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NHS wellbeing webinars are supporting people manage stress and uncertainty

Author:
ThriveLDN

To mark National Stress Awareness Day 2020 (Wednesday, 4 November), Londoners are being encouraged to explore a series of NHS developed films designed to support people living and working in the capital cope with the impact of the coronavirus crisis.

The NHS wellbeing webinars aim to help anyone who is feeling anxious or worried about how the pandemic and ongoing safety measures are impacting them, their loved ones, or their work. The webinars have been developed both for the general public and for health and care workers.

Each webinar is delivered in a clinically led and evidence-based way by Emily Gardner, high intensity cognitive behavioural therapist, East London NHS Foundation Trust. The webinars offer participants the chance to explore ideas and tools to support their mental health and wellbeing during these uncertain times.

To address current and emerging mental health and wellbeing issues, new webinars have recently been published on managing anxiety, managing low mood, and working from home and staying well.

Nearly 4,000 people have engaged with the sessions since the webinar series launched in the summer. The webinars were introduced in response to the growing need to support people’s mental health and wellbeing during the first national lockdown. Other topics aim to help people with lockdown uncertainty, financial anxiety, and sleeping difficulties. There is also a specific wellbeing session for Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

Martin Machray, Joint Chief Nurse, NHS England & Improvement (London region), said: “These continue to be incredibly challenging times, and some people will find it harder than others because of their health, where they live, their job, or the impact the COVID-19 crisis has had on their financial situation. Remember, whatever you are going through, there is support available and you are not alone.

“It has never been more important for each of us to think and talk more about mental health and wellbeing, and to seek help when it is needed.

“The webinars are an important resource within the range of tools and services available to support both the mental health and wellbeing of Londoners and our NHS and care workers.”

Dr Tom Coffey OBE, Mayoral Health Advisor, said: “These are extraordinarily difficult times for us all and the uncertainty brought on by the coronavirus pandemic will inevitably be impacting on many Londoners’ mental health.

“It’s important that everyone feels able to ask for help if they need it, and I’m pleased this series of free wellbeing webinars offers Londoners access to practical guidance and clinically-backed support.”

Cognitive behavioural therapist, Emily Gardner, who developed and delivered the webinars, said: “I’m delighted that so many people have engaged with the webinar series and have reported a positive experience in doing so.

“During each webinar we explore evidence-based ideas and tools to support emotional wellbeing and improve mood. We have designed the sessions to be educational and supportive – with recent webinars focusing on the emerging wellbeing needs of Londoners at this time.

“Alongside the webinar series, if you are still concerned about your mental health and do not require urgent support then contacting your GP is a good place to start. You can also refer yourself for free, non-urgent NHS psychological therapy services.”