Managing Mental Health
during Coronavirus
Employers have a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees, including their mental health and wellbeing. Workers may need additional mental health support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly if they already have mental health conditions.
Not everyone will show obvious signs of a lowering mental health, so it’s important not to make assumptions. There has never been a more important time to have a plan in place than when many employees are working from home, on ‘furlough’ and managing childcare whilst working.
This page will signpost to important resources for employers to help you support your staff’s mental health.
Coronavirus & Mental Health
A range of resources for businesses and employees to support mental health
Home/Remote Workers
Mental health support and advice for those working remotely
Office-Based Workers
Support for those working from an office during the pandemic
For Employers
Essential guidance on your responsbilities as an employer
Finding it hard to exercise whilst working?
We know it’s tough to find time in the day to get the exercise you need to support your wellbeing, that’s why we have created a 12-minute weekly workout!
LIVE from our Facebook page every Tuesday at 12.00pm, 12@12 is guaranteed to get you moving, release endorphins and break up the day. Suitable for all fitness levels and from the comfort of your own home!
Local organisations that are here to help
Worcestershire Works Well
Worcestershire Works Well is a free health and wellbeing accreditation scheme that has been in place for over 10 years locally.
For many organisations, coronavirus is creating a lot of uncertainty which may be having an impact on businesses and workers in several ways. As England begins its second national lockdown into the colder and darker months, employers play a hugely important role in looking after employee’s mental health and wellbeing.
Time to Change Worcestershire
Time to Change Worcestershire was created by the national social movement ‘Time to Change’ after counties across the UK were chosen as a hub to shine a spotlight on mental health both in the business and residential communities.
The initiative is made up of a number of local organisations, including Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, and leads the way in breaking down stereotypes associated with poor mental health locally.
Herefordshire Council
Herefordshire Council is sharing regular information for how businesses and residents can stay safe during the pandemic through its ‘Stay Safe’ campaign, including how employers can look after their employees.
Visit their website for details of organisations locally that are outlining best practice for businesses who are taking proactive steps to protect staff’s mental health and wellbeing.
Herefordshire Mind
Herefordshire Mind is the local branch of national mental health charity, Mind.
The organisation provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem, campaigning to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
Its website signposts to important information for businesses and residents alike, including its Safe Haven space for anyone experiencing emotional distress.
Coronavirus News
Rapid COVID-19 testing for essential workers in Herefordshire
Essential workers across Herefordshire, who cannot work from home, are being urged to join an initiative to help drive down the number of COVID-19 cases by doing twice-weekly rapid tests (known as Lateral Flow Tests). Four council test centres for people without...
New online Scheme announced to spread costs of deferred VAT
Over half a million businesses that deferred VAT payments last year can now join the new online VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme to pay it in smaller monthly instalments, HMRC announced (23 February 2021). In order to take advantage of the new payment scheme businesses...
Kickstart placements key to boosting recovery plans for firms
With businesses now looking towards some potential dates for reopening, recruitment plans are starting to tentatively get back on track. But with reduced profits and cash flow within businesses, new appointments are being approached with caution.
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