COVID 19 Wellbeing Resources for Workplaces

Many workers are continuing to work during this COVID19 situation. These include the many essential workers on the frontline: health, care, emergency and key workers, and the many people providing other services and keeping their organisations and businesses going through this testing time. 

We want to help make sure you get support with your emotional wellbeing and mental health, both now and in the future.

Below are links to a variety of resources to provide support for your wellbeing or your workforce's wellbeing.  Although the information is sorted into different categories much of the advice applies across sectors so please browse all the drop down menus for useful advice.   

You can also access additional wellbeing information by clicking on the image opposite and at our COVID hub

 

 

 

Click on the image for staying well during COVID-19

Staying Well during COVID logo
Staying Well during COVID logo

Suffolk Stick With It!     #suffolkstickwithit  

Suffolk residents are being asked to continue their great efforts, which are successfully reducing the spread of COVID-19.

Stick With It Suffolk is a campaign launched on Monday 18 May 2020 by Suffolk Resilience Forum, highlighting what we must all continue doing, to keep each other safe and to defeat the virus.

Recent data shows that around 1 in 600 people in Suffolk have tested positive for COVID-19, which compares favourably to Norfolk, Essex and the national average.

However, we are not out of the woods yet. The number is continuing to rise, although more slowly, which is why it is crucial that people keep following the instructions.

These are:

  • Keep staying at home

  • Keep working from home where you can

  • Keep 2 metres apart if you go out

  • Keep exercising safely

  • Keep washing your hands with soap and water

  • Keep self-isolating if you or anyone in your household has symptoms

  • Keep travelling by car, bike or walking

  • Keep staying safe at work

  • Keep shielding yourself if you’re vulnerable

  • Keep supporting local businesses

  • Keep looking out for each other
     

Suffolk Says Thanks!    #suffolksaysthanks


A new, colourful way for people across Suffolk to show their appreciation for others, is underway in Suffolk.  Suffolk Says Thanks recognises the small acts of kindness taking place across the county in response to the coronavirus pandemic.  It is being launched by the Suffolk Resilience Forum, which contains a specific group tasked with looking at emotional wellbeing in the community as a result of the pandemic.

As a direct result of the current situation, people may be experiencing mental health issues or their emotional wellbeing may be affected. To help with this, the simple act of saying ‘thank you’ is known to have a positive effect on both the person giving thanks, as well as the person receiving it.

Posters, cards and other colourful materials can be downloaded from the Suffolk Says Thanks website to provide inspiration for saying thank you in different ways. People are then invited to share their messages with others through the website and on social media using the hashtag #suffolksaysthanks.

Research into actions for promoting happiness has shown that demonstrating an act of kindness once a week over a six-week period is associated with an increase in wellbeing.  The act of giving is one of the ‘five ways to wellbeing’, which is an established framework setting out simple steps for improving day to day mental health

 

Building Resilience in businesses and organisations during Covid19

A toolkit  that was put together by Suffolk County Council and Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to help employers and individuals define what resilience means for them and to plan for more resilience in their organisations has been adapted to meet the challenges of COVID 19.
During the COVID19 response it is more important than ever to build resilience in the workplace and the toolkit can help you think about what impacts COVID19 may be having on business wellbeing.
 

Building Resilience during Covid 19 booklet

With many people facing redundancy we have created a Redundancy Support Pack to help you find the support and advice you may need. 

Redundancy is when you have been dismissed from your job because your role no longer exists within the organisation. There are many reasons why redundancy occurs, sometimes it is expected and you might maintain a good relationship with your employer, but the process is likely to greatly disrupt many aspects of your life. This guide has been produced to signpost you towards the support that you can access locally, as well as to give you information to make sure that you are being treated fairly.

 

Looking after health, safety and wellbeing during COVID19

Employers have a 'duty of care' for staff, customers and anyone else who visits the workplace. This means they must do all they reasonably can to support their health, safety and wellbeing.

It's good practice for employers to:

  • make sure everyone is social distancing if they come into the workplace
  • be especially careful and take extra steps for vulnerable groups, including those who are pregnant, aged 70 or over, or who have a long-term health condition
  • hold meetings as remote calls and avoid travel as much as possible
  • make sure managers know how to spot symptoms of coronavirus and are clear on any relevant processes, for example sickness reporting and sick pay, and procedures in case someone in the workplace shows symptoms of the virus
  • make sure there are clean places to wash hands with hot water and soap, and encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly
  • provide hand sanitiser and tissues for staff, and encourage them to use them
  • make sure everyone's contact numbers and emergency contact details are up to date
  • keep everyone updated on actions being taken to reduce risks of exposure in the workplace
  • keep up to date with the latest government advice

To keep up to date with the latest government coronavirus advice:

The Health and Safty Executive (HSE) has advice on a variety of Health and Safety issues during COVID19

Welfare for Drivers 

Stress Risk Assessment : If you feel stressed by your current work conditions talk to your manager about completing a stress risk assessment

Mind has a Corona Virus resource hub 

The hub has specific advice for wellbeing while working:
Coping as a Key Worker
Coronavirus and your wellbeing



 

YANA Helpline: 0300 323 0400

YANA can offer specific help for those involved in any way with farming or agriculture in Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcestershire - but wherever you live and farm you might find these pages useful.
 

Farming Helpline Call 03000 111 999

Struggling and not sure where to turn? Times can get hard for everyone, but help is at hand.Through just one phone call, farmers in need can access free, impartial and confidential support. More information on the Farming Help website

Wellbeing and accessing support during the COVID-19 pandemic - a ‘where to start guide’ for pharmacy staff

The NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service with London NW University Healthcare NHS Trust have developed "wellbeing and accessing support during the COVID-19 pandemic - a ‘where to start guide’ for pharmacy staff". This includes resources to encourage all staff to establish good habits with respect to their wellbeing from the outset and provides some immediate ‘go-to’ strategies and information to support ongoing wellbeing during the pandemic.