A VITAL lifeline for NHS workers in South Gloucestershire struggling with their mental health is being forced to close.
The Bristol, Somerset, and South Gloucestershire Wellbeing Hub was one of 40 hubs in England launched in February 2021 to help staff during the pandemic.
The hubs have provided NHS and social care staff in the area with easy access to free mental health services.
However, the government and the Department of Health and Social Care have withheld funding, leaving the well-being hub in limbo and unable to assist staff.
It is understood a reduced service will continue until later this year.
The British Psychological Society (BPS) and Association of Clinical Psychologists – UK (ACP-UK) has now joined forces and launched a campaign with Stephen Fry to save the important hubs.
Speaking in a campaign video, Mr Fry said: “When soldiers come back from a war, we like to think we are proud enough as a nation to support them, and support them through all the stresses and anxieties and mental health problems that soldiers have after fighting on the front line in a war.
“We must do the same with our health workers, surely.”
Professor Tony Lavender, from BPS, said: “The hubs are needed now more than ever. Staff in South Gloucestershire are desperately in need of psychological support.
“They have been managing terrible pressures, are exhausted and struggling to cope in a working environment that is harming their health.”
Professor Mike Wang, chair of the Association of Clinical Psychologists said: “It’s deeply concerning to see the hubs closing.
“While there is some alternative provision for staff needing mental health support, they are overwhelmed and simply cannot offer the swift, high quality service and confidential support provided by the hubs.
“It’s incredibly important that the hubs continue to provide this vital lifeline for local health and social care staff.”
Statement by local integrated care board
A spokesperson for NHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board, said: “Following the end of national funding for staff mental health and wellbeing hubs, the ICB provided system-wide funding for a reduced service continuing through 2022/23.
“This service provides support for managers and leaders working in community, primary and social care through training and consultation.
“Continued support is also available for staff at an organisation level through workplace wellbeing programmes.”
Response by the Department of Health and Social Care
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of the workforce is of the utmost importance, which is why the NHS is providing ongoing physical and mental health support for staff.
“This includes targeted psychological support and treatment and a national support service for those with more complex mental health needs brought about by serious issues such as trauma or addiction.
"Alongside this, the NHS will publish a long-term workforce plan soon to recruit and retain more staff and make the NHS a great place to work.”
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