Northern Ireland: Emotional and wellbeing support for dentists
18 October 2022
At a recent all area LDC Katy Skelton from Inspire gave a presentation on the General Dental Services (GDS) Assistance Programme. Inspire is a social enterprise, and one of the largest mental health and wellbeing service providers in the UK and Ireland.
Many personal factors can influence mental health and wellbeing. Inspire offer dentists' information and guidance on:
- Finances
- Legal matters
- Bereavement
- Caring for relatives and childcare
- Drug & alcohol misuse
- Depression & anxiety
- Discrimination
- Divorce
- Work life issues and stress management
The Inspire service is commissioned by the Department of Health and all dentists in Northern Ireland, working in GDS can access the service. It runs on a self-referral basis and is independent and confidential.
The telephone line is staffed by professional, qualified, and experienced staff (BACP accredited or equivalent) and offers immediate support, 24/7, 365 days per year.
The service also includes an online support hub with CBT based self-help programs and digital intervention for situational stress, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. There is also a wellbeing information library and mood tracker available to support you. A wallet card and leaflet explaining what the service offers are available to print and share with colleagues. You can reach out for support via email: workandstudy@inspirewellbeing.org or by calling: 0800 389 362.
The BDA also offer access to Health Assured for all our members across the UK, a confidential service including counselling and emotional support 24/7. They can also help with legal advice for you on any issues that cause anxiety or distress including debt management, accountancy, consumer disputes, property, or neighbour disputes.
