There is no shying away from the fact that this lockdown is having an immeasurable effect on the mental wellbeing of many people.
Bereavement, anxiety, isolation, stress, and financial worries are just some of the terrible consequences of the situation we currently find ourselves in.
One way to ease this burden is to talk to someone who listens, empathises and most importantly, cares.
Therefore, the Chambers are teaming up with charity Ministry at Work who were established in 2012 to support businesses by getting alongside them, supporting management and staff by listening, caring and when necessary, signposting them to other support services such as bereavement and mental health counselling services.
The service is free, and its total confidentiality allows for people to open up about their situation without prejudice or judgement.
They offer tailor made packages of support for staff and management in wellbeing and flourishing at work. Their trained Chaplains’ role is to listen and to care, not to advise. When people are listened to well, and know they have someone to lean on when times are tough, it can make a huge difference to that person’s wellbeing and ability to cope in traumatic situations.
Ministry at Work work alongside HR professionals and wellbeing champions in all sizes of business, becoming part of the mental health team function.
A business can engage with a chaplain for a contracted number of hours per week or month tailored to the company’s needs.
The benefits to business are easy to measure. A short chat occasionally and knowing that someone is always there for you can do wonders for morale and help long term with absenteeism, mental health, and productivity.
If you or any of your staff would like to speak to someone from Ministry at Work, you can contact Mo Trudel in full confidentiality at mo@ministryatwork.org.uk or call Mo on 07971966160 for an informal chat.
Sadly, another consequence of the prolonged lockdown has been the increase in domestic abuse.
We are working with Staffordshire Police, Crime and Fire Commissioner to support businesses by offering free domestic abuse workplace champions training.
The training will help staff identify the tell-tale signs of domestic abuse and equip them with the skills to be able to access the appropriate support and signposting.
The next sessions will be held on 19th and 26th January and 2nd February on Zoom. Places can be booked by contacting Tom Nadin; tom.nadin@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
One last note. If you are a Chamber member you can benefit from a range of health and wellbeing benefits via the Westfield Chamber Primary Health Plan.
Benefits include face-to-face counselling and 24/7 telephone access to a Doctor, as well as a wide range of medical cashback options and priority medical treatment. Full details from our membership team by calling 01782 202222.
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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