How we look after each other
We’re all under increased pressure in our day-to-day lives. This means looking after our health and wellbeing has never been more important.
Many people now work from home which can also cause different challenges. These may affect our emotional and mental wellbeing.
It’s essential that we’re able to talk openly and honestly about our wellbeing. This includes talking about our mental health. There’s lots of information and support to help you with this.
Thrive: Mental Wellbeing
Thrive: Mental Wellbeing is an app that provides mental health and wellbeing support.
The app allows you to chat with qualified therapists (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm).
It can also help:
- teach you relaxation techniques like meditation or deep muscle relaxation
- manage negative thoughts
- tackle common stressors like sleep or bereavement
How to download Thrive: Mental Wellbeing
You can download the Thrive: Mental Wellbeing app from the app store on your phone. You can then use the following codes to access the app:
- CARE24E (North & East Regions)
- CARE24W (West Region)
- CARE24H (Headquarters)
Helplines
Helplines are available if you need support. You can get advice through:
- Breathing Space – phone 0800 83 85 87 (open 6pm to 2am, weekdays and 24 hours at the weekend)
- Samaritans – phone 116 123 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year)
- The Spark (relationship counselling) – phone 0808 802 2088 (open 10am to 7pm, Monday to Thursday and 10am to 4pm on Fridays)
- Remploy – phone 0300 456 8114 for support with your mental health at work
Online support
Mental wellbeing support is available online through:
- National Wellbeing Hub – mental wellbeing resources for health and social care workers
- Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) – Scotland’s largest mental health charity
If you find it difficult to switch off after a busy day or shift, you could use the Going Home Checklist. This can be a good way to make sure you leave work behind and switch off from the day’s events.
Financial support
You can get financial support through:
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Citizens Advice (Scotland)
- National Wellbeing Hub
The NHS Credit Union also offers NHS staff and their families a direct savings route. Money is taken directly from your salary to help you save.
It’s quick and easy to join the NHS Credit Union. You’ll also get 24/7 support online and through a mobile app.
Support for carers
If you’re a paid or unpaid carer, you can also access support through:
NHS inform also has information for carers using NHS services.
Exercise advice
Being active can help to improve your mood and wellbeing. This is because it can:
- reduce stress
- lower anxiety
- increase energy levels
Any amount of physical activity is good for you. For example, walking, jogging and cycling are great ways to clear your head and stay active.
There are also some websites that can be useful in helping you to stay active.
Scottish Ballet
The Scottish Ballet have produced a series of online mindfulness videos. These focus on breathing and physical movement to support your health and wellbeing.
The videos are 10 to 20 minutes long and can help you to switch off after work. They are organised into topics, including:
- energise
- rejuvenate
- relaxation
- restore
NHS Fitness Studio
The NHS Fitness Studio has a range of instructor-led exercise videos. This includes workouts on:
- Pilates
- HIIT
- strength
- Yoga
Fitness Blender
Fitness Blender has different workout videos, including Yoga, strength and HIIT. Some of these videos are free and others you’ll have to pay for.
Mind
Mind has information on how to stay active to support your mental health.
- Page published:
- Last updated: 26 June 2024