Support, advice and resources
As healthcare practitioners, we put the health and wellbeing of our patients at the heart of what we do. It is however just as important to consider your own mental health and wellbeing, and know that there is always support available to you. We have pulled together a list of organisations and resources to help you whether that be through advice, specialist services or professional support groups and network.
Remember: There is always someone to talk to and you are never alone in how you are feeling. If you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to, call Samaritans on 116 123*
Mental health and wellbeing
Every Mind Matters Mental Health Action Plan. There are things we can all do to look after our mental wellbeing. Every Mind Matters can get you started with a free NHS online plan, showing you simple steps to help manage anxiety, sleep better and boost your mood. In addition to the Mental Health Action Plan, Every Mind Matters provides an array of helpful content which covers anxiety, low mood, stress, sleep, coronavirus and advice for parents and children and young people.
The iO COVID-19 resource hub provides a list of organisations and resources for anyone who is experiencing difficulties as a result of COVID-19 and needs legal, financial or employment advice and support. To visit the hub, click HERE.
Frontline 19 provide free and confidential psychological support service for all people working in frontline services in the UK.
Macmillan have created an Emotional Health and Well-being Hub to provide you with resources to help support your well-being during this challenging time. Find out more here.
Mind is a UK based charity aiming to provide help and respect with those experiencing difficulties with their mental health. A wealth of knowledge and information we recommend starting out by visiting their Tips for Everyday living page as well as their Coronavirus and mental health hub.
Curated by Mind and supported by the Royal Foundation this site has been set up to support mental health at work whether you work solo, in a small clinic or a large company. A hub of information this is your one-stop-shop for workplace mental health resources.
The mental health section of Osteopathy for Health includes useful tips for managing anxiety, adapting to lockdown and using mindfulness.
Samaritans is a charity who are available 24/7 to listen to people and communities in need of help. Aiming to assist in as well as prevent crisis they talk peoples through tough times alongside training others to do the same. If you or someone you know needs support, you can get in touch with them by calling 116 123, emailing jo@samaritans.org, by writing a letter to Chris, Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING FK8 2SA or visiting their website.
Here is a list of LGBQT friendly organisations and how they can help during these times of uncertainty.
Professional support networks for osteopaths
Mentoring – Mentoring can be a fantastic way to strengthen your support network, especially if you work in isolation. Visit here to find a mentor.
Osteopathic community groups – There are many local osteopathic community groups across the country. Find your nearest group here.
Let’s Talk Osteopathy: Open exclusively to osteopaths, our Facebook community group provides support and an opportunity to connect with other osteopaths. Here you will also find regular updates and advice to help support your practice. Join here.
Interested in setting up your own local community or interest group? In collaboration with the Osteopathic Development group read this guide on how to grow a thriving osteopathic collective.
Useful articles
- Osteopathy Today: Wellness Issue (October 2020) – This issue of OT provides an expansive catalogue of advice to help you manage your mental health and wellbeing.
- Creating your community of practice by Glynis Fox – As we enter a lifestyle where distancing is a (temporary) societal norm, Glynis Fox, iO Council Member, suggests that using community practice to connect with each other will be what lifts and drives the profession through.
- Staying healthy during a lockdown – Here we share some tips on how to adjust your day to day to support your wellbeing during these difficult times.
- COVID-19 Support – The current extended lockdown is a challenging time for many. We have created a list of organisations and resources for anyone who is experiencing difficulties and needs legal, financial or employment advice and support.
Have your say
We encourage our members to get involved in supporting the wellbeing of the osteopathic community. If you have any suggested resources including articles or organisations that you would like to share with us by emailing comms@osteopathy.org or post them on our Let’s Talk Osteopathy Community Facebook group.