Below you will find support services provided by NHS Lothian for fast access. For information on more nationally run services go to External Support for Staff – Staff Support (nhslothian.scot)
Peer Support
We are a team of NHS Lothian staff who have been specifically trained in Peer Support for staff working in NHS Lothian and social care within the Lothians.
What For?
Peer Supporters are trained to listen to their peers’ feelings and concerns in a way that provides immediate, short-term support. Offering a chance to offload, to reflect and to help you manage your stress levels. They will not offer advice or counselling.
A short term service offering a quick 15-30 min conversation with follow up.
All conversations with Peer Supporters are informal and confidential. We do not communicate with your manager, team or GP.
How?
Email the confidential mailbox
PeerSupport@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
Link into any local Peer Supporters ( Identifiable with Peer Support Badge and Lanyard )
When?
After a stressful or adverse event at work, or indeed if personal stressors are impacting on your work life.
Here 4 U
We are a team from NHS Lothian Psychology department offering a service for all Health and Social Care staff across NHS Lothian , including staff providing care to others in the community and in residential homes operated by the HSCPs.
What For?
Advice and information from a psychologist on any mental health difficulty; plus discussion of support/treatment options and referral/signposting where appropriate.
Our team can help by offering a safe space for a quick access one off discussion with a trained professional to talk about what has been happening for you.
All conversations with our Here 4 U team are confidential. We do not communicate with your manager, team or GP.
How?
Email Here4U@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or call 0131 451 7445 to book a telephone or video appointment with a member of the Here 4 U team.
You can leave a message at any time, and we will get back to you to arrange a time to speak.
When?
Whenever an individual is experiencing difficulties at home or at work, such as struggling with your mood, feeling anxious or finding relationships challenging.
Listening Service
We are a team of trained Chaplains offering spiritual care for all NHS Lothian staff , patients , relatives and carers.
What For?
An appointment based confidential, non-judgemental support, whatever your beliefs or life situations, where a trained Chaplain will listen to your story and support you to reflect and find ways forward.
This service offers short term support via bookable 1:1 sessions, a session last 50 minute , but can be repeated .
All conversations with our Spiritual Care team are confidential. We do not communicate with your manager, team or GP.
How?
Email loth.staffsupport@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk or call 0131 242 1990 (21990)
Available on most acute sites but team will go out to staff across the rest of Lothian if required .
When?
Whenever an individual feels that some support to talk through and reflect on issues or pressures that are troubling or impacting their wellbeing .
