This page has details about where you can get information, advice and support to help you with your mental wellbeing.  

Member Support Services

As an RCN member, you can get free, confidential advice, representation and support on a range of issues that affect you at home and at work.

If you need further professional support contact the RCN Counselling service. We are operating as normal to support our members during this time.

Are you suffering with possible symptoms of trauma?

The RCN Counselling Service is offering trauma-focused therapy to RCN members.

If you have experienced a traumatic incident or event, and would like to discuss whether the Counselling Service could help you, please see our online advice page on Trauma.

Free helplines and listening services

For a range of helpines and listening services, both national and UK country specific, expand the title below:

Samaritans (UK wide)

The Samaritans is a UK wide helpline for anybody struggling with their mental health. If you prefer to communicate via message, you can text SHOUT on 85258. Both these services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

List of UK wide helplines

For a list of helplines and listening services, including the National Suicide Prevention Helpline, see Mental Health charity Mind’s website page for Helplines and listening services.

Switchboard LGBT+

Switchboard LGBT+ provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through Instant Messaging. All their volunteers identity as LGBTQ+ and they're available 10am - 10pm, everyday.

Scotland

If you’re in Scotland you can contact Breathing Space. Interpreters are available if English is not your first language. The service is open 6pm to 2am on weekdays, and 6pm to 6am on weekends.

Lifelines Scotland have details of further support services.

Wales

If you’re in Wales you can contact:

• the C.A.L.L helpline. See callhelpline.org.uk to find out how to speak to someone via phone or via text. (Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.)
• Canopi, a free and confidential mental health support service for social and health care staff in Wales.(Please note that it is not an emergency helpline)

Northern Ireland

If you’re in Northern Ireland you can contact the Lifeline freephone helpline. (Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.)

Channel Islands

See Jersey (gov.je: Mental Health Network), Guernsey (gov.gg) or Alderney (Island Medical centre).

Country-specific resources

• England: See NHS England: Supporting our NHS people for resources, tools, wellbeing provisions and wellbeing apps.
• Northern Ireland: Public Health Agency: Staff health and wellbeing  offer resources and psychology helplines for staff within Trust, local GP practices, and Independent Care Providers.
• Scotland: The National wellbeing hub is for everyone working in health, social care, or social work in Scotland.
• Wales: Health for Health Professionals Wales is a free, confidential service now available to all Health Professionals and Healthcare Students working in NHS Wales.

Wellbeing services and apps

• Frontline 19 offers free online mental health and emotional wellbeing services to support frontline workers. 
• NHS staff have been given free access to wellbeing apps such as Sleepio (to help improve sleep) and Unmind (to improve mental wellbeing). Non NHS healthcare workers should also be able to sign up too, as you don't need a NHS e-mail to register. To find out more see the NHS Employers website.
• The My Possible Self mental health app has been made free to all during the COVID-19 emergency. Use the simple learning modules to manage fear, anxiety and stress, tackle unhelpful thinking, record your experiences and track symptoms to better understand your mental health.
• You can also browse NHS wellbeing apps, the majority of which are free and available to everyone.  

Dealing with death at work

Whether you are experiencing death for the first time as a student, or have experienced it many times over your career, it is never easy to process. During the COVID-19 outbreak, healthcare professionals may be exposed to multiple deaths, and the psychological impact of this must not be underestimated. 

For bereavement information and support contact Cruse Bereavement Care. The helpline (0808 808 1677) is completely free from all UK landlines and mobiles.

As an RCN member, you can also access telephone counselling from the RCN Counselling Service for support with a bereavement. 

Wellness Society: Anxiety workbook

Originally developed to support healthcare workers during the pandemic, the Coronavirus anxiety workbook is a self-help tool from the Wellness Society to help you manage anxiety and build resilience.

It contains productivity techniques, wellness planning tips, distraction ideas, self help activities and worksheets, and more.

RCN wellbeing resources and campaigns 

• Time and Space mindfulness videos have been developed for nursing staff, each one covering a different stage of the day, and providing you with different practical techniques to use. There is also a "team support and defusing" video for nurse managers or nurses in charge.
• This Member Support Services leaflet provides information on how the RCN's Member Support Services team (MSS) can support members with their careers, emotional wellbeing, immigration, welfare, finances, and about the peer support service.
• The Rest, Rehydrate, Refuel campaign offers resources, advice and posters for members, managers, and safety reps about the importance of breaks, good hydration, and access to nutritional food. 
• This Self-care during COVID-19 poster resource outlines some important steps staff can take to look after themselves.
• The Nursing Standard Wellbeing Centre has a number of free-to-access mental health and wellbeing resources, such as the Nursing Standard podcast and a list of strategies to avoid feeling overwhelmed by pressure at work. Users will need to sign up for a free account to access some resources.