Staff wellbeing

DGPA Resources Illustration

Supporting wellbeing across general practice.

General practice staff in Dorset are professional, dedicated and hard working. They have to be - patient need and access to hundreds of thousands of appointments each year reflects the tireless hard work of the staff, from GPs, nurses, and healthcare assistants to our receptionists and all the practice staff who are at the frontline of our healthcare system.

The Alliance offers practical support such as events, coaching, communications tools, and culture initiatives, to help you and your team be well, together.

Keep reading to find out what we offer.

If you or someone you know needs urgent support, don’t wait:

  • NHS - Call 111 and press option 2. Always open.

  • Dorset Mind - 0300 102 1234 - open 9am - 5pm weekdays

  • Samaritans - 116 123 - Always open

  • Campaign Against Living Miserably - 0800 58 58 58 Open 5pm - midnight

  • If you are under 35, PAPYRUS (prevention of young suicide) - 0800 068 4141 or text 88247 - Always open.

If you are unsure if you need is ‘urgent’, call anyway, to talk this through.

For less urgent mental health support:

  • Practitioner Health - is a free, confidential NHS primary care mental health and addiction service with expertise in treating health & care professionals.

    The service can help with a range of mental health conditions and addictions in primary care settings.

  • NHS Mental Health Support – Access free wellbeing resources for NHS staff.

  • Dorset Mind – Mental health support, counselling, and mindfulness sessions.

  • Samaritans – 24/7 confidential support at 116 123 or visit their website.

How the Alliance supports you

We know the pressures general practice teams are under and our wellbeing surveys tell us what staff need.

We know a healthy and happy team leads to a great work experience for all team members, and ultimately better care for patients.

The Alliance has been supporting practices to help them look after their teams in the following ways:

  • Workplace culture and connection

    Alliance‑led wellbeing‑focused events.

    Wellbeing advice on regular Alliance bitesize email updates.

    New wellbeing webpage.

  • Training and coaching

    Workshops by leadership coaches

    Tools for conflict navigation, resilience, self‑care

    Partnership with the Primary Care Training Hub to ensure there is support in place for leadership, management and training that is relevant and accessible.

  • Workforce wellbeing strategy

    Annual staff wellbeing survey and action plan to support areas of need.

    Work with the ICB and LMC to ensure safe working procedures are in place.

    Develop communication materials and support for practices that can be used to encourage patients to treat all staff appropriately.

Your wellbeing matters. We’re here to support you.

Get in touch.

If you have questions about anything you have seen on this page please contact us at dorsetgpalliance@dorsetgp.nhs.uk or complete this form.