Hand-n-Hand peer support program

We all know that the COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse effect on the wellbeing of frontline health workers, including doctors.

A group of doctors have established Hand-n-Hand (Helping Australian & New Zealand Nurses and Doctors) in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hand-n-Hand provides free, confidential peer support for healthcare professionals and students.

Research tells us that peer support is an effective pre-clinical mental health intervention. This is what makes Hand-n-Hand different and particularly well suited to help doctors – the emotional and wellbeing assistance is provided in a setting where the facilitator and participant are equals.

How can you assist?

We encourage you, if you are interested and have time, to volunteer as a peer support facilitator with Hand-n-Hand.

At present, Hand-n-Hand particularly needs:

• GPs
• Surgeons
• Surgical trainees
• Medical student facilitators
• Allied health practitioners

If you lack experience in providing peer support, Hand-n-Hand runs facilitator training designed in collaboration with the Black Dog Institute. You can find out more about becoming a facilitator here.

Are you okay? Do you need support?

Alternatively, if you are struggling at the moment and would like to talk to a peer, please consider taking advantage of Hand-n-Hand’s free, confidential support.

Hand-n-Hand will match you with a trained peer support volunteer from a similar field and level of medical training.

Finally, if you need urgent assistance, you can find a list of resources available in your state and territory on the Avant Mutual website.