About the AACE Mental Health film
With the support of its member trusts, all UK NHS ambulance services, the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives produced the above film capturing the mental health experiences of some of our staff.
We very much hope that all ambulance service employees will take the time to watch this film and reflect on its key messages:
- that we need to talk about our mental health – and we should encourage others to do the same;
- that others feel how you may feel or have felt in the past;
- that support is available for you if and when you may need it.
We would like to recognise the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust for the original idea to produce this film, which was inspired by their #wastkeeptalking film and can be viewed here.
We would also like to thank everyone who contributed during the research phase of the film and especially Izzy, Amanda, Ricky and Scott who have spoken so honestly and openly about their experiences.
There are additional Mental Health resources for ambulance employees, families and volunteers available here.
Regional versions of the film are also available on the various ambulance trust websites, with contact details for local support mechanisms.
We would welcome your thoughts and feedback on the film, and would encourage you to share this page. In doing so, please include the hashtag #AmbulanceKeepTalking and also tag us at @AACE_Org
Related Mental Health Resources
TASC is the national charity dedicated to supporting the mental, physical, and financial wellbeing of the UK’s ambulance staff. Every year, mental health support is the charity’s most in-demand service and accounts for around 4 in every 5 interventions they provide.
- The Ambulance Staff Crisis Phoneline – TASC (theasc.org.uk)
- TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity, launch a ground-breaking new service to support suicidal ambulance staff – aace.org.uk
- The Mental Health Continuum – Visual Aid
- The Mental Health Continuum – Visual Aid (mono version)
- How to use the Mental Health Continuum
- How to use the Mental Health Continuum (mono version)
- Wellbeing support details for Ambulance Trusts
- Postvention Guidance for all staff impacted by suicide
- Ambulance Service Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Poster – AACE
- Mental Maintenance – Suicide Prevention and Postvention Toolkit – AACE
- Mental Maintenance – Personalised Toolkit – AACE
- Mental Maintenance – Guidance for Managers – AACE
- Mental Maintenance – Employee and Volunteer Toolkit – AACE
- The Blue Light Symphony Orchestra – BLSO
- Mind Blue Light / College of Paramedics – resources and video
A 30 minute video on how to notice the signs of poor mental health in yourself and in your colleagues, including coping strategies and information on where to go to get support.
More shared learning on mental health & wellbeing
Our Zoom call on mental health and wellbeing in ambulance services, held in May 2020, heard from experts and colleagues who spoke professionally – and personally – about managing your mental health and wellbeing.
A recording of the session is available below.
You can download the slidedeck here.
We invited all NHS ambulance service staff to attend this session, that took place in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week. Prior to the call we encouraged attendees to watch our newly released #AmbulanceKeepTalking Mental Health and Wellbeing in Ambulance Services film, and to check out the additional Mental Health resources on this page.
Facilitators
The session was facilitated by Anna Parry, Deputy Managing Director at Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, and Ian Baines, Transformation Consultant at NHS Horizons.
Contributors
Will Hancock
Chief Executive, South Central Ambulance Service
Dr Sonya Wallbank
National Clinical Lead, Health and Wellbeing Covid Response
Dr Andy Smith
Executive Medical Director, South Western Ambulance Service
Liz Harris
Head of Professional Standards, College of Paramedics
Faye McGuinness
Head of Workplace Wellbeing Programmes (Strategy and Development), Mind
Kerry Gulliver
Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development,
East Midlands Ambulance Service
Wellbeing Support
Cathryn James
Clinical Support Manager for Association of Ambulance Chief Executives /
National Ambulance Services Medical Directors (NASMeD) / JRCALC
Dr Catherine Goodwin
Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Organisational Culture and Workplace Wellbeing Lead, Ymddiriedolaeth GIG Gwasanaethau Ambiwlans Cymru / Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust
