About Frontline19
Frontline19 is a non-profit organisation (CIC) established in early 2020 to provide free and confidential psychological support and counselling to frontline workers in the UK.
Founded by Psychotherapist, Claire Goodwin-Fee, it began as a response to the UK Covid pandemic and the desire to support keyworkers with their mental health. Our frontline health and care workers, as well as fire, police and teaching staff were under unimaginable pressure and needed urgent support.
Frontline19 started off as a simple page on social media, with Claire imagining she could help around 50 people. The first week the page was launched, 750 people came forward requesting help. Fast forward to the present day and Frontline19 now supports around 9,000 every single week and has proudly saved many people from suicide.
The Covid pandemic may now be over, but our frontline workers still need support. Levels of suicide and burnout are now shockingly high, with one in 4 healthcare workers having considered ending their lives. This is why Frontline19 has big plans to take our organisation from strength to strength, not only to support our workers, but to break down barriers and reduce stigma around mental ill health which prevents many from accessing help.
With a culture change there is more possibility of avoiding future tragedies for frontline workers and their loved ones.
We cannot continue our lifesaving work without regular funding and donations. If you’ve ever been grateful for a frontline worker, please consider donating.
Meet the team
Claire Goodwin-Fee
Claire leads the strategic direction of Frontline19. With nearly 20 years experience as a psychotherapist, counsellor, and clinical supervisor and a passion for mental health and well-being, she is also a delegate at UN Women UK, a speaker, and an advocate for the empowerment of others in regard to their emotional wellbeing. Claire has featured in various media outlets, such as BBC One Show, Marie Claire, The Sun, The Metro, Women’s Health Magazine, The Politics Show, and BBC News. Claire has have received multiple awards, including the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award, the Lockdown Hero of the Year, and the Best Healthcare Worker Emotional & Psychological Support Service – England.
Samantha Wathen
Originally a lecturer in further education, Samantha is an experienced external affairs professional in NHS-related comms and has a comprehensive understanding of and interest in the particular issues facing frontline healthcare professionals. She is passionate about advocating for better working conditions and the need to support the mental health of NHS staff. Samantha is an occasional journalist on NHS-related issues and her articles have appeared in The Metro, Independent, Tribune and Public Sector Focus Magazine.
June Dean
June Dean is the Clinical Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Frontline19. With 18 years of experience as a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist, June brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. She is a member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), with extensive experience working with adults and young people of all ages. June’s commitment to providing compassionate and effective care ensures that every client receives the support they need to thrive.
