Helplines Awareness Day on February 23 shines a spotlight on the incredible work of helplines across the UK, which not only celebrates the dedicated people who make a difference every day but also raises awareness of just how much they can help.
Whether you need information, support or just someone to listen to you without judgement, helplines can provide a lifeline at a time when you are struggling or don’t know who to turn to.
At Newlife, the Nurse Helpline is staffed by professionally qualified registered nurses so you can be sure that when you ask questions specific to your child, you are getting a knowledgeable answer, and that all the support they offer is backed by experience too.
While the rest of Newlife’s Charitable Services team can provide information and updates about our Equipment Services, callers to the Nurse Helpline can speak to nurses about:
- Information on rare or complex health conditions
- Access to Newlife’s Equipment Services – Equipment Grants, Emergency Equipment Loans, Play Therapy Pod
- Information about local health and care professionals
- Information on national and local statutory and charitable services
- Support to address your individual needs
- Emotional care and support
- Supporting families when they have been given a diagnosis
Consultant Nurse Karen Dobson said: “I have been working with Newlife for more than 20 years and in all the time one thing has remained central – supporting children with disabilities and their families – which is why the helpline was launched.
“All callers are listened to and receive kindness and compassion – without a clock ticking down on how long we can speak with them.
“We support on a wide range of issues and parents and carers as well as wider family are welcome to call as often as they need us.”
Sometimes just talking things over with someone on the phone is easier than a face-to-face meeting, and with children, hospital appointments and jobs to juggle, the helpline is invaluable, especially as callers can speak to nurses who truly understand.
The Nurse Helpline team can also speak to those struggling with mental health issues.
Karen said: “We know caring for children with disabilities can be hard in so many ways. We speak to many who have no one else to talk to, or they don’t feel like they can talk honestly with their friends and family.
“When calling the helpline they can say exactly what’s on their mind, what’s really concerning them, without any judgment. It can help clarify things in their own minds or even help them see things from a different perspective.
“We also find parents and carers are often so caught up in caring for their children that they forget about themselves until they reach breaking point. We can help them navigate to find the help and support they need, which is something they don’t always know how to do, especially when they are overwhelmed and in survival mode which can means they aren’t able to look further than the moment.
“The most important thing we can do for those who call us is give them our time – and the whole team are great problem solvers!”
Call the Newlife Nurse Helpline Reception Team on freephone 0800 902 0095 to connect to our Nurses and arrange a Nurse call back or book an appointment to assist with your enquiry. The Nurse Helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm – excluding Bank Holidays (free from UK mobiles and landlines). Alternatively, you can email nurse@newlifecharity.co.uk
