Over recent days conflict in Sudan has intensified following a period of continued tension in the nation. For some of our colleagues at Gateshead Health, we understand that this will be an understandable cause of concern, particularly for those with family and friends from the nation.

To that end, the Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team wanted to share resources and advice which may be of use to colleagues in distress which may support you in maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing.

Above are a number of tips and ideas to help practice good self-care and put yourself first in a time of anxiety and stress, while below, we promote support services which can be there to help you through this time.

Practitioner Health:

A free and confidential service, Practitioner Help is a primary care mental health services with expertise in treating health and care professionals. Practitioner Health services can be accessed through their website, www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk.

Samaritans:

Samaritans offer free and confidential support to those who are experiencing distress or dispair and can be contacted 24/7, 365 days per year by calling their helpline on 116 123. To find out more about their support or access it via different means, visit www.samaritans.org.

Mind

Mind offers free mental health support and resources for people across the UK, including counselling, peer support and online resources. You can contact Mind by calling their infoline at 0300 123 3393 or by visiting their website at www.mind.org.uk.

Doctors in Distress

Doctors in Distress is an independent charity dedicated to providing mental health support for health workers. The charity provides free peer-to-peer confidential and facilitated support groups for all health workers in the UK. You can access their support through their website at doctors-in-distress.org.uk.

Doctors Without Borders:

An international organisation, Doctors Without Borders provides medical and mental health support for those impacted by conflict, disasters and emergencies. While this organisation does not provide direct support for healthcare professionals in the UK, it has worked to provide care in Sudan and may be able to help for those impacted in the nation.

If you feel as though you may benefit from support such as counselling, you may also wish to view the personal support options available to you from Gateshead Health, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System’s Staff Wellbeing Hub and our partners such as Gateshead Talking Therapies. For those in crisis, we advise viewing the guidance here.