Welcome to our wellbeing page. As a team, we’ve looked through lots of amazing resources. These are not the only resources out there but somewhere to start. Find a feeling that you are identifying with and have a look at the resources available. Most of these resources are free but occasionally a small fee or subscription is required (e.g. Spotify/BMA).

Remember that your Educational & Clinical supervisors, GP and Practioner Help (https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk) are great ways to reach out to if you are coming to this website.

You may be eligible for support with continuing your training whilst facing challenges through the Wessex Professional Support and Wellbeing Service (PSW), talk to your educational supervisor about a referral - https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/wellbeing-and-support/psw/.

As a Wessex paediatric trainee you can also sign up to our fantastic mentoring scheme, find out more information here - https://www.piernetwork.org/mentoring.html

We also have a once monthly online yoga session available to all our trainees. This is suitable for all abilities. To find out more information, have a look on our Wessex Paediatric Trainees Whatsapp community and join our Yoga group!

I am at crisis point...

• Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org or call for free on116 123
• Shout - https://giveusashout.org or text for free on 85258
• Stay Alive App – for those at risk of suicide and people worried about someone
• DistrACT App – self-care for self-harm or if feeling suicidal

I'm feeling sad...

• Doctors’ Support Network: Online Peer Support - https://www.dsn.org.uk
• BMA Wellbeing Support Services, both counselling and peer support service - https://www.bma.org.uk/wellbeingsupport
• Mind, mental health charity with helpline and wealth of resources - https://www.mind.org.uk
• Digital mental wellbeing support through Qwell - https://www.qwell.io

I'm feeling anxious...

• Frontline19, confidential psychological support for NHS/frontline workers - https://frontline19.com
• Doctors’ Support Network: Online Peer Support - https://www.dsn.org.uk
• Doctors in Distress: Weekly Support Group Online - https://doctors-in-distress.org.uk/programmes/
• Unmind app - https://www.england.nhs.uk/supporting-our-nhs-people/support-now/wellbeing-apps/unmind/ - (Available through NHS until December 2026)

I'm feeling overwhelmed...

• ‘6 ways to make progress when you’re overwhelmed’, a helpful article which has some practical approaches – https://happiful.com/6-ways-to-m-when-everything-feels-overwhelming?utm_source=newslet
• Podcasts available from “You are Not a Frog” - for example “Stress vs Overwhelm (Episode 187)” or “What to do when you are Overwhelmed (Episode 132)” - https://youarenotafrog.com - (may require subscription)
• Workload and time management course from BMJ Learning - https://new-learning.bmj.com/course/10060437

I'm feeling tired...

• The Sleep Charity - https://thesleepcharity.org.uk
• Sleepstation - www.sleepstation.org.uk
• Sleepio, sleep improvement app - (subscription required)

I'm feeling traumatised...

• Frontline19, confidential psychological support for NHS/frontline workers - https://frontline19.com
• Doctors in Distress, charity providing support groups, courses and webinars - https://doctors-in-distress.org.uk
• Trauma Research UK, for support when life feels overwhelming – offers a 6-week online Help and Support Programme - https://traumaresearchuk.org/help-support-programme/ - (£30 cost)

I'm feeling unsupported...

• Contact your clinical supervisor, educational supervisor or college tutor today – or another trusted senior or consultant!
• Contact your local Freedom to Speak up Guardian, not sure who they are – find them here - https://nationalguardian.org.uk
• Advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice - https://www.acas.org.uk

I'm feeling stuck...

• A free online course with 8 CBT modules to help you live life to the full - https://llttf.com/course/
• NHS Learning Hub module on Handling Difficult Situations – Caring for yourself and others with compassion - https://learninghub.nhs.uk/catalogue/staffhealthandwellbeing?nodeId=11330

I'm feeling financially strained...

• Financial support for doctors and their families - https://doctorshelp.org.uk
• Advice, podcasts and paid financial services - https://medicsmoney.co.uk
• Grants through the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund - https://rmbf.org
• The Royal Medical Fund available to those in financial hardship - https://www.royalmedicalfoundation.org
• Apply for a financial hardship concession on your membership, log-in to your account before using the link-https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/form/apply-for-concession

I'm feeling unhealthy...

• Smoking/vaping
  • NHS Quit Smoking (https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/) or look at their app
  • National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044
• Substance abuse and addiction
  • SMART recovery, for all types of addiction - https://smartrecovery.org.uk
  • Sick Doctors Trust, early intervention programme for doctors with addiction problems - https://sick-doctors-trust.co.uk
  • British Doctors & Dentists Group, recovery for medical & dental professionals and their loved ones - https://www.bddg.org

I'm feeling unsafe...

• Supporting Minority Groups:
  • BMA FREE – forum for racial and ethnic equality - https://www.bma.org.uk/about-us/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/edi/bma-free
  • GLADD - Unites and represents LGBTQ+ doctors, dentists, medical and dental students from all over the country - https://gladd.co.uk
  • Autistic Doctors International - https://autisticdoctorsinternational.com
  • Disabled Doctors Network - https://www.disableddoctorsnetwork.com
  • Medical Women's Federation, support women doctors to thrive in their career and to improve health in general - https://www.medicalwomensfederation.org.uk
• Domestic Abuse:
  • Refuge - https://refuge.org.uk or call on 0808 200 247
  • Respect - https://www.respect.org.uk
  • UK Says No More, can find a local safe space to seek advice - https://uksaysnomore.org/safespaces/
  • Bright Sky website or app - https://uk.bright-sky.org/en

I need support with returning to work...

Wessex return to work - https://wessex.hee.nhs.uk/trainee-information/trainee-journey/supported-return-to-training/

This webpage has the suggested timeline and who to involve when planning your return
to work, alongside relevant forms. The contact email address for the team is
[email protected].

I'm experiencing challenges as a working parent...

Further resources on parental leave and working parental rights

• BMA – Maternity, paternity & adoption - https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/maternity-paternity-and-adoption
• ​BMA - Returning to work and your rights as a working parent - https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/maternity-paternity-and-adoption/return-to-work/returning-to-work-and-your-rights-as-a-working-parent
• Breast feeding/expressing support – BMA - https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/maternity-paternity-and-adoption/your-rights/guidance-for-doctors-on-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding/breastfeeding

I'm experiencing pregnancy loss or fertility issues...

• RCPCH website - Dr Jemma Shanley’s incredible guide - https://www.rcpch.ac.uk/resources/pregnancy-parenthood-guidance-doctors