UNISON pushes for more mental health support after ambulance service deaths

UNISON Eastern is deeply saddened to learn of the recent sudden deaths of three colleagues at the East of England Ambulance Service and we send condolences to the families and friends of those who died.

We are working with the Trust to improve mental health support for ambulance staff and a dedicated helpline with trauma specialists is now available.

UNISON regional organiser Sam Older said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of the three ambulance workers whose lives have been so tragically cut short.

“While we don’t want to speculate on the causes of these deaths, we recognise how important it is for staff to receive the mental health support they need at work, particularly in such a stressful and potentially traumatic job in the ambulance service.

“UNISON is pushing the Trust to do more to look after the health and wellbeing of its staff, as a result of which employees now have access to a dedicated helpline with dedicated trauma therapists, and we will do everything we can to look after our members.”

If you need to talk to someone about what you’re going through, you can call Samaritans any time, day or night, on 116 123.