirvana: A charity committed to ending Honour Based Abuse in the UK. UK Helpline: 0800 5999 247

• Men's Advice Line: A helpline for male victims of domestic abuse. Call 0808 8010327, email info@mensadviceline.org.uk or chat online.

• ManKind: Helping men escape domestic abuse. Confidential helpline open Monday-Friday, 10am to 8pm: 01823 334 244 or 0808 800 1170 (freephone)

Sexual abuse and violence services:

• The Survivor Pathway:  An online resource for anyone wanting to know about sexual violence and abuse support services in the South West.

• SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centres): Specialist medical and forensic services for anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. They are designed to be comfortable and multi-functional, providing private space for interviews and forensic examinations, and some may also offer sexual health and counselling services. Their services are free of charge and provided to women, men, young people and children. Devon and Cornwall SARC. Call: 0300 303 4626

• Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Service: Confidential support to survivors of rape, sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse in Devon. Helpine and email support services are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6pm to 9pm. Call 01392 204174, or email support@devonrapecrisis.org.uk

• The Survivors Trust: Support for survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. Free helpline: 08088 010818, open 7 days a week – see opening hours on the website.

• First Light: Support for people affected by sexual violence in Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire. Call 03458 12 12 12 or email info@firstlight.org.uk. You can also make an online referral. 

• NHS England have a webpage with a range of widely-available financial wellbeing support and ideas to help any member of health and care staff make their money go further. 

• MoneyHelper Service: An organisation who work to improve people’s financial wellbeing across the UK. They provide free and impartial money guidance through their support line 0800 448 0826, WhatsApp +44 7701 342 744, and webchat service. They also have a budget planner tool, as well as information on benefits, debt and borrowing.

• Citizens Advice: Citizens Advice believe no one should have to face problems without good quality, independent advice. Find your local citizens advice. 

• Stepchange: A debt charity who provide free, confidential, expert debt advice, money guidance and recommend the best solution or service for your circumstances. Online debt advice service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, or call 0800 138 1111, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm

• NHS discounts and offers: There are lots of NHS discounts available for staff to help you save money, both online and on the high street. Signing-up is simple, all you need is your NHS email address and/or a form of ID.

- NHS Discounts & Healthcare Staff Benefits

- Blue Light Card

- NHS Discount Offers

- Health Staff Discounts

• Support for nurses: 

- Cavell Nurses Trust provide support for UK nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants, both working and retired, when they’re suffering personal or financial hardship often due to illness, disability, older age and domestic abuse. Call 01527 595 999.

- Royal College of Nursing offer hardship grants through their Lamplight Support Service for current or former nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and associates. Potential support available for student nurses too. RCN membership is not necessary. To book an appointment with a Lamplight Support Service advisor RCN Members: ring 0345 772 6100 / Not an RCN Member: ring 0345 772 6200. There are also grants available from the RCN Foundation Benevolent Service. The RCN also offer members exclusive offers on a wide range of financial, insurance and legal services, as well as over 3,000 brand discounts including health and wellbeing, travel and days out. 

- The Queens Nursing Institute (QNI) will consider applications from Registered Nurses in financial need, who work or have worked in the community for a minimum of three years.

• Trussell Trust: Find the contact details and opening hours of food banks in your area using your postcode. You can also get help through their hardship line – financial advice if in a crisis and potential food vouchers over the phone: 0808 2082138

• UNISON: A trade union that provides a debt support service, benefits calculator, online budget planner, access to credit unions, discounts including insurance and holidays, and free legal help on many issues (not just employment). More information, including contact details, are available on the UNISON website.

• National Debtline: Free and independent debt advice over the phone and online. Call 0808 808 4000 or use the online advice tool. 

• GambleAware: A national gambling support network service who provide free, confidential and personalised support for anyone who’s experiencing problems from gambling, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling. Freephone: 0808 8020 133 

• Ara: A registered charity helping people to recover from mental health, drug and alcohol and gambling problems. Phone 0330 1340 286 or email info@recovery4all.co.uk.

• Turn2us: A national charity providing practical help to people who are struggling financially. They have a Benefits Calculator and a Grants Search. Support is also available through their helpline: 0808 802 2000, 9.00 am - 5.00 pm Mondays-Fridays. 

• Shelter: Support for housing problems and homelessness. Emergency helpline 0808 800 4444, open Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm | Weekends and bank holidays, 9am - 5pm. See all of their housing advice online. 

• Christians Against Poverty (CAP): A national orginisation offering help with debt, budgeting or help finding a job. It's a free service and available to people of all faiths and none.

• BMA Charities: Provides financial assistance for medical students, doctors and refugee doctors. Find out if you are eligible for help.

• GoCompare energy cost calculator: Find out how much something costs to run - pick the appliances you want to compare and select how long they'll be in use for.

• Cost of living - Help IN Plymouth: Online hub making it as easy as possible to help find help with rising bills and costs. 

• The Mental Health Foundation have put together a useful 'the cost of living and your mental health' blog with advice and tips to look after your mental, emotional and physical health, as well as your finances and costs.

• The Intercom Trust: A lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans+ charity working across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the wider South West, providing: Help and Support, Advocacy, Counselling, Information, Support Groups, Online Directory and more. Call 0800 612 3010

• Galop: Support for LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence. 

- National LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline: Call 0800 9995428 or email help@galop.org.uk. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm and Wednesday and Thursday 10am-8pm. Their chatbot is available 24/7.

- LGBT+ Hate crime helpline: Call 0207 7042040 or email: HateCrime@galop.org.uk. Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm 

- National Conversion Therapy Helpline:  Call 0800 1303335 or email CThelp@galop.org.uk. Open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm. 

• Bothered: A new mental health support group for men, boys and non-binary people aged 16-25. Sessions run on Tuesday’s between 5-6pm at Gaia coffee shop, Paignton. Contact gaiagiving39@gmail.com for more information. 

• Sunrise Diversity: A grassroots charity promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion in rural communities in Northern Devon. Call 01271 328915 or email admin@sunrisediversity.org.uk.

• Living Options Devon: Working across the South West to ensure that people with disabilities and Deaf People (who use British Sign Language) can live the life they choose. Call 01392 459222, SMS 07856426940, or email info@livingoptions.org. 

• Core Managers: Developing Inclusive Workplaces programme: This programme is designed for heatlh and care managers and supervisors to help them develop core inclusive leadership skills.

• Hidden Lives: A support hub for people with hidden disabilities, chronic illnesses and chronic pain conditions. They offer 1:1 support, support groups and workshops. Email hiddenlivesplymouth@gmail.com or call 07305945643.

• Check your local intranet for more information on staff equality, diversity and inclusion networks