ON CALL NUMBER: 020 7921 5200 (available 24hrs)

LINC is a developing peer support network. Staff from all areas and levels of the LAS have been trained and are now practising as LINC workers. The selection and training process is thorough, so every LINC worker has demonstrated a high level of dedication. There are now about 55 LINC workers.

The aim of LINC is to promote physical, psychological and emotional well-being of staff. The scheme is there to support any member of staff. This is regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, religion, culture, sexual orientation, role within the service, or rank. LINC provides a 24 hour confidential listening service. Confidentiality would only be breached in exceptional circumstances where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others, and this would be discussed with you first. Anything of concern may be raised, whether work related or to do with your life outside of the LAS.

LINC workers are not trained counsellors, and do not aim to ‘solve’ all situations. They are there to listen, support and if necessary advise on other relevant sources of help. Anything of concern may be raised, whether work related or to do with your life outside of the LAS. They are people that care.

Most LINC Workers are also TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) trained, see below for details.

How do I talk to a LINC worker?
Accessing LINC workers is done confidentially, by contacting a LINC worker by phone or in person. Alternatively you could contact a Senior LINC worker. You do not have to access the nearest LINC worker to you. There is a choice; for example you may prefer to contact someone who does not know you. Your local management team are familiar with LINC and are able to work with LINC workers to support you.

Click here to see a list of Linc workers and contact details
 

What is TRiM? (Trauma Risk Management)
Some incidents in which staff are involved can be distressing regardless of previous experience. It can help to talk the experience through and normalise reactions to such incidents. LINC workers are available to support you after an incident, either by listening or meeting with you in their role as a TRiM practitioner.

TRiM was developed by the Royal Marines. It is a common sense approach to post incident management carried out by LINC workers trained in TRiM. It aims to ensure that staff receive the correct support after an incident.

TRiM consists of 2 sessions, one month apart. In the session, the incident is talked through in a factual way. The TRiM Practitioner discusses normal reactions and ways of coping and checks to see how people are coping. Practitioners can also suggest additional help that may be appropriate.

Where can I get other support?  Other areas for support include:
Counsellors: professionally-trained counsellors offering confidential counselling for both work and non- work issues at seven locations across London.

For further details about LINC, contact any LINC worker.

For general information or should you have any concerns, issues or indeed, positive feedback about your experience of LINC, please contact Chris Hutchinson, LINC manager
on 020 7921 5206 or by email: chris.hutchinson@lond-amb.nhs.uk.