Warwickshire County Council extends Employee Assistance Programme coverage

For quick and easy support, the County Council has extended its EAP offer to the employees and owners of all micro and small businesses, employing 50 or less, and any business employing up to 100 in the hospitality sector, who operate in Warwickshire and may need some support to stay well and working. The service had previously been open only to businesses in town centres with 10 or fewer employees.

The pandemic, and another lockdown, has brought unprecedented pressures for small businesses and for employers and employees alike. At such a time, the protection of mental health has never been more important.

There are so many resources of support out there for businesses and their employees, that sometimes it can be overwhelming and very difficult to find exactly what you need. But for small businesses in Warwickshire, there is a simple and very effective option close to hand in the form of Warwickshire County Council's Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

The service offered by EAP provider, Vita Health Group, is completely confidential - even if your business has just two employees, total confidentiality will be maintained. They offer a range of services which covers both personal home life issues as well as problems at work.

Whatever your issue or concern, the EAP will be able to offer some support, whether it be debt advice, probate queries, or issues with landlords, to just having someone to chat and offload to after a difficult day. The programme will offer structured mental health support if it is needed.

It is very important to be proactive when it comes to your mental health and wellbeing. Prevention is often quicker and easier than finding a cure and needing time to recover if you become unwell. This is a difficult time for everyone but taking care of your wellbeing and reaching out for support may make it a little bit easier.

How it works: Eligible businesses can register their interest in this free service with no obligation to actually use the programme, via the link here.

The business will receive a confirmation and information email. Employers can then make staff aware of the support by email for those working at home, or posters in the workplace, which detail how to access the website and the 24/7, 365 days a year helpline. The service can be accessed directly and confidentially without further manager involvement.