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Mental health support for nurses: free access to online support, and no referral needed

Mental health therapies provider makes its evidence-based modules free to healthcare staff and the public in response to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Image from SilverCloud online resource

Online therapies normally used to support NHS mental health patients have been made freely available to nurses and the wider public in recognition of the stress of COVID-19.

The Space from Covid resource includes modules based on cognitive behavioural therapy and covers the common challenges of the pandemic such as sleep difficulties, depression and bereavement.

Evidence-based mental health therapies

The modules are created by SilverCloud Health, a digital mental health platform and sponsor of the Nursing Standard well-being centre. The company provides its evidence-based therapies via referral and is used by around 80% of NHS mental health trusts in England.

Clinical psychologist and Silver Cloud Health head of Europe Lloyd Humphries said: ‘We are in a new era of acknowledging that society’s recovery will take time to nurture. Space from Covid has been designed to provide people with simple, accessible help based on cognitive behavioural therapy as they adjust to their ‘new normal’.’

Impact of pandemic on healthcare professionals’ mental health

The expansion of access to the therapies to all adults in the UK has been welcomed by NHS Practitioner Health founder Dame Clare Gerada, whose service provides mental health support to health staff.

‘The challenges of the pandemic are being profoundly felt by individuals, as well as by many health workers who are themselves suffering stress, anxiety and burnout,’ she said.

‘Digital mental health therapy offers highly effective support and guidance at scale.’

Previously SilverCloud Health’s therapies were only available via NHS referral but can now be accessed directly by individuals.

Each module takes around 30 minutes to complete and is available via smartphones or computers.

SilverCloud Health – Space from Covid

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