Optima Supports Project Wingman with Mental Health and Coaching Programme for NHS Volunteers

Optima delivered targeted mental health training and one-to-one coaching to NHS volunteers involved in Project Wingman, under commission from NHS England’s National Volunteering Unit.

Project Wingman, recently referenced on BBC Breakfast, was a national initiative that saw grounded airline staff support NHS services during the COVID-19 pandemic. From flying medical supplies across the UK to offering wellbeing lounges inside hospitals, their impact was both practical and powerful.

But behind this service was a hidden toll: the emotional and psychological strain of working in unfamiliar, high-pressure environments during a national crisis.

Commissioned by NHS England to Deliver Structured Support

Between March 2022 and June 2023, Optima was commissioned by NHS England’s National Volunteering Unit (formerly Health Education England) to provide workforce mental health support through:

• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training for NHS and Project Wingman volunteers
• One-to-one coaching and wellbeing support for those needing additional care
• Programme leadership, including evaluation, quality assurance and participation in national peer networks

Of the 1,000 volunteers trained nationally across four providers, Optima trained 250 individuals, while also contributing to programme design and implementation.

Photo by Project Wingman

A Clinically-Led, Evidence-Based Approach

Optima’s delivery was led by a registered mental health nurse and former NHS Trust Head of Mental Health, ensuring all support met the highest standards of clinical integrity and sector relevance.

Key features of our approach included:

• Adherence to NICE guidelines and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities recommendations
• Embedded safeguarding protocols aligned with NHS policy
• Use of experienced workforce coaches with a deep understanding of healthcare stressors

This model enabled volunteers to process their experiences, manage stress, and build long-term personal resilience.

Why This Matters Now

As pressures across NHS services continue, the learnings from Project Wingman remain critically relevant. Volunteers and frontline staff are a vital part of the healthcare workforce and structured mental health support must be part of the long-term workforce resilience strategy.

“We supported aviation professionals stepping into NHS volunteer roles at an emotionally complex time. Their needs were unique, but their challenges — anxiety, workload stress, identity disruption – echo those we still see across the health and care system today.”
– Optima Clinical Lead

Talk to Us

Optima continues to partner with NHS organisations, ICSs and local authorities to deliver coaching and mental health support programmes tailored to the workforce challenges of today and tomorrow.

Contact us to learn more about our coaching and training solutions for health and care teams.