COVID 19 Wellbeing Resources for Workplaces

 

Many people have been working throughout COVID19. This includes the many essential workers on the frontline. There are many people providing services and keeping their organisations and businesses going.

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

On the drop down menu below there are links to resources for your or your workforce's wellbeing.  The information is shown in different categories but a lot of the advice applies across sectors. Please browse all the drop down menus for useful advice.   

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

 

 

 

Click on the image for staying well during COVID-19
Click on the image for staying well during COVID-19

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


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

Mental Health at Work.org.uk

Mental Health at Work.org.uk offer round the clock support: Text FRONTLINE to 85258 any time for a confidential text conversation with a trained volunteer: see how to get in touch by phone in England, or call 116 123 from elsewhere in the UK.


Help for Heroes

Help for Heroes have contributed their expertise to a package of support created for Nightingale and NHS staff and are making these resources available on their website to support health workers around the UK in preparing for and dealing with these difficult times.

Community testing if you do not have any symptoms

  • This testing is aimed at people who cannot stay home during lockdown, due to work commitments.  It's important for you to be tested regularly so that  you don't unknowingly spread the virus to other people
  • This is a test you can take if you do not have any symptoms
  • It's also referred to as lateral flow testing or rapid testing
  • Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 are not aware that they have it, as they have no symptom
    More information and how to book a test

     

Mind has a Coronavirus 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

The 2020 Royal Pharmaceutical Society and Pharmacist Support Wellbeing survey has highlighted the mental health difficulties that pharmacists face every day. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified the pressures that were already inherent in the system and places where pharmacists work.

Get support and access resources on the RPS Wellbeing hub.

For personal advice about your own mental health and wellbeing, you can also contact Pharmacist Support, the independent charity for pharmacists.