AOP Peer Support line by the numbers

The AOP Peer Support Line has received more than 70 incoming calls and supported over 50 optometry professionals since it was launched in May 2017.

The free and anonymous listening service was established following the AOP's Health and Wellbeing Member Survey, which found that more than 55% of respondents were experiencing stress or high levels of stress.

Sources of pressure highlighted by the research included time constraints, performance issues and maintaining a work/life balance.

The Peer Support Line is currently looking to recruit more volunteers to the service.

Qualified AOP members who are working, retired or on a career break are eligible to apply to become volunteers. 

Applicants will be empathetic, non-judgemental, able to refrain from giving advice, have excellent listening skills and commit to being available to take calls two days per month, between 8am and 8pm.

Volunteering offers a great learning and development opportunity to members, and full training will be given.

For further information about the role, including details on how to apply, please email [email protected] by Friday, 23 February.