Additional support for health and social care staff and volunteers

Support for health and social care staff and volunteers in Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield has also been put in place. All healthcare workers, those working in care homes, providing home care (domiciliary care) and the thousands of volunteers who have registered to support their local health and care services respond to COVID-19 can access the support for 12 months.

Health Assured has been awarded a contract by Greater Huddersfield CCG to provide support for up to 15,000 individuals through the Employee Assistance Programme starting from this month. A 24/7 helpline offers structured counselling sessions, legal information, management support, help with financial issues and family and relationship matters. People can also access information through an app.

The support is in addition to wellbeing offers already in place at workplaces and resources put in place by the NHS nationally.

Vicky Dutchburn added: “It’s important we look after the people who look after others. We recognise working through the Coronavirus pandemic can be challenging and emotional. Staff and volunteers are balancing additional demands of work and family life during this time. This support has been put in place to help staff and volunteers stay healthy and protect their emotional wellbeing.”