Stirling Politicians Praise Launch of New Helpline for Health and Social Care Staff

Published:

Categories: Carers, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Health, NHS, NHS Forth Valley, SNP Scottish Government

Bruce Crawford MSP and Alyn Smith MP

24-hour Mental Health Support welcomed amidst COVID-19 Health Crisis and Recovery

Bruce Crawford MSP and Alyn Smith MP have welcomed the launch of a 24-hour, 7 days a week mental health support service for workers in the health and social care sector.

Launched on 20 July, the wellbeing support hotline will connect trained practitioners with in-need service users, to provide a compassionate listening service and psychological first aid where necessary.

Users can then be directed to resources available through the National Wellbeing Hub, a specialised service for health and social care worker support – or can be directed to local assistance and services.

With 8000 staff members in NHS Forth Valley alone, the new helpline will provide reassurance, guidance and support for some of Stirling’s most frontline personnel amidst the unfolding coronavirus pandemic.

Stirling MSP Bruce Crawford said:

‘The wellbeing of our health and social care workers remains crucial to the health of us all. The welcome addition of this 24/7 telephone hotline will play an important role in ongoing support for staff amidst one of the worst healthcare disasters of this century.

I praise the dedication, hardwork and selflessness of these workers, who day in and day out have put themselves on the frontlines in beating back this dreadful disease. I’m sure I speak for us all in the Stirling community when I say they have our sincere appreciation and gratitude for all they’ve done, and continue to do.’

Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:

‘The NHS reflects our living national values of cooperation, solidarity and caring for our community. The Scottish Government does these values justice by ensuring our health and social care workers have the support they need to get through this pandemic.

Whilst the numbers of new infections and deaths are lowering, and in some circumstances have halted all together, we must remain resolute. We must stick to the health guidance, and never forget the sacrifice and hard-work of the last few months, especially from our health and social care workers, that has made the easing of lockdown possible.’

Notes:

Link to Scottish Government news announcement:

https://www.gov.scot/news/more-mental-health-support-for-health-and-social-care-staff/