Mental Health & Wellbeing in Ambulance Services
This Zoom call, held on Thursday 21 May, 2.15 – 3.15, heard from experts and colleagues who spoke professionally – and personally – about managing your mental health and wellbeing in the context of Covid-19.
We invited all NHS ambulance service staff to attend this session, which took place in the middle of Mental Health Awareness Week. A recording is available here.
Prior to the call, attendees were asked to view the below video, and check out the additional Mental Health resources further down 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
Related Mental Health Resources
- Ambulance Service Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Guide
– AACE - Staff Common Rooms
– NHS England and NHS Improvement Staff Health and Wellbeing support - Mind Blue Light – presentation 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. - Guidance for Managers on Psychosocial Support and Mental Wellbeing of Ambulance Personnel in a Pandemic Crisis
– College of Paramedics
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 (shot before social distancing) 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 Ambulance 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
Please note: The film was produced before any of us had heard of Covid-19. We are acutely aware that the world within which many of you are working and all of us are living has changed considerably since then. However, the issues considered and addressed during the film are still very relevant, more so than ever, hence us sharing it now.
Please also note that since the film was produced before Covid-19, social distancing measures did not apply and as such are not adhered to in the film.
