Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he is having with social care providers regarding the mental health effects of the covid-19 pandemic on staff; and what steps he is taking to provide additional mental health support, with particular reference to (a) the impacts of trauma and (b) trauma counselling.

We have worked alongside the National Health Service and other organisations to develop a package of emotional, psychological and practical resources for the workforce and we are continually engaging with social care stakeholders throughout the pandemic to ensure that the most effective and impactful support is available.

We have supported Hospice UK to extend its bereavement and trauma counselling helpline to social care staff. This service offers a safe space for care workers to talk to a professional if they have experienced bereavement, trauma or anxiety as a result of the pandemic.

We have also provided specific wellbeing guidance on GOV.UK that signposts to the support available.