How we can help you

This page serves to outline the counselling support that is available to #TeamGateshead colleagues, whether from our dedicated counselling team within our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team or our partners.

It should be noted that counselling services are not designed as an emergency support service. Our team and partners can provide confidential support, signposting and therapies, but this can often be subject to a waiting list. Below, we share more detail about our own offer as well as that of our partners, helping ensure that you can access support that is timely, free and confidential.

Those who are in crisis or who require more urgent support are asked to scroll further down to the ‘In case of emergency’ header, which outlines some of the services that are there to provide more immediate and suitable support.

Counselling through Occupational Health

All #TeamGateshead colleagues can refer themselves to our Counselling service by completing the form which can be downloaded through the button below.

Our counselling service sits within our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team, and can be contacted Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) between the hours of 9:00am – 5:00pm. The team will always endeavour to get back to you as quickly as is possible and can be reached through the following details:

• Tel: 0191 445 5494
• E-mail: ghnt.occupational.health@nhs.net

In instances of self-referrals, the team will aim to provide a response to you within one working day. Where preferred, colleagues can also ask their manager to make a referral on their behalf.

On receipt of referrals, we work to triage them to ensure colleagues receive the most suitable, effective and timely support possible. This may include directing you to a partner organisation – you can find out more about these below. Please note that waiting lists tend to be between 6-8 weeks.

Talking therapies are suitable for anyone who is going through a tough time or who has emotional problems that they need help with. Sessions provide you with the opportunity to talk about what is bothering you, look at your problems in a different way and an expert who will respect you.

Counselling can be helpful in many scenarios, but particularly for those who experience depression, anxiety, eating disorders, phobias and addiction. These services may also be useful after traumatic events such as bereavement or personal issues. For emergencies – those looking for more urgent support, please scroll to the ‘In case of emergency’ heading.

Confidential 1:1 support from the NENC ICS Staff Wellbeing Hub

Colleagues who would prefer to access confidential support may wish to instead access the support offered by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System’s (NENC ICS) Staff Wellbeing Hub.

As well as a confidential helpline, accessible on 0191 223 2030, colleagues can complete their dedicated online referral form to request support. Referrals can also be made on behalf of a colleague where agreed. Please note that referrals to the NENC ICS Staff Wellbeing Hub are only picked up Monday – Friday (excluding any bank holidays), between 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Those in need of immediate support are advised to contact a GP or local crisis service.

Gateshead Talking Therapies

Gateshead Talking Therapies support people to overcome their problems when they feel anxious, depressed or stressed, and are a free and confidential service for anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Gateshead.

We regularly welcome Gateshead Talking Therapies to promote their services on-site at Gateshead Health, where their colleagues promote information, courses, therapy groups and one-to-one therapy.

To access their support, click here. You will need to complete a self-assessment form prior to contacting Gateshead Talking Therapies, which can be accessed via the button below.

In case of emergency

In the event of a crisis, it is advisable to contact your GP,visit your local Accident & Emergency Department or contact your local crisis team. Visit the NHS website to find the contact details of your local crisis team.

If you’re in crisis and need to talk to someone urgently, a number of free and anonymous 24/7 helplines can be help you. All helplines listed below are manned by trained staff who are dedicated to helping you through difficult times and experiences.

• Reach out to Samaritans on 116 123; or
• Start a conversation by texting SHOUT to 85258
• Lean on the National Suicide Prevention Service for a supportive listening conversation on 0800 689 5652
• Or utilise the Hub of Hope to discover more mental health support options available to you locally.

Remember, you can also get in touch with the NENC ICS Staff Wellbeing Hub team Monday to Friday between 9:00am – 5:00pm (excluding bank holidays) on 0191 223 2030.

For more support helplines, including those which offer targeted support for those of varying personal characteristics such as race, sexuality, gender and more, visit our suicide prevention page via the button below.