Picture (L-R): At the launch of the new service was Jennifer Griffin, General Manager, turn2me, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD, and Brian Holohan, Clinical Manager, turn2me. Picture by Naoise Culhane.
A free instant messaging service for frontline workers has launched, provided by turn2me. The service is open to everyone who works as a frontline worker – healthcare professionals, retail workers, teachers, tradespeople, and more.
The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, has launched a new online professional mental health service, developed to support people who are working at the frontline during COVID-19.
The service, which is being provided by turn2me with funding from Sláintecare, is free and available for anyone who works as a frontline worker – such as healthcare professionals, retail workers, teachers, tradespeople, and more.
Launching the service, Minister Donnelly noted that it has been a difficult year for everyone across the country, “but especially for our frontline workers.”
He continued: “While the majority of people were asked to stay at home, our frontline workers went to work. Among them were our healthcare professionals who acted selflessly, putting their own health at risk, in order to care for their patients. We owe them, and all frontline workers, a debt of gratitude.”
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD, Jennifer Griffin, General Manager, turn2me, and Brian Holohan, Clinical Manager, turn2me. Picture by Naoise Culhane.
Founded in 2009, turn2me was the first organisation in Ireland to provide professional mental health support services entirely online. Its new service for frontline workers is a peer support, instant chat service. Each session is facilitated by a mental health professional and supported by trained volunteers.
Brian Holohan, Clinical Manager with turn2me, said that demand for turn2me’s services has increased significantly – a spike of 386% at the height of the pandemic.
“The adverse psychological impact of working in such stressful circumstances, while at the same time dealing with the reality of COVID-19 in their personal lives, should not be underestimated,” Mr Holohan said. “There’s a large evidence base that peer support, like the service we’re launching for frontline workers, is effective and that it can also act as a helpful gateway for people who haven’t reached out for help before. If you’ve been struggling in any way, please know that you are not alone and that talking will help.
The adverse psychological impact of working in such stressful circumstances, while at the same time dealing with the reality of COVID-19 in their personal lives, should not be underestimated
“We have a team of mental health professionals and volunteers all over the country who are there to support you. Help is at your fingertips 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”
There are 20 groups available each week and there are job specific groups available, as well as groups based on shared issues such as stress, burnout and how to maintain a healthy work life balance. Groups are scheduled at different times in the day throughout the week to accommodate shift workers, and participants can remain anonymous when online. The content and timings of the groups were developed following consultation and discussion with frontline workers from different disciplines.
Laura Magahy, Executive Director of Sláintecare, said: “One of the main goals of Sláintecare is to support innovative initiatives that help people engage in their own health and the stepped model of care provided by turn2me is a fantastic example of just that, providing the right care, at the right time and in the right place. This new peer support group for frontline workers is a targeted initiative designed to support the people who have been to the forefront of maintaining all essential public services throughout the pandemic.”
Brian Holohan, Clinical Manager, turn2me, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD, and Jennifer Griffin, General Manager, turn2me. Picture by Naoise Culhane.
As well as being facilitated by a mental health professional, peer support is an important part of the turn2me model. Elaine O’ Donoghue is a community builder volunteer from Kerry who works with turn2me. Having worked as a teacher for more than 10 years she understands the pressures facing frontline workers. She encourages anyone who identifies as a frontline worker and who is in need of support, to try the service.
“Like many people, I struggle with my mental health sometimes and living in a rural part of Ireland I found it hard to find a service that was accessible,” she said. “I wish I had found turn2me sooner, it really helps me to maintain good mental health. Making that first step to seek help can be hard but the anonymous nature of the turn2me service means that you can be completely honest and open, in a completely non-judgemental environment and there’s a real comfort in that when you’re feeling vulnerable or mentally unwell. It unburdens the mind.
“Many frontline workers feel the need to maintain a brave face, and to act like they’re always confident and in control; for teachers for example, in front of the children, their parents, and your own friends and family. Admitting you’re stressed or struggling can feel like a sign of weakness but of course it’s not. Talking to other people in the same situation can really help.
“Sometimes it can be hard to know where or how to start when you feel mentally unwell. All you need to do is go to your phone or laptop and logon to turn2me.ie. The thought catcher and support groups are like a scaffolding to help you take the first step and provide a starting point for conversation. There’s a community of people there to support you and who know what you’re going through. There’s also the option to access professional counselling.”
To find our more visit https://turn2me.ie/