Funding to boost wellbeing of NHS workers ahead of record winter pressures  

NHS workers in England will benefit from £2.4m in wellbeing support as the health service prepares for what is expected to be its busiest winter on record. The funding, announced by NHS Charities Together and NHS England, forms part of an £11m programme designed to improve mental and physical health support for staff. 

Nearly half of NHS employees (47 per cent) say their job is affecting their mental health and 41 per cent report an impact on their physical health, according to a YouGov survey. The latest grants aim to address the pressures felt across the workforce by backing 29 projects that focus on early intervention, recovery and better access to support. 

Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said many NHS workers feel privileged to do their jobs but face sustained pressure that affects their wellbeing. She said a healthy workforce is vital for a sustainable NHS and that charities have a role in scaling interventions that work. The programme has been shaped through engagement with frontline staff and evidence from previous local projects. 

The funding will be used to test and develop solutions for challenges identified by staff themselves. These include support for night shift teams, tools for neurodivergent workers and improved access to trauma support. Staff emphasised the need for a shift away from crisis-only responses, calling instead for accessible, proactive support, better line management culture and reduced stigma around seeking help. 

One of the initiatives receiving investment is Project Night-Owl at St George’s Hospital in London. The project focuses on the physical and mental strain of night work through digital sleep tools, on-shift health checks, mental health first aid access and improved rest spaces. The charity will also train 50 Night-Owl Champions to support cultural change across departments. 

Dr Sarah Jolly, consultant in emergency medicine at St George’s, said night working can take a “real toll” on staff and that simple changes – such as better lighting, rest areas and shift patterns aligned with circadian rhythms – can make a significant difference. Davina Metters, director of fundraising and communications at St George’s Hospital Charity, said the funding will help address the specific needs of night workers and create an approach that could inform support across other NHS settings. 

The announcement comes as A&E and ambulance services prepare for winter demand. NHS England expects pressure to intensify, with stress tests and resilience checks already underway. Leaders say protecting staff wellbeing will be essential to maintain safe care levels during the season. 

The 29 charities receiving grants include ambulance service charities, acute hospital charities and organisations supporting mental health trusts. Each will deliver projects tailored to local workforce needs but aligned with national goals to improve culture, retention and health outcomes for staff. 

NHS Charities Together said it aims to share learning from all funded projects to influence longer-term approaches, including in the context of England’s forthcoming 10-year health plan.