Search our library

Colleagues in the national People Team in partnership with NHS Practitioner Health have been busy developing virtual Staff Common Rooms for NHS colleagues from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities across the NHS. This is an opportunity for our NHS people to come together virtually and to invest some time in supporting each other during these challenging times. Open to absolutely anyone although specifically catering to the needs of our NHS staff from BAME communities working within the NHS across England, regardless of job role, organisational context or hierarchy and includes all final year students who have been working on the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Common Rooms are

Lifeline is the Northern Ireland crisis response helpline service for people who are experiencing distress or despair. No matter what your age or where you live in Northern Ireland, if you are or someone you know is in distress or despair, Lifeline is here to help.

People living in Northern Ireland can call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000. Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users can call Lifeline on 18001 0808 808 8000. Calls to Lifeline are free to people living in Northern Ireland who are calling from UK landlines and mobiles.

Lifeline counsellors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and help, in confidence.

The advice line will provide managers and staff with support, guidance and sign-posting. 

Managers and Staff will have the opportunity to discuss any further COVID-19 enquiries with a Human Resource Representative

You may be aware that the risk of domestic abuse
could rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.
@WomensAidNI have provided further information
on their website including a 24 hour freephone
helpline: 0808 802 1414

A to Z of local councils in Northern Ireland

Find contact details for councils in Northern Ireland

You can get £96.35 per week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

Our courses have been proven to increase confidence and develop the skills needed to enter Higher Education and succeed with learning.

You can choose an OpenLearn course from a wide range of subjects. Some are based on Open University course materials. Others are written specifically for OpenLearn.

This is a programme that can make a big difference to your life. It can help you manage your feelings when you are stressed, worried or depressed and learn simple practical skills to help you cope with life’s challenges.

• This is a six-session programme using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) concepts – the most evidenced-based talking therapy for people affected by low mood, anxiety or depression.
• The programme has been developed by Dr Chris Williams, professor of psychiatry at the University of Glasgow and a recognised expert in developing self-help resources based on CBT.
• It introduces participants to the ‘Five Areas Approach’ which illustrates that events and situations in our lives affect how we think, how we feel, how we behave and also affect us physically.
• Thinking and behaviour are the two areas that we have the most control over, if we tend to think and/or behave in extreme and unhelpful ways, it can adversely affect the other areas and lead to us getting caught in a ‘vicious circle’. The programme, therefore, focuses on how we can challenge and change our thinking and behaviour in order to turn the circle into a ‘virtuous circle’.

We are delighted to offer delivery of our Living Life to the Full programme online through Zoom as an alternative to face to face delivery during Covid-19

Information and tips on staying connected with colleagues