Bridging the Wellbeing Gap: Introducing a Low-Intensity Newsletter Initiative to Acute Adult Mental Health Settings

Background Mental health professionals (MHPs) face marked occupational pressures that compromise their wellbeing and impede initial treatment contact. Given the implications of delayed intervention, organisations should offer wellbeing initiatives that facilitate access to support for a greater number of staff. Method This mixed method service evaluation explores MHPs’ perceptions of a low-intensity psychoeducational newsletter. Namely, its impact on workplace wellbeing culture and the barriers or facilitators to meaningful engagement in Acute Adult Mental Health settings. Results MHPs’ quantitative (N = 12) and qualitative (N = 36) responses yielded themes relating to the newsletter’s role in making wellbeing considerations more consciously accessible, enhancing awareness of psychological support, and offering recognition through its brief and flexible format. These processes were perceived to unfold within wider operational and cultural contexts that may de-prioritise MHPs’ wellbeing. Conclusion This low-intensity newsletter initiative appears to enhance the accessibility and emotional salience of wellbeing for a larger number of MHPs in Acute Adult Mental Health settings. Peer support groups are recommended to help circumvent system-level barriers to newsletter engagement.