Talking to someone who understands: search and rescue

Your role is one of the hardest there is. You don’t know what you might face when you get called out, what you or a colleague might hear when you pick up the phone, or what will be being discussed when you turn up for your shift. You might find some incidents, ideas or thoughts stay with you for a long time.

Talking to friends and family can be very helpful. Sometimes, though, it’s hard to get others to imagine what you’ve been through. And while your colleagues might understand, now and then it can feel easier to talk about feelings with people you don’t know.

“Please, seek help or support if you are struggling. It just takes one message to someone or a call to say ‘I’m not okay’.”

Ben Hawkins Emergency Dispatcher, East of England Ambulance Service

If you’d like to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through, Hospice UK have created a free phone line for frontline workers, staffed by Just B. It is available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, and is confidential, so you can talk about what’s on your mind. You can reach them on 0300 303 4434.

If you prefer the idea of talking by text, you could also contact Shout. They provide a dedicated support service just for emergency service workers, which you can access by texting BLUELIGHT to 85258 any time.

Just B counselling and trauma phone helpline

If you’d like to talk to someone about what you’re going through, Hospice UK have created a free phone line for frontline workers, staffed by Just B. It is available 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, and is confidential, so you can talk about what’s on your mind.

The trained staff and counsellors can help you with: bereavement and grief; trauma; emotional support; other ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected you.

Call the Just B team now on 0300 303 4434.

UK-wide

Shout: text support for emergency responders

Shout is the UK’s free 24/7 crisis text line.

They provide a dedicated support service to help emergency services staff look after their own mental health and wellbeing as they work to protect the country in situations that can often be traumatic.

Simply text BLUELIGHT to 85258 to talk by text with one of their trained crisis volunteers.

UK-wide

Seeking help

Samaritans helpline

Whatever you’re going through, Samaritans are there to listen – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. They won’t judge you or tell you what to do, they’ll listen to you.

Essential services staff who are working on the frontlines can call free on 116 123 to speak in confidence with a trained listening volunteer.

UK-wide

CALM helpline

The CALM helpline is there for anyone who needs to talk confidentially about a tough time they are experiencing. Calls are taken by trained staff who are there to listen, support, inform and signpost you to further information. The helpline is open from 5pm to midnight every day, 365 days a year. It is free to call from any landline.

Call the CALM helpline on 0800 58 58 58

UK-wide

Seeking help