A study conducted by Kings College London in nine UK hospitals in the summer of 2020 found that nearly half of intensive care staff reported symptoms of severe anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or other harmful effects. One in seven had thoughts of self-harming or being better off dead. This was before the devastating second wave that hit over the winter.

Throughout the pandemic, staff wellbeing has been a priority of the Charity. Some of the things we have been able to do over the past year thanks to your support include:

- New and refurbished rest areas for staff

- Meals, snacks and treats supplied to staff working on the wards

- Skin cream to combat the effects of PPE and repeated hand washing

- A first class lounge area run by airline cabin crew who are able to offer a free coffee and a chat

However, it is clear that extensive programmes of specialist psychological support are required if we are to help staff recover from the emotional trauma caused by experiencing the effects of Covid-19 on a daily basis. This will include one-to-one therapy, group sessions and peer-to-peer support programmes.

Charitable support is essential if we are to meet the current and future needs of our frontline workers and help them to continue to provide exceptional care for our patients.

£25 will fund an hour's worth of support for an NHS frontline worker from our team of trained psychologists.