Support for staff

Making sure our NHS staff get the help they need when and where they need it

Our support for the Royal Free London workforce enables staff to perform at their very best, so they can achieve the best outcomes for patients.

Health and wellbeing

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we are there for our staff members across all our hospitals, where and when they need us.

From the safety net of mental health first aid to a crisis hotline for staff experiencing psychological distress, we’ve funded a raft of measures supporting mental and physical well-being.

Woman helping a member of NHS staff with a VR headset

VR is offered to staff to reduce anxiety and stress

Our grants have supported:

Designed by staff for staff, this initiative is focused on creating an inclusive health and wellbeing programme specifically for colleagues in NHS bands 1 – 5.
A staff training programme to deepen the understanding of what anti-racism in the workplace is and to explore what is required to impact day-to-day practice through education and skill development.
We have funded outdoor spaces for NHS staff at the Royal Free Hospital. Recently, the Cecil Rosen Intensive Care Unit Sky Garden “Healing Heights” opened for use by intensive care unit staff.
An initial response to distress in the workplace for staff experiencing issues affecting their mental wellbeing including depression, anxiety, bullying, bereavement and financial worries.
The resilience and emotional support for teams programme is a linchpin of support for hospital colleagues, offering face to-face emotional help to frontline teams.
Virtual reality technology to overcome anxiety, stress and burnout. RFL staff take part in a range of immersive experiences using simulator headsets, including drumming sessions, beach walks and deep-sea diving.
They report feeling calmer, less anxious and more relaxed after taking part in a VR therapy.
Rest spaces and wobble rooms where frontline staff can have respite from the pressure and emotional strain of their busy shifts.

Services

Two NHS staff members stroking a black Labrador therapy dog.

Sophie is a therapy dog volunteering at the Royal Free Hospital

As well as grants funding, we support staff through the delivery of a range of services, including:

As well as the general wellbeing, clinical massage is of particular benefit for staff at risk of repetitive strain injury due to their nature of their role.
Staff benefit from lower blood pressure, increased feel-good hormones and reduced stress after spending time with our therapy dogs in our drop-in sessions.
All staff can benefit from heavily-discounted NHS membership rates at our Rec Club, situated beside the Royal Free Hospital, where they can access a gym, pool, classes and fitness room.
Our volunteers in the chaplaincy-spiritual care team offer spiritual and pastoral care to staff. They’re here for everyone, of all faiths and none.
Free yoga classes at Royal Free Hospital every Tuesday combine gentle yoga flow sequences with mindful breathing and meditation.

Celebrating excellence

Staff awards

We’re proud to be the official sponsor of the annual staff awards, the Oscars, ensuring that the excellent contributions of staff are recognised and celebrated.