Support for individuals

Help is available if you need it. There are organisations that provide direct and confidential support for your mental health and wellbeing. The services listed below specialise in supporting doctors and others working for the NHS.  

• The British Medical Association (BMA) has a free and confidential 24/7 counselling and peer support service open to all doctors and medical students, their partners and dependents. You do not need to be a member of the BMA to use the service and you can call them on 0330 123 1245.  

• The NHS has a confidential text support service, which you can access by texting FRONTLINE to 85258 for support 24/7. You can also use the NHS free and confidential self-check tool to access further information on the range of support offers that are available. 

• Practitioner Health is a free, confidential NHS Primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating health and care professionals available in England. Practitioner Health also provides the Workforce Specialist Service available in Scotland and Canopi offers a similar service in Wales. 

• The Association of Anaesthetists has a longer list of organisations that can provide support for particular difficulties, including financial help and support for addiction.   

• Rehab 4 Addiction was founded to assist those affected by substance misuse and their loved ones. They offer a range of services covering alcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox services, intervention and aftercare, helping to signpost the most effective treatments. 

Industrial action in the NHS

We have compiled some information and FAQs for members about the ongoing industrial action by junior doctors. This includes signposting to further guidance and support. Although the College does not have a role in negotiations about our members’ terms and conditions of service, we recognise the right of doctors and other healthcare professionals to take industrial action, and we understand why many may wish to do so.

College representatives who can support you 

Our College representatives can support you in your training. These roles include College Tutors, Bernard Johnson Training Advisors and Regional Advisors Anaesthesia. You can find out more about these roles and how they can help you on the support for examinations and training page.  

Wellbeing Lead in your department 

We recommend that all departments appoint a Wellbeing Lead to support the health and wellbeing of staff. They can be a good first port of call if your wellbeing at work is suffering.  

If you don’t have a Wellbeing Lead in your department, you may wish to suggest to your department leadership that one is appointed. We have provided a standardised job description and person specification to make it easier for departments and trusts to appoint a Wellbeing Lead.