During the winter season, as an organisation we're often operating at the highest levels of escalation. While we are under lots of pressure we want to make you are well supported.
This is why it’s so important to check in on each other. Even a quick chat can make a huge difference to someone’s day.
If you are finding this time of year difficult, please do not suffer in silence. There is lots of support available for you. In collaboration with Thrive we have outlined some of the resources available to you.
In-house support
Thrive
The Trust’s Staff Support Service. They offer emotional and mental health support for all STSFT staff, including CHoICEs staff. They provide a safe and confidential space to talk about what is going on for you right now.
You can contact the team on: 0191 569 9699 or email: stsft.thrive@nhs.net
If you would like some more information on what Thrive can offer, visit the Thrive Intranet Page
Talking Therapies
Another mental health support service that prioritise all STSFT staff. This service offer information courses, therapy groups, and one-to-one therapy. Their services are provided at Gateshead and South Tyneside, and as a member of staff you will be prioritised at one of these locations, regardless of where you live.
Gateshead: 0191 283 2541
South Tyneside: 0191 283 2937
Wellbeing Walks
We know that movement and being outdoors can have a positive impact on our mental wellbeing. Wrapping up warm, meeting new people, and getting outside could be a great way to enjoy this time of year a little bit more. For more details of the dates and times of upcoming walks, visit the Intranet page.
Serve & Protect
Winter can be a difficult time for finances as well. The Trust is partnered with Serve and Protect Credit Union, to support financial resilience of staff here at STSFT. Serve and Protect are able to help staff with savings, but also there if they need to borrow. To find out more about this service, Click Here
Staff Networks
There are various Staff Networks within the trust that staff members can join for free. You can get involved as much or as little as you life. These networks give staff a safe, fun, and engaging opportunity to meet others and come together.
The three staff network groups we have are:
-
LGBT +
-
This group is open to staff who identify as LGBT+. Please email stsft.lgbtplus.staffnetwork@nhs.net to join the network.
-
BAME
-
A group made up of employees from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic Group Communities. Please email stsft.bame.staffnetwork@nhs.net to join the network.
-
Disability and Long Term Health Conditions
-
Staff who have a disability or long term health condition, either physical or mental, would be welcome to attend this group. Please email stsft.positivehealth.staffnetwork@nhs.net to join the network.
Carer Coordinator
Susan Matheson is the Trust’s Carer Coordinator. Susan’s role is to act as an advisor and advocate to parent’s working in the NHS and to coordinate affordable childcare. Susan also supports staff with caring responsibilities to manage work and caring, and help them get the right support for their circumstances.
For more information about what Susan may be able to offer you, Click Here
You can also contact Susan on 4041 242 or email s.matheson@nhs.net.
Chaplaincy
A member of the Chaplaincy team is available seven days a week to offer support to staff. The Chaplains offer spiritual care that can help to understand issues around meaning, hope, and transcendence.
For some spiritual care can also include religious support. For others, it means providing a non-anxious, caring presence to explore your current situation.
For more information about what Chaplaincy may be able to offer you, Click Here
The direct line is 0191 569 9180, which is an answerphone facility. This is available from 8.30am to 5pm.
The team can also be contacted via switchboard or externally on 0191 5656256 between 5pm and 11pm.
Emails can be sent via stsft.chaplaincydepartment@nhs.net
Support in the community
There are several opportunities in the community to get involved with festive activities and think about meeting new people too.
What's on - Visit South Tyneside
Activities and Services - Sunderland Mind
Winter Activities (Prospectus) | Kind Mind Community – for South Tyneside
You may also be interested in volunteering opportunities. Such opportunities are a great way to show your appreciation to our local community and give back this festive period.
Search for a local volunteering opportunity - Get Volunteering
Space North East – aim to support men in the North East with depression, loneliness, and anxiety. They host men’s peer-to-peer support groups every Wednesday in the Beacon of Light, at 7pm, to let lads let off a bit of steam when they need it. Join them for free.
Useful links
Click the link to see some top tips from Thrive - Looking after your mental health in Winter
