We’re told to switch off the news if it’s affecting our mental wellbeing, but what happens when you are the news?

When it’s your job to know the ins and outs of every world tragedy, accident, mental health crisis, war, death toll, or massacre?

Pitted against each other in a bid to achieve the best statistics and be the most-read news, the environment between outlets can often be toxic.

However, at the heart of each and every company are reporters – who will be subject to all manner of content which could pose a threat to our mental wellbeing: from flurries of hateful comments, targeted emails and readers tracking down our personal social media accounts; to having to view disturbing, saddening and potentially traumatic images, footage or even live events; as well as conducting potentially uncomfortable, abusive, and triggering interviews.

While you can argue journalists have chosen a life in the media and dedicated their time to covering the news, whether the good, the bad or the ugly,

we are human beings too.

There’s only so much we can – and should – become desensitised to. 

Journalists deserve a support network. 

A place that offers the space to offload our concerns, worries and stresses, to limit any emotional burden we take home with us. A place which offers specific advice for our role in society and a sense of community where we feel less alone.

Somewhere which alleviates some of the pressures we’re under by simply listening and that has an understanding of our role.

A place not driven by statistics of revenue, but one that centres mental health at its core.