Urgent call for Eastbourne therapists to help NHS staff and key workers

Therapists Michaela Sheppard and Fari Rassekh have joined forces to offer free therapy sessions to frontline staff working during the coronavirus pandemic.

This newspaper put out an appeal for them, and the response has been overwhelming.

So the pair are calling for more therapists to join the project to support NHS staff and other key workers with free online therapy.

Eastbourne therapists offer free sessions for NHS staff and key workers

In a message to local therapists and counsellors, they said, “During this time of uncertainty and strain, key workers and our NHS frontline medical staff are facing huge challenges – including maintaining their own wellbeing and mental health.

“We want to do all we can to support them through this turbulent time with the provision of free therapy to those who most need it.

“Very often people have very few people to speak to – they don’t want to worry their friends and family, or burden their colleagues who are overwhelmed by their own emotions.

“You are the hidden engine of motivation, hope and perspective – uniquely placed to help in this once in a lifetime pandemic!”

They are seeking to partner with fully qualified and registered therapists who are willing to donate as much (or as little) of their time to help key workers alleviate some of the burdens brought on by the fight against COVID-19.

Volunteers can commit to as many hours and speak with as many clients as they would like, but there must be a minimum commitment to speak with one client, for six sessions, to participate.

According to Michaela and Fari, any fewer than six sessions per client risks losing meaning, context, consistency, and insight in the quality of therapy.

They said, “We recognise the chaotic rota NHS staff have and possible demand for one or two sessions for ‘someone to speak with’.”

All sessions will be conducted over the phone, or your current video conferencing platform.

Contact Michaela Sheppard by email at [email protected] or over the phone on 07715 832631.

Visit www.counsellingwork.co.uk for further information