If you are in crisis
If you are in crisis and are unable to keep yourself safe, or are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide that you may act on, please consider the following emergency options:
- Go to any Hospital or A&E department or book an emergency appointment with your GP
- Call 999 and ask for an ambulance or for non-emergency health advice call the NHS on 111.
- If you need urgent support but don’t want to contact the health service call the Samaritans 24/7 helpline on 116 123.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry takes a trauma-informed approach
This means that as an organisation, we recognise that the Covid-19 pandemic was a distressing and traumatic experience for many people. We also acknowledge that each person’s experience of the pandemic will be different and we don’t make assumptions about peoples’ stories.
In our trauma-informed approach, we do not want to retraumatise or distress people who give evidence or share their experience with us. We train Inquiry staff to understand psychological trauma and prolonged grief so that they can work sensitively with members of the public and witnesses. This helps to support the well-being of the public and helps us to get a deep understanding of the issues that we are investigating.
Our trauma-informed approach prioritises:
- Physical and emotional safety
- Giving people a sense of empowerment
- Trustworthiness
- The experience of choice
- Collaboration
Our trauma-informed approach is also committed to moving past cultural stereotypes and biases.
If you need support while taking part in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, we’re here for you.
The Inquiry aims to investigate what happened during the pandemic and learn lessons for the future. We know that thinking or talking about Covid-19 can be challenging for some people. It can bring back upsetting memories or difficult feelings. That’s why we want to make sure everyone feels supported while they engage with the Inquiry. We have resources and support to guide you. Just pick the option that matches your involvement, and you’ll get the right guidance.
I am…
We recognise that as a Core Participant, you may feel strongly about the issues that the Inquiry is investigating and the way the Inquiry itself is working. We also recognise that thinking about the pandemic may bring up stressful and distressing feelings. Often, these feelings are temporary. However, there is help available to you if your wellbeing is affected by your engagement with the Inquiry.
What emotional support is available?
The Inquiry has contracted Hestia, an external counselling organisation, to provide confidential emotional support sessions to core participants. These sessions are available:
- Face-to-face on report publication day, with Hestia support workers
Core participants can approach support workers and they will be offered emotional support in a private and confidential space.
You may also wish to consult our resources on attending to your wellbeing and coping with upsetting reminders of COVID-19 and the pandemic.
What do emotional support sessions involve?
Emotional support sessions involve discussing any concerns and feelings related to your engagement with the Inquiry. Your support worker may suggest some ideas or tips to help support your well-being.
You can refer yourself to the service by sharing your name and contact details with Hestia by:
A member of the Hestia team will then contact you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment. If you are able, we recommend that you find a calm, quiet and private space for your appointment. This will help you to talk openly with the support worker and get the most out of your time.
What happens if I need further support?
If you think that you would benefit from additional support for your emotional wellbeing after your involvement in the Inquiry, the counsellor can signpost you to external services.
The pandemic affected every single person in the UK and, in many cases, continues to have a lasting impact on lives. Every one of our experiences was unique and an opportunity to share with the Inquiry the impact it had on you, your life, and the other people around you was available via our Every Story Matters webform and Every Story Matters public events, which have now concluded.
If you are feeling upset, you can contact an emotional support worker using the information below. They are there to listen and help you talk about your feelings.
Who can I contact if I become upset?
The Inquiry has contracted Hestia to provide confidential telephone and video call emotional support sessions for anyone who becomes upset and would like to talk to someone about how they are feeling.
You can refer yourself to the service by sharing your name and contact details with Hestia by emailing covid19inquiry.support@hestia.org.
If you requested support, a member of Hestia staff will contact you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment. We recommend that you find a calm, quiet and private space for your scheduled appointment. This will help you to talk openly with the support worker and get the most out of your session.
What do emotional support sessions involve?
You might like to talk about any concerns you have had about taking part in inquiry work. Your support worker might suggest some strategies or tips to help support you in the process. Afterwards, you might like to talk about how it felt to take part and what the impact has been for you.
What happens if I need further support?
If you think that you would benefit from additional support for your emotional wellbeing, the support workers can signpost you to external services.
You may also wish to consult our supportive resource on coping with upsetting memories of COVID-19 and the pandemic.
For any other support questions, please look at our Frequently Asked Questions.
Thank you for taking the time to support the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. We are aware that thinking about your experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic may be difficult. It is understandable to feel upset when remembering and describing stressful experiences. Often, these feelings are temporary. However, there is help available to you if your wellbeing is affected by your engagement with the Inquiry.
What emotional support is available?
The Inquiry has contracted Hestia to provide confidential telephone and face-to-face emotional support sessions. This support is provided by qualified support worker and is available to impact filming participants once the film has aired.
What do emotional support sessions involve?
After the film has aired, you might like to talk about how it felt to take part and what the impact has been for you.
You can refer yourself to the service by sharing your name and contact details with Hestia by emailing covid19inquiry.support@hestia.org
A member of Hestia staff will then contact you within 48 hours to schedule an appointment. We recommend that you find a calm, quiet and private space for your scheduled appointment. This will help you to talk openly with the support worker and get the most out of your session.
What happens if I need further support?
If you think that you would benefit from additional support for your emotional wellbeing after your involvement in the Inquiry, the support worker can signpost you to external services.
What emotional support is available?
The Inquiry has contracted Hestia to provide face-to-face emotional support sessions. This support is provided by emotional support workers who will be at every hearing. You can speak to an emotional support worker at any time during the day. You might like to speak to a support worker if you find you would benefit from some support.
What do emotional support sessions involve?
You might like to talk about any concerns or feelings you have about what you are listening to throughout the hearing. Your support worker might suggest some strategies or tips to help support you in the process.
You may also wish to consult our supportive materials on coping with upsetting memories of COVID-19 and the pandemic.
What happens if I need further support?
If you think that you would benefit from additional support for your emotional wellbeing after your involvement in the Inquiry, the support worker can signpost you to external services.
For any other support questions, please look at our Frequently Asked Questions.
Who are Hestia?
Hestia is an organisation which is separate to but contracted by the Inquiry, to provide free confidential emotional support to people as they participate in the Inquiry. All Hestia staff are qualified and experienced to provide emotional support. Information about Hestia can be found on their website: hestia.org. Hestia emotional support is available to enable you to engage with the Inquiry and look after your wellbeing during this time. Hestia staff can provide information about additional support services if needed. Hestia will invite you to share feedback on your experience of their support.
Support organisations
There are a number of organisations listed below which can provide support on different issues. Please contact one of them if you are in need of help.
Samaritans
The Samaritans are available any time, day or night, if you’re having a difficult time. You can get in touch about anything that’s troubling you, no matter how large or small the issue feels. The Samaritans are there to listen, no judgement, no pressure and help you work through what’s on your mind. Their freephone number is 116123. You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org.
Mind
A national mental health charity providing advice and support to anyone with a mental health problem. Their info line is available on 0300 123 3393. If you have hearing loss or difficulty speaking, call 018001 0300 123 3393 to talk to Mind via Relay UK. You can also use the NGT Lite app. If English is not your first language, Mind can provide an interpreter.
Relate
Relate offers support for a variety of issues including relationship counselling, family counselling, mediation, children’s counselling, young people’s counselling and sex therapy. They have a number of centres that offer in person services across the UK as well as offering counselling via phone, email or live chat, details of which can be found on their website.
YoungMinds
YoungMinds are a charity dedicated to young people’s mental health. They offer services to both young people and parents who are in need of assistance. Details of the support they offer can be found on their website.
Marie Curie
Marie Curie can help with practical information and support on all aspects of life with terminal illness, dying and bereavement. Their helpline number is 0800 090 2309 and is available in many languages.
Cruse Bereavement Support
Cruse is a leading bereavement charity who aims to make sure that everyone who is grieving gets the help they need. Cruse volunteers are trained in all types of bereavement and can help you make sense of how you’re feeling right now. Their phone number is 0808 808 1677.
National Bereavement Partnership
The National Bereavement Partnership provides a support helpline, counselling referral and befriending service for all those suffering from bereavement, grief, living loss, mental health issues, and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Their helpline number is 0800 448 0800.
Sands
Sands exists to reduce the number of babies dying and to support anyone affected by the death of a baby, before, during or shortly after birth, whenever this happened and for as long as they need support. Their helpline number is 0808 164 3332, you can also email them at helpline@sands.org.uk.
Child Bereavement UK
Child Bereavement UK helps families to rebuild their lives when a child grieves or when a child dies. They offer support to children and young people (up to the age of 25) when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying. Their helpline number is 0800 02 888 40. You can contact them by email on helpline@childbereavementuk.org and they also have an online chat.
Carers UK
Carers UK supports options for carers in the UK, whether your query is regarding finances, emotional support or your rights as a carer, Carers UK is there to provide support for your situation. You can seek advice via their email advice@carersuk.org or directly via their helpline on 0808 808 7777.
NHS Choices Website
The NHS website offers a complete health guide providing an extensive list of conditions, symptoms and treatments it also advises on when and where to best seek help. There is a specific portion of the website dedicated to providing advice and information on Covid-19 and its symptoms.
Covid19FamiliesUK
Covid 19 Families UK is a national network of support groups across the UK for anyone bereaved during the pandemic.
Long Covid Support
Long Covid Support is a charity providing information, advocacy and support for people with Long Covid. Their vision is for everyone affected by Long Covid to have access to appropriate treatment and support. Details of the support they offer can be found on their website.
UK CV Family
UK CV Family provides support to those injured or bereaved by the Covid-19 vaccine.
Long Covid Kids
Long Covid Kids is a charity dedicated to supporting families, children and young people living with Long Covid and related conditions. They provide information, resources, advocacy and a supportive community to help navigate the challenges of Long Covid.
For support and signposting, contact them at info@longcovidkids.org or visit the website at www.longcovidkids.org
Frontline19
A free independent, confidential and UK based nationwide service delivering psychological support to people working in the NHS and on the frontline. Details of the support they offer can be found on their website.
Protect
Protect is the UK’s whistleblowing charity. They offer free, confidential advice to those who have seen malpractice, risk or wrongdoing in the workplace. Details about the support they offer is on their website. You can call their advice line on 020 3117 2520, and they can organise BSL and multilingual interpretation if needed.
Childline
If you’re 18 or under, you can talk to Childline about anything. No problem is too big or too small. Chat to them online via their website or call them on 0800 1111.
NSPCC
The NSPCC offers therapeutic support to young people and works to prevent abuse. If you are concerned about a child’s safety contact them on 0808 800 5000 or if you are under-18 and are in need of support call Childline on 0800 1111. You can contact them using SignVideo if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
Young Minds
YoungMinds are a charity dedicated to young people’s mental health. They offer services to both young people and parents who are in need of assistance. Details of the support they offer can be found on their website.
Centrepoint
A charity dedicated to providing housing and support for young people who encounter homelessness. They offer an online chat service available on their website as well as a helpline on 0808 800 066. They can organise translation if you would prefer to speak in a language other than English.
Long Covid Kids
Long Covid Kids is a charity dedicated to supporting families, children and young people living with Long Covid and related conditions. They provide information, resources, advocacy and a supportive community to help navigate the challenges of Long Covid.
For support and signposting, contact them at info@longcovidkids.org or visit the website at www.longcovidkids.org
Shout
Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Citizens Advice
If the pandemic has caused you to experience financial hardship, Citizens Advice is available to provide advice and support. They have lots of information on their website or can be contacted by webchat, telephone or in person at one of their local offices. You can also contact them through RelayUK if you are deaf or speech impaired.
StepChange
A charity specifically geared to provide advice and support for those struggling with debt. They help provide solutions and services depending on your circumstances. Online advice is available on their website or you can call the helpline on 0800 138 1111. You can also contact them in BSL through InterpretersLive.
Shelter
A charity dedicated to helping people with homelessness. They have advice on their website or if it is an emergency and you cannot find somewhere to stay call them on 0808 800 4444. You can connect with them through RelayUK if you are deaf or speech impaired, and they have access to interpreters if required.
Crisis
Crisis is a charity dedicated to helping people out of homelessness. They offer support, training and education to help people with housing, health and employment. They also offer regional specific services that are listed on their website.
Centrepoint
A charity dedicated to providing housing and support for young people who encounter homelessness. They offer an online chat service available on their website as well as a helpline on 0808 800 066.
PACT
The Prison Advice and Care Trust is a national organisation that supports prisoners, people with convictions and their families. They offer support within the prison system, while families with loved ones who are incarcerated can contact their helpline on 0808 808 2003.
Nacro
A charity that offers a variety of services including those dedicated to helping people who are dealing with the justice system. Information can be found on their website, as well as access to training courses.
Victim Support
An independent charity dedicated to those who have been the victim of crime or other traumatic incidents, they are available to contact whether you have reported a crime or not. Further information is available on their website or through their live chat service. Their helpline can be accessed via 08 08 16 89 111 and they have access to multilingual interpreters if needed. You can contact them through RelayUK or in BSL using SignLive.
Refuge
Refuge are a specialist provider of domestic abuse support services in England and run the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which is the gateway to accessing specialist support across the country. Live chat is available on their website, as well as a webform you can fill out and be contacted at a safe time, the Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247. You can contact the helpline in BSL using SignVideo.
Men’s Advice Line
A charity that offers advice and support specifically for male victims of domestic abuse and those supporting them including family and friends and frontline workers. E-mail and webchat support services are available on their website and their emergency helpline is available on 0808 8010327. You can request an interpreter if English is not your first language. If you are unable to hear or speak on the phone, you can contact the helpline using the Next Generation Text Service facility.
NSPCC
The NSPCC offers therapeutic support to young people and works to prevent abuse. If you are concerned about a child’s safety contact them on 0808 800 5000 or if you are under-18 and are in need of support call Childline on 0800 1111.
Refugee Council
A charity that works with refugees and those seeking asylum. Their website offers a range of services including access to specific regional hubs that can assist with new refugees, children and young people, education, health and mental health as well as homelessness.
British Red Cross
The British Red Cross offers numerous services including those geared to help refugees and young refugees. Further details can be found on their website as well as information on access to your nearest refugee services. Their support line number is 0808 196 3651 and they can provide support in over 200 languages.
UNSEEN
A charity that specialises in eradicating all forms of slavery in the modern world, providing safe houses and support in communities. Concerns can be reported via their website and a 24/7 helpline is available on 08000 121 700. They also have access to multilingual interpreters.
Report Modern Slavery
Modern slavery can be reported to the government via their website alternatively you can call the modern slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.
Twins Trust is dedicated to supporting families with twins, triplets or more. They offer a free helpline service for any information or support needs; call 0800 138 0509. You can also access support via an online form.
The charity also offers a bereavement service for anyone who has lost one or more of a set of multiples, during or after pregnancy.
The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust provides dedicated information and support to anyone affected by ectopic pregnancy. Resources include a helpline, email exchanges, Zoom groups and an online forum and more information can be found on their website.
The Lullaby Trust offers confidential bereavement support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child. You can call their bereavement support helpline on Freephone 0808 802 6868 or email support@lullabytrust.org.uk. The helpline is open 10am to 2pm from Monday to Friday and 6pm to 10pm on weekends and public holidays.
Bliss provides a range of information and support to anyone who has had a baby born premature or sick. Bliss’ vision is that every baby born premature or sick has the best chance of survival and quality of life, and worked tirelessly throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure that parents were able to be with their babies in hospital throughout their neonatal stay. You can email hello@bliss.org.uk for support around experiences on neonatal units.
The Miscarriage Association provides free support and information to anyone affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy. It offers a staffed helpline, live chat and email service, peer support groups – both in person and online – and a comprehensive website. Call 01924 200799 (9am – 4pm, Mon – Fri) to speak to a trained support worker or go to www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk to find out more.
Pregnancy Sickness Support provides information and support to all those affected by pregnancy sickness.
The charity Aching Arms is a pregnancy and baby loss charity who donates its comfort bears to hospitals and hospices, for midwives and nurses to offer to bereaved parents in their care. Along with the bears, it also offers a free support service to parents after their baby loss, whether it was during pregnancy, at birth or soon after.
NCT is the UK’s largest charity for parents. Our website signposts to practical and emotional support in pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Our Infant Feeding Line is free to all parents who would like support with feeding their baby. Call 0300 330 0700 from 8am to midnight, every day of the year.
Disclaimer
The Inquiry does not formally endorse these organisations nor is this an exhaustive list of organisations that could provide you with support. We are aware there may be other organisations better placed to help you, and encourage you to reach out to wherever you are most comfortable sourcing assistance.