# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Not sure if we want to be known as BAT Girls...!

# data[].attributes.headline
Welcome to the Birth Afterthoughts Team!

# data[].attributes.subject
Welcome to the Birth Afterthoughts Team!

# data[].attributes.body
Please join us in welcoming:

Emma Burton

Hannah Walpole

Gaynor Wagstaff

Nic Wright

Debbie Hopkinson (For Newark)

# data[].attributes.body
Let us make you a warming cuppa in a safe space for a confidential, supportive chat.

# data[].attributes.body
Our Vacancies - Sherwood Forest Hospitals (sfh-tr.nhs.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
Take this questionnaire, hosted by the BMA, to see if you're close to burning out.

The BMA website has also provided advice to all maternity staff to know what to do if you think you are at risk.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The British Medical Association is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Stop a minute. Are you worried you might be burning out?

Burnout can occur in a range of occupations, but frequently occurs in the caring professions.

Factors contributing to burnout include excessive workloads, patient pressures, lack of control, interference from managers, insecurity, reorganisation, poor support, front line practice, perceived threats of complaints or violence, and dysfunctional workplaces.

This confidential questionnaire can help you screen yourself for symptoms of burnout. It will help you identify feelings and experiences you have about your work, so that you can get a feel for whether you might be vulnerable to burnout.
Am I at risk of burnout?

Talk to someone

If you are a doctor or a medical student and want to talk to someone in confidence, call our free counselling service on 0330 123 1245. You don't have to be a member of the BMA to use the service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our peer support service runs alongside the counselling service and gives doctors and medical students in distress or difficulty the choice of speaking in confidence to another doctor.

Find out more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take our online survey to check yourself out.

# data[].attributes.body
In the moment, confidential helpline: 0300 380 0658

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Confidential helpline
0330 380 0658

Speak in confidence to fully qualified counsellors and support specialists 24/7, 365 days a year to discuss any emotional, personal or work-related issues.

Speak in confidence to fully qualified counsellors and support specialists 24/7, 365 days a year to discuss any emotional, personal or work-related illness.

Talking to one of our experienced counsellors or psychotherapists can help you understand a problem, make a tough decision, try a different approach or just learn how to cope with a difficult situation. The aim is to support you and find a solution to whatever is worrying you.

When you call, we will ask you a few simple questions so we can provide you with the very best service and support. You will then be connected to one of our fully trained counsellors and support specialists who are highly experienced in clinical risk management, solution-focused therapies and other clinical approaches.

They will be more than happy to help in a time and place to suit you and provide you with ongoing support when you need it most.

There is no limit to the number of times you can call, and everything discussed is treated in the strictest of confidence.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Confidential helpline0330 380 0658 Speak in confidence to fully qualified counsellors and support specialists 24/7, 365 days a year to discuss any emotional, personal or work-related issues. Speak in confidence to fully qualified counsellors and support specialists 24/7, 365 days a year to discuss any emotional, personal or work-related illness.

# data[].attributes.body
Did you know we have a dedicated guideline, written to support you with facilitating choice?

Link here, or find on maternity guidelines under C for Choice.

# data[].attributes.headline
Would you like to join us with Birth Afterthoughts conversations?

# data[].attributes.subject
Would you like to join us with Birth Afterthoughts conversations?

# data[].attributes.body
We are looking to develop a small team of midwives who are confident and capable of facilitating Birth Afterthoughts conversations.

Full training and support is provided.

All Bands welcome to apply.

No closing date, we will pause the process when we have sufficient successful applications.

Email us with your expression of interest, detailing why you like to be involved in less than 300 words to sfh-tr.pmateam@nhs.net

# data[].attributes.headline
Sharon receives retention post recognition

# data[].attributes.subject
Sharon receives retention post recognition

# data[].attributes.body
Trust celebrates midwifery retention success - Sherwood Forest Hospitals (sfh-tr.nhs.uk)

# data[].attributes.headline
Gemma leads a co-production project to improve families experience whilst at SFH

# data[].attributes.subject
Gemma leads a co-production project to improve families experience whilst at SFH

# data[].attributes.body
Maternity ward welcomes supporters overnight thanks to new chairs - Sherwood Forest Hospitals (sfh-tr.nhs.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
Benefits

Risks

Alternative options

Importance

Need more time/do Nothing

# data[].attributes.body
This 2025 briefing provides 2 examples of learning to improve outcomes in this cohort of women/birthing people who choose to birth outside of guidance.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why do I need to use inclusive language?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why do I need to use inclusive language?

# data[].attributes.body
Birthing people, chest-feeding and why it matters.

# data[].attributes.headline
Supporting someone with ASD/ADHD/sensory processing disorder? This may be helpful...

# data[].attributes.subject
Supporting someone with ASD/ADHD/sensory processing disorder? This may be helpful...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Be A Plus-Size Friendly Professional - Big Birthas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What does it mean to be a Plus-Size Friendly Professional? What is Plus-Size Friendly Care? Big Birtha’s Top Tips

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dear Contributor

The Practising Midwife journal authors: We are happy that you have prepared a contribution ("Contribution") for The Practising Midwife (the "Work"), edited by Alys Einion ("Editor-In-Chief"), to be published by All4Holdings Limited ("Publisher").

The Student Midwife journal authors: We are happy that you have prepared a contribution ("Contribution") for The Student Midwife (the "Work"), edited by Jessica Falk Perlman ("Editor-In-Chief"), to be published by All4Holdings Limited ("Publisher").

The Practising Midwife Australia journal authors: We are happy that you have prepared a contribution ("Contribution") for The Practising Midwife Australia (the "Work"), edited by Hazel Keedle ("Editor-In-Chief"), to be published by All4Holdings Limited ("Publisher").

If your Contribution incorporates any material from third parties you will have procured, prior to the date of manuscript delivery, permission in writing from each copyright holder of such material to use and reprint in any media such material in the Contribution and the Work, including revisions, derivatives and ancillaries. In addition, should your contribution use photographs/imagery and/or client information, you will have already gained written and explicit consent.

All previously published material shall be fully acknowledged. If such permissions are not obtained in a timely manner, you will identify substitute references and revise the Contribution accordingly. If relevant, you will obtain medical patient releases from patients if information about them or illustrations of them are used in the Contribution.

After receipt of the manuscript the Publisher will take reasonable care but shall not be held liable for accidental loss or damage thereof while the same is in the course of production. You will retain a complete copy of the manuscript and all other material supplied to the Publisher.

You hereby grant, transfer and assign to the Publisher each and every right in and to the Contribution and any revision throughout the world for any media (including the Internet and electronic media) to exploit, sell, license and otherwise distribute the Contribution, for the full term of copyright, including, without limitation, the copyright therein. This exclusive grant of rights means that you have no independent right to assign or license the Contribution in whole or in part to third parties or to directly exploit the Contribution. You may, however, draw upon and refer to material contained in the Contribution in preparing articles for publication in scholarly or professional journals, in contributions to symposia, in a single chapter in a book, for teaching purposes (and may use and make copies of excerpts from the Contribution for this purpose), and for presentations or lectures at professional meetings, provided that the Publisher and the Work are appropriately identified. You understand and agree that the Publisher may, but is under no obligation to, use your services in any manner or form without additional compensation than expressly provided in this Agreement, and without further credit.

You warrant that you (and any co-authors) are the author(s) and owner(s) of the Contribution and, except for those excerpts comprising third-party material which is either public domain or for which permission has been obtained, your Contribution is original and previously unpublished; that you have the full right, power and authority to enter into this Agreement; that your Contribution contains no libelous, unlawful or otherwise actionable matter and does not infringe any copyright or violate any other intellectual property or privacy right of any person or entity; and that to the best of your knowledge, no drug dosage or other information in your Contribution is inaccurate, that the material would not cause injury if accurately used or followed, and that your Contribution includes appropriate warnings.

You may not assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of Publisher.

All4Holdings Limited
June 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NMC Series - Challenges To Supporting Choice | All4Maternity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
NMC Series - Challenges To Supporting Choice Dr Jacqui Williams - Senior Midwifery Advisor (Education) Social @nmcnews Published in The Student Midwife Volume 7 Issue 3 July 2024, Page 19 DOI: https://doi.org/10.55975/CHYS3866 Every woman has the right to make their own choices about their maternity care, including who will be...

# data[].attributes.body
A thought-provoking and quick guide by birth trauma charity Make Birth Better. Reflect on your conversations and take action. Useful for Revalidation too.

# data[].attributes.headline
Supporting women & birthing people who have suffered OASI trauma

# data[].attributes.subject
Supporting women & birthing people who have suffered OASI trauma

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Need advice? Please email Birth Injury Support at info@masic.org.uk or call 0808 1640 8333

We are advocates for women and aim to change the lives of those injured during childbirth.

Find out more

Who are MASIC?

MASIC exists to support women, challenge stigma and drive change.

The MASIC Foundation is the only multi-disciplinary UK charity to support women who have suffered severe injuries during childbirth known as OASI (Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries).

The charity is run by injured women and healthcare professionals who are committed to better detection and prevention of injury during childbirth.

Find out more

Women's stories

Breaking the silence. Read stories from MASIC advocates who have suffered injuries during childbirth.

Telling women's stories is the most important thing we can do as a charity. When women are brave enough to speak out, change happens. This page is dedicated to telling those stories, and to the women who have been honest and incredibly brave in sharing their experience.

If you have a story to tell we are dedicated to supporting you and making your voice heard.

Please email socialmedia@masic.org.uk and we will help you to tell your story.

Read more stories

Looking for support?

There is support available if you need it, don't suffer in silence and don't be afraid to ask for help and advice.

MASIC can help you over come the physical and emotional trauma you may have experienced during and after child birth. We can support you and guide you to helpful resources, all you need to do is get in touch.

Get Support

Not sure where to start?

Please call the MASIC 24h freephone Birth Injury Support Helpline 0808 1640 8333

My name is Luce. I'm a writer. A partner. A mum. And I had a difficult birth which left me thunderstruck, confused, sad, broken, and well, pretty angry. My reaction to birth trauma was unconventional. I wrote a book - a gory, funny, moving book - about the truth of it for me, what I saw and heard and felt as I gave birth and then coped with injuries, continence issues, depression, and trauma. I needed to speak out because traumatic births are often undiscussed. Recognition is important - we don't talk enough about births that aren't picture-perfect, as if they should be hidden in shame. Like MASIC, I'm here to say it isn't shameful. And don't worry - you have found your people. Like my book this website is a place for all of you - the entertainers, the shell-shocked, new mums and old hands - to share, process, or even just start to think about what is happening, and why googling 'birth trauma' or 'MASIC' late at night is a good thing. You are not alone.

85%

of women with severe birth injury said it impacted on their relationship with their child

78%

were affected by traumatic memories of the birth

52%

stated they were embarrassed by the symptoms of their injury

49%

of women affected said they doubted their ability to mother

45%

suffered postnatal depression as a result of their injury

24%

of women affected regretted having a child because of the injuries sustained

Meet the MASIC team

We are a collection of healthcare professionals & MASIC advocates, existing to give a voice to women's childbirth stories.

The Executive Board

We are led by a small and very experienced Executive team who are dedicated to improving outcomes for women with birth injuries.

Products that will help improve your life

Products that can help make everyday life a bit easier.

After sustaining a birth injury it is so important to know that there are products and services out there that can help make everyday life a little bit easier, and help you to feel a little bit more like YOU again.

We recommend the products here that have been tried and tested by our MASIC advocates - women who understand what it's like to cope with symptoms on a daily basis, and who know what has helped them.

Discover More

MASIC News

Keep up to date with all our latest news and stories

If you would like to be kept informed of MASIC's work and our most recent projects please click on our news items in this section and sign up to our MASIC mailing list.

We would love to hear from you if you are an injured woman or a health professional interested in working with us.

Read more stories

Cookie Policy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking "Accept", you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home - Aiming to change the lives of women injured during childbirth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
MASIC supports women who have suffered injuries during childbirth; OASI, Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries, or 3rd degree & 4th degree tears.

# data[].attributes.body
Resource to help you support & advocate for women and birthing people: Maternity Action is dedicated to promoting, protecting and enhancing the rights of all pregnant women, new mothers and their families to employment, social security and health care.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
challenging inequality : promoting wellbeing

# data[].attributes.body
A useful resource with factsheets for maternity staff and service-users to understand rights within maternity

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What we offer

Our factsheets and FAQs provide information about your rights in pregnancy and childbirth. If your situation is not covered, we will advise you directly.

We endeavour to reply promptly to all enquiries and within three working days.

Our factsheets are correct at the time of writing and publishing.

What we cannot offer

Our advice service is run via email only and we do not offer a telephone service.

We cannot offer advice on maternity care issues outside of the UK.

Birthrights does not provide legal representation.

We do not provide information or advice about clinical negligence claims. If you believe you have suffered negligent treatment during childbirth, you should contact a lawyer specialising in clinical negligence law.

We are not able to refer you to an individual solicitor or formally endorse a particular firm, but you may wish to consider contacting our partners Bolt Burdon Kemp, Irwin Mitchell or Leigh Day. While our partners support our general fundraising efforts, we receive no referral fees from any law firm if you contact them from our information. Any contact you have is completely confidential between you and the firm.

Please note that we cannot provide maternity employment advice. For questions on maternity employment law or benefits during pregnancy, please contact Maternity Action.

Confidentiality

If you contact us, your enquiry will be dealt with in confidence and according to the terms of our confidentiality policy. We will not reveal information about you to any other organisation or individual without your express permission, except in certain limited circumstances. Please contact us for a copy of our confidentiality policy if you would like further details.

Complaints

We strive to provide a good service to our users at all times. However, should you be unhappy with the service you have received, please contact us to discuss how we can resolve your concerns.

For a copy of our full complaints procedure, please contact us.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What we offer Our factsheets and FAQs provide information about your rights in pregnancy and childbirth. If your situation is not covered, we will advise you directly. We endeavour to reply promptly to all enquiries and within three working days. Our factsheets are correct at the time of writing and publishing.

# data[].attributes.body
Maternity services at King’s Mill Hospital rated ‘good’ following CQC inspection - Sherwood Forest Hospitals (sfh-tr.nhs.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
https://forms.office.com/e/sYucSCLvvA

Please give us feedback so we can ensure we are providing YOU with what you want and need!

# data[].attributes.body
Factual Record Of Events

# data[].attributes.body
Coming soon...

# data[].attributes.body
England’s Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Midwifery Officer visit Sherwood Forest Hospitals - Sherwood Forest Hospitals (sfh-tr.nhs.uk)

# data[].attributes.body
Midwives recognised for going above and beyond - Sherwood Forest Hospitals (sfh-tr.nhs.uk)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Professional midwifery advocates are offering their expertise in the form of a consulting service to better support practising midwives grappling with professional challenges

Midwives roles are dedicated to their profession, their patients, and giving their time to help women during their pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum period. This job can be taxing on the health professional, causing possible stress and burnout. When a person constantly gives so much of themselves to their clients with nothing in return, their emotional and physical wellbeing can become compromised.

'Midwifery is a demanding profession carrying high levels of professional responsibility and, increasingly, public performance accountability. Midwives are accountable to the women they care for, to their employers, and to their regulatory body, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)' ( Martin et al, 2018). In a recent study by Mollart et al (2013), 152 registered midwives working within two different hospital maternity units were tasked with taking the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services survey and another demographic survey that analysed their care model, shift work, lifestyle data and their exercise level.

'There was a response rate of 36.8% with 56 out of 152 midwives completing the surveys. Almost two thirds (60.7%) of midwives in this sample experienced moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion, a third (30.3%) scoring low personal accomplishment and a third (30.3%) experiencing depersonalisation related to burnout' ( Mollart et al, 2013). The response rate shows how midwives experience a lot of emotional exhaustion in their field, along with depersonalisation which can cause mental health deterioration. Midwives become so consumed with the wellbeing of their patients that they lose sight of their own mental health and need extra support along the way.

Professional midwifery advocates are offering their expertise in the form of a consulting service to better support practising midwives grappling with professional challenges

Starting in England and slowly making its way around the world, a relatively new study has emerged into the medical field, the professional midwifery advocate (PMA). This position allows for senior midwives to become consultants to those below them, giving their coworkers a chance to seek professional support. It is a newer model that allows for midwives to get the support they need in their careers, limiting their chance of burnout and mental health problems.

'The role of a PMA is to support and guide midwives so that they can deliver consistent, high quality, safe maternity care and also to support the women and families who journey through the maternity unit at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. By listening to women and supporting the choices that they make, PMAs ensure that the maternity care provided is responsive and caters to their needs' ( Western Sussex County Council, 2020).

This new profession is a way for younger midwives to get support with their professional development, education and preparing for appraisals. It has been made as a role for support towards those working in the medical field. Midwives have to be mentally and physically there for their patients as a way to calm their anxieties and nerves, and give them the best care possible. Which is why the new PMA title will give midwives a better chance for success within their industry. It is a way to protect them and derive them from burnout.

In an article by Midwives magazine (2017), the author talks about how midwives will be allowed to talk one-on-one with a professional, allowing them to slow down and reflect. 'In England, this new employer-led professional model is "A-EQUIP"-or advocating for education and quality improvement. It brings into being the PMA, a new role replacing the statutory supervision of midwives (SoM)' ( Midwives magazine, 2017).

One of the key elements in the A-EQUIP model is the restorative clinical supervision in midwifery practices. 'Restorative supervision is widely used in other professions, such as health visiting and social care work, and the initial challenge for the new PMA role will be the successful introduction of this innovative model into NHS maternity services as a resource within the new local maternity system transformation project' ( Sterry, 2018).

The SoM was a role that supported the protection of childbearing women and was recently transformed into something more positive for midwives. Kim Housham, a SoM who completed the four-day module to become a PMA, discusses in the article how the programme is beneficial to all midwives ( Midwives magazine, 2017). 'It is purely support; an opportunity to talk to somebody, where everything said is confidential-unless there is a safeguarding issue or unsafe practice' ( Midwives magazine, 2017).

The SoM existed to protect women who are pregnant but it did not protect the midwives within its medical field. This ensued the change to a different role that helped not only the pregnant women but also the midwife. 'The King's Fund review (Baird et al, 2015) and the Kirkup (2015) report made recommendations that the supervision and regulation of midwives should be separated, and that the NMC (2017) should be in direct control of all regulatory activity' ( Wain, 2018).

'The SoM existed to protect women who are pregnant but it did not protect the midwives within its medical field'

This change encouraged the chief nursing officer of England to create a new model that would still focus on supervision but would also enforce support within the community, introducing the PMA role ( Wain, 2018).

Each PMA needs to undergo training to deliver restorative clinical supervision to their patients which is a model designed to support professionals that work in roles with significant emotional demand. But there were aspects of the SoM that were not brought into the new role, such as PMAs will not be on call 24/7, only during working hours and they will have a specific group of supervisees ( Midwives magazine, 2017). Although the changes have been made, the idea to help other midwives has grown stronger.

'It has delivered substantial reductions in the stress and burnout levels of over 2 500 staff while supporting their compassion satisfaction (the pleasure they derive from their job) and increasing the attachment they have to their organisations. The programme currently offers a training day, followed by six individual sessions and two group sessions of restorative supervision' ( Wallbank, 2013).

The programme to become a PMA focuses on the attendee's skills, clinical leadership, restorative clinical supervision, normative function and personal action for quality improvement. 'A small-scale study of six high-level managerial nurses revealed that after six months of clinical supervision, nurses viewed it as positive as they had been able to debrief, reflect and share stressors in their work environment' ( Wallbank, 2013).

This study shows how nurses and midwives are affected in a positive manner towards the restorative clinical supervision that is associated with the PMA title. As a result, numerous workers within the healthcare sector have experienced a relief in their stressors since they are given the option to rely on someone else in confidentially which, in turn, makes them a better worker.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
British Journal Of Midwifery - What is a professional midwifery advocate?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Midwives roles are dedicated to their profession, their patients, and giving their time to help women during their pregnancy, childbirth and post-partum period This job can be taxing on the health professional, causing possible stress and burnout When a person constantly gives so much of themselves to their clients with nothing in return, their emotional and physical wellbeing can become compromised

# data[].attributes.body
NHS England

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, I’m Julia and I’ve been a qualified midwife since 2006. I first worked as a birthing suite midwife in Kingston hospital until I found my love of community midwifery a few years later. I worked in a dedicated home birth team and then I took a 2 year secondment to work as a Sure Start Midwife for vulnerable women, based in Wandsworth. When that ended, I moved to Newark in 2011 and I’ve been at SFH ever since!

I’ve been a PMA since 2019 and I can honestly say it is the most challenging and rewarding role I’ve ever had, and I hope to be a PMA for the rest of my career. Supporting and empowering people (both colleagues and the families I meet) to be confident and trusting in their decisions with the various choices available to them is where my heart is.

I am a working mummy, like many of my colleagues, and I truly understand the juggle of trying to be everywhere and everything to many different people. Sit with me, allow me to make you a drink and listen to you. You deserve and need self-care and this is where it starts.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, my name is Anna and I have worked at Kings Mill Hospital since February 2020 as a Perinatal Mental Health Midwife, more recently stepping up to Band 7 role.

I have been a qualified midwife since 2009, initially working in a large hospital in London and then moving to Australia in 2013. During my 7 years in Australia, I was fortunate enough to work in a variety of settings and states, including as a caseload midwife, working in a high-risk tertiary centre and also working in a very remote area of Australia with a mainly Aboriginal community, which was fascinating and introduced me to the concept of generational trauma. Through my experiences, both professionally and personally, I developed an interest in mental health and undertook a post graduate certificate in perinatal mental health in 2019.

I completed my Professional Midwifery Advocate qualification in 2022 and work as a sessional PMA. I am passionate about supporting our staff to provide compassionate , person-centred care. I believe that by offering time in a safe space to explore feelings, experiences and concerns, this can have a positive impact on the physical and emotional well-being of midwives, improve retention and improve patient care.

# data[].attributes.body
>The pink arrow is the entrance to TB3.

>TB3 is also known as the Trust Admin building and is between Car Parks 9 & 10.

>TB3 is easy on foot from the Education centre (up the hill, turn left!) or past the Daffodil Café (keep going up the long corridor, towards the sewing room and exit any door on right hand side).

>We are on the ground floor. Do let us know if you are coming as we are often and about, and not in there.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
24/7

You can text us any time, day or night.

Confidential

Your messages with us are confidential and anonymous.

Free

It is free to text Shout from all major mobile networks in the UK.

Get involved

Donations doubled in the Big Give Christmas Challenge

Simply support Shout's Big Give campaign by midday on 5 December, and your donation will be doubled!

Can you help us hit our match funding target of £50,000 and support a further 5,000 people this winter?

Find out more

Get help

Ways to cope with upsetting events in the news

If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious or sad about what's going on in the news, know that you're definitely not alone. Here are some actions we can take to help us cope better through times like this.

Find out more

I think Shout saved my life tonight... no one has ever made me feel so safe, listened to and understood

Shout texter

GET HELP

Online resources and support

However you're feeling right now, you don't have to face it alone. We're here to support you with your mental health.

Take a look at our resources, information and support, find further help or reach out to one of our volunteers.

Resources for you

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Shout - UK's 24/7 Crisis Text Service for Mental Health Support

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shout 85258 is the UK's first 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis. Get free, confidential mental health support anytime, anywhere. Text 'SHOUT' to 85258.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Download the nursing

version of ShinyMind

I already use ShinyMind, will I automatically get access to the Nursing LifePacks?

To benefit from the new Nursing LifePacks you will need to register as a Nurse, Midwife, Nursing Associate or HCSW by clicking here.

I'm having problems registering for the nursing version, what should I do?

If you are having problems registering for the nursing version of ShinyMind, all you need to do is register here and we will get you up and running as soon as possible.

I am a doctor/paramedic within NHS England, can I access ShinyMind?

ShinyMind is currently working with NHS England and Improvement as part of our secondment to co-create a doctor/medical practitioners' version and will roll this out in the future. Please contact hello@shinymind.co.uk if you would like to help take part in the co-design work.

I am a nurse outside of NHS England, can I still access ShinyMind?

ShinyMind is currently working with NHS Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to roll-out to the nursing family within these areas in the future.

The Nursing Version of ShinyMind is now live

We've officially launched and gifted the nursing version of ShinyMind to all NHS nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare support workers in England!

Thank you to the thousands of nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare support workers who joined our online launch event 'You can't pour from an empty cup', hosted by Professor Gemma Stacey, CEO and Director of Florence Nightingale Foundation Policy Unit.

Gemma was also joined by our nurse Q&A panel with Professor Steve Hams MBE MStJ, Chief Nurse at North Bristol NHS Trust, Martin Hogan, Senior Education and Workforce Development Nurse of South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust, Marsha Jones, Deputy Chief Nurse at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, and Janet Thornley, Strategic GPN Lead for the BLMK ICB.

Karen Storey, seconded from NHS England and Improvement as our Nursing and Retention Lead, invited nurses from across the country that have been helping us with the development of the nursing version, and who wanted show their support, to share with us how they use ShinyMind to keep their cups full.

Rebecca Howard, CEO and Founder of ShinyMind, also delivered an interactive self-compassion session and our special guest Michael Rosen recited live his new poem for nurses.

Watch 'You Can't Pour From An Empty Cup' Launch Event

If you are a NHS nurse, midwife, nursing associate and healthcare support worker in England you can help to support your mental health and wellbeing by downloading the nursing version of @shinymindcoach
for free: https://t.co/f9zUXIL2oO 😍
- #HelloMyNameIsJoan 💙 🇺🇦 (@RoaringNurse) November 17, 2022

Help us spread the word

Download our awareness pack to help us promote the nursing version of ShinyMind through social media and through your organisations. Thank you once again for everything you are doing to help ShinyMind so we can support our valuable Nursing workforce.

Building a nursing version of ShinyMind

Eminent members of the profession from academia and practice make up our Nursing Advisory Board, and have joined forces with ShinyMind as champions and ambassadors to combat burnout in nursing, as well as to tackle current retention and recruitment issues.

Alongside this, we are receiving senior secondment support from Karen Storey, NHS England and Improvement, as our Nursing Retention and Liaison Lead, which has enabled us to further develop digital resources to further support nurses with their health and wellbeing.

With this secondment support and that of the Nursing Advisory Board, key nurse leaders, nurses, midwives, health support workers across the country and the help of the Florence Nightingale Foundation, Foundation of Nursing Studies and Cavell Nurses' Trust, we are now proud to launch a nursing version of ShinyMind to over 500,000 of the country's nurses, midwives and health care support workers.

We have built continuous research into our nursing work, with a national piece of research launched to understand where nurses are now, how ShinyMind helps and what resources they need to help them shine.

Meet the Nursing Advisory Board

Recent research with nurses found

Co-designed with support from...

Help shape the future
of nursing resources

Sign up to become a ShinyMinder today and get involved in shaping future support to help improve the wellbeing of the nursing family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nurses, Midwives & Healthcare Support Workers - ShinyMind

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
I already use ShinyMind, will I automatically get access to the Nursing LifePacks? To benefit from the new Nursing LifePacks you will need to register as a Nurse, Midwife, Nursing Associate or HCSW by clicking here. I'm having problems registering for the nursing version, what should I do?

# data[].attributes.headline
24/7 helpline for doctors & medical students

# data[].attributes.subject
24/7 helpline for doctors & medical students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
The British Medical Association is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
About our wellbeing services

Our wellbeing services include a range of free and confidential services and information to help support doctors and medical students:

- Confidential 24/7 counselling line, and peer support service for all doctors and medical students.

- BMA members, plus their partners and dependents (aged 16-24 in full-time education), can also access a free structured course of up to six sessions of therapy with a counsellor.

- A UK wellbeing support directory detailing various support services by geographical availability on our sources of support page.

The services are confidential and free of charge.

These are not emergency services. If you require urgent assistance, please contact your GP, or visit your local A&E department.

The BMA is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated with dignity and respect at work. While we understand that you may be under stress when you contact us, where staff do not feel they are being treated with respect they are empowered to end calls as a part of safeguarding staff wellbeing.

Counselling service

Our counselling service is provided through our accredited provider Health Assured. All counsellors are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and bound by strict codes of confidentiality.

When to use it

The counsellors are here to help you deal with a variety of issues, both personal and work-related.

By seeking constructive help, you may identify ways of addressing the root causes of your concerns and develop strategies to reduce the impact of the consequences.

How to use it

Contact us to speak to a counsellor

Online - visit the online portal and request support via the contact us form.

What will happen when I call?

Usually, a qualified counsellor will answer. On rare occasions when all counsellors are in another call, an advisor may answer instead.

If it's your first call, they'll ask for:

The name of the organisation through which you have contact to the service (i.e. BMA)

Your name and contact details - to correctly identify you if any further contact is required and to provide consistent support.

Your date of birth - the service is only available to those above the age of 16.

Your post code and organisation - in case you present as an immediate risk and the counsellor is required to alert the emergency services.

BMA members (or their partner/dependents) wishing to access a structured course of therapy (of up to six sessions) following a clinical assessment, will also need to provide an access code which can be found by logging into your BMA account (when logged in the code will be located at the top of this page).

If you've called before, they'll ask some security questions (e.g. your date of birth, or post code).

They'll ask you what your call relates to. This is to make sure you get the right support, as quickly as possible.

In the unlikely event that a counsellor is unavailable, they'll arrange a call back at a time that suits you.

The counselling service is confidential. All our counsellors are members of the BACP and are bound by strict codes of confidentiality.

How it works

The counsellors use a proactive approach to supporting you. They will provide you with space and time to talk about your concerns and provide guidance and mindfulness techniques that will help you in the present.

A few simple changes are often enough to make a world of difference. The counsellors may suggest useful resources that will help you make those changes - you may feel that is enough. At the end of the call, the counsellor will also explain the options available to you moving forward.

You can choose to simply call back if you would like to talk again or, if you're a BMA member and you would like to explore the option of structured counselling, the counsellor will offer to complete a clinical assessment with you.

Structured counselling

In addition to the 24/7 counselling line, BMA members can also access a free structured course of therapy with a counsellor.

If you decide structured counselling is for you, the counsellor will carry out a clinical assessment. This takes around 20 minutes and can also be completed at a time best for you.

Health Assured will take into consideration biological, psychological and social factors during the assessment. It allows the counsellor to explore your concerns with you, and identify goals for counselling.

A structured course of counselling consists of up to six sessions (50 minutes each) with the same counsellor by telephone or video call.

The counsellors use a 'solution-focussed' approach in therapy, which focusses on the here and now.

It was a life-saver for me. I know it's not an 'emergency service' but it was a crisis to me. And I was so grateful it is 24/7.

Peer support service

When to use it

Our service covers a variety of issues. The most common reason is for help dealing with difficult working relationships or work and study pressures.

You can speak in confidence to another doctor. This is peer support with an emotional focus.

Our peer support doctors provide a reflective space and work with you to gain insight into your problems.

This is not an emergency service. Should you require urgent assistance, please contact your GP, or visit your local A&E department.

How to use it

Contact us and ask to speak to a 'peer support' doctor.

Provide your name, contact number, address, date of birth, and job role.

You will be given the details of one of our doctors, who are experienced in supporting colleagues.

Text the peer support doctor on the number you've been given, to say you are contacting them for peer support and would like to arrange a time to speak.

You can then arrange ongoing conversations at mutually convenient times.

How it works

One call may be enough for you to discuss your issues. However, our peer support doctor will talk to you about whether further phone calls would be helpful.

The length of a call depends on your needs.

Although our doctors do not provide diagnoses or treatment, they can (if appropriate) signpost you to other sources of support.

Peer support doctors

Read first-hand accounts from some of our peer support doctors.

Peer support doctors Shake Seigel, Lailah Peel, Dick Symonds and Michael Dawson talk openly about how the service works, why someone might use it, and the ways in which they can help:

Listen to more interviews with our peer supporters

She understood because she has been there, in a way that people outside medicine could not comprehend.

Further information

For further information about our services, please call 020 7383 6110 or email [email protected]

Please note that this phone number and email address are only monitored 09:00-17:00, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays and 28 December).

However, the counselling line is available 24/7, 365 days of the year.

Feedback to us

We're continually evaluating the quality of the services we provide.

Please submit your feedback on the service you received. It should only take a couple of minutes.

You can choose to submit feedback anonymously should you wish to.
Submit feedback
Privacy notice

Our peer support service only collects data and personal information from you. Categories of data collected will include name, telephone number, ethnicity, specialty, geographical location, age, and gender. This data will be held for up to 20 years to ensure quality and consistency of service and in line with our legal requirements.

We do not disclose this information to any third parties unless legally obliged to.

In those rare cases where a doctor's health problem appears to pose a risk to their patients, the peer support doctor has a responsibility to prevent harm.

The peer support doctor will try to encourage the doctor to obtain appropriate help to change whatever presents a risk to patients. Failure on the doctor's part to comply will mean that the peer support doctor will have to take advice on how to act and this may be by contacting the GMC. However, we anticipate these occasions will be very rare and will only ever be undertaken as a means of last resort.

For further details see the BMA's privacy policy.

Our counselling service is provided in partnership with Health Assured. Please visit the Health Assured website for privacy policy and GDPR compliance statement.

Your interactions with the counselling and peer support services will not be linked to any BMA membership records.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Counselling and peer support for doctors and medical students

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Free and confidential 24/7 counselling and peer support services open to all doctors and medical students (regardless of BMA membership), plus their partners and dependents, on 0330 123 1245. There is always someone you can talk to.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to our 'Wellbeing page' for #TeamSFH colleagues. Below you will find a variety of helpful guides and tools to support you, your team and your family's wellbeing.

Managers Toolkit
Find the Manager's Guide on How to Support your Colleagues' Health and Wellbeing (New for March 2023) here
Printable Wellbeing Leaflet for Colleagues

Download an up-to-date version of the colleague support guide, please click here

VIVUP Staff Support Hub

If you are in acute distress and require immediate mental health support there is a dedicated self-referral staff helpline that is provided by VIVUP.

You can also contact VIVUP, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), to confidently discuss any emotional, personal or work-related issues. These discussions do not get reported back to the Trust.

📞 03303 800 658 FREE, confidential and available 24/7, 365 days a year.

💻 or browse vivup.co.uk for support guides, workbooks, audio books for self-help information and the benefits portal.

Mental Health Crisis Access Line
If you, a colleague, friend or family member are in acute distress and require immediate mental health support you can contact the Mental Health Crisis Access Line (provided by Turning Point in Partnership with Nottinghamshire) on:
📞0808 196 3779 FREE, confidential available 24/7, 365 days a year.
💻or visit Home | Nottinghamshire Crisis Sanctuaries

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to our 'Wellbeing page' for #TeamSFH colleagues. Below you will find a variety of helpful guides and tools to support you, your team and your family's wellbeing.

# data[].attributes.body
Free resource by Make Birth Better

# data[].attributes.body
ToM conversations at SFH

# data[].attributes.body
The STAR method | National Careers Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Use the STAR method to plan your answers to interview questions and to show your skills and experience on a CV or application form.

What STAR stands for

situation - the situation you had to deal with

task - the task you were given to do

action - the action you took

result - what happened as a result of your action and what you learned from the experience

When to use STAR

You can use the STAR method in your:

How to use STAR

You can use the STAR method to structure the examples you give to questions, especially in interviews. You can use it to highlight particular skills and qualities you have that the employer is looking for.

When using STAR, remember:

you can use examples from work, home or volunteering

keep examples short and to the point

try to get your points across in a conversational way so as not to appear too rehearsed

be prepared to answer follow-up questions about the examples you give

Example 1

Tell me about a time when you have shown leadership skills.

Situation - in my previous digital marketing job, the company wanted to get more people to sign up to a newsletter which was not receiving a lot of attention.

Task - my job was to find a way of getting more people to sign up.

Action - I organised a meeting with other important members of the marketing team to come up with creative ideas, and I led the social media campaign to generate interest in the revamped newsletter.

Result - over a period of 3 months, there was an 25% increase in sign-ups to the newsletter and the approach I took was used by the management team in other departments.

Example 2

Give me an example of when you faced a problem at work. How did you handle it?

Situation - I was working in a florist shop with the manager and we were arranging an order of flowers for 2 weddings. The manager, who had taken the order, had mixed up the customers' addresses and the flowers were delivered to the wrong venues.

Task - I had to get the flowers to the right place and apologise to the customers.

Action - I told my boss that I would deal with the mistake, leaving her to take care of the shop. I spoke to both customers on the telephone to explain, and reassured them that we would put things right straight away. I drove to both venues, swapped the flowers in time and apologised in person. I gave both customers a voucher for a bouquet as compensation.

Result - the customers were grateful that we had acted quickly. Later on, they both came back to the shop to spend their vouchers and have since recommended us to their friends.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Use the STAR method to plan your answers to interview questions and to show your skills and experience on a CV or application form.

# data[].attributes.headline
Freedom to Speak Up Champions in Maternity

# data[].attributes.subject
Freedom to Speak Up Champions in Maternity

# data[].attributes.body
A birth trauma resource for support & training for parents & health professionals

Make Birth Better

# data[].attributes.headline
Why not attend a meeting to support your development?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why not attend a meeting to support your development?

# data[].attributes.body
List of regular meetings you might like to attend:

Triggers - Teams or face to face every Tuesday 12 midday. Discuss recent Datix incidences.

CTG meeting - Teams Friday lunchtimes - interesting recent CTGs

# data[].attributes.body
Are you getting everything you need?

What can you do to ensure you are?

# data[].attributes.headline
Group Restorative Supervision (RCS) 2022/3

# data[].attributes.subject
Group Restorative Supervision (RCS) 2022/3