In recognition that staff on the frontline, responding to COVID, faced challenges around uncertainty, working arrangements and personal anxiety, Adult Care Services set out a Wellbeing Plan that complemented the council-wide offer and aimed to support this unique workforce through the difficult period.
The challenge
Adult Care Services recognised that staff on the frontline of responding to COVID faced challenges around uncertainty, working arrangements and personal anxiety that would continue to impact staff morale and wellbeing.
The solution
In 2020, Adult Care Services set out a Wellbeing Plan that complemented the council-wide offer and aimed to support this unique workforce through the difficult period, by encouraging teams to think creatively about ways to proactively support each other to maintain mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing.
As well as more formal training interventions from organisations such as Mind, their plan incorporated ‘wellbeing branded’ activities that would support the Five steps to mental wellbeing, including:
- Connect: virtual team lunch/coffee roulette and no agenda conversations – between peers and senior leaders
- Be Active: weekly keep fit class; TAB (Take A Break) Time/Step Away in the Day and protected hours
- Keep Learning: Boost your day craft sessions; book discussions; monthly Lunch n Learn sessions
- Take Notice: Signposting to Headspace App, mindfulness mini webinars
- Give: Tuesday check-in; buddying, staff recognitions schemes
The plan was a mix of centrally coordinated activity and engagement, supported by Wellbeing Champions and support for teams to support themselves. It also included a resource hub with helplines and support relevant to ASC staff.
Contact
Sharon Robinson, Head of Information, Advice & Engagement
Email: [email protected]