Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of NHS staff is vital – not only for their own health but also for the quality of care they deliver. In a recent guest blog for Mental Health at Work, NHS Employers’ Chief Executive Danny Mortimer highlighted an important truth:
“Staff must feel able, rather than obligated, to stay in work if they are experiencing mental ill health.”
This message is particularly relevant for CAMHS professionals and mental health workers, who often face high levels of emotional demand in their roles.
Why this matters for CAMHS professionals
For those working in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue are real challenges. Creating workplace cultures where NHS staff feel supported – rather than pressured – can make the difference between thriving at work and struggling in silence.
Building a supportive NHS workplace
Danny Mortimer’s words go beyond policies on sick leave. They highlight the need to create conditions where:
Staff wellbeing is prioritised.
Workplaces provide psychological safety and support.
Mental health workers feel valued, not stigmatised, when seeking help.
For mental health practitioners, psychologists, nurses, and support staff in CAMHS, this means fostering environments where professional resilience is strengthened and staff can deliver the best possible care to young people and families.
The next step for NHS mental health workforce wellbeing
As conversations around workplace wellbeing grow, it is crucial for NHS trusts, managers, and leaders to take practical steps. Initiatives like peer support, flexible working, and access to dedicated wellbeing resources are not just “nice to have” – they are essential for staff retention and patient outcomes.
To read Danny Mortimer’s full article, visit Mental Health at Work
