Covid-19
We at WAST recognise that these are challenging and unprecedented times not only for colleagues but their families and loved ones. Whether you are on the front line continuing your operational duties, maintaining vital support services or redeployed into a role that is completely new to you, there are a wealth of resources available to you to help you navigate through the coronavirus pandemic.
“In all my career I have never known anything that comes close to the experience we have just had, and will continue to have over the coming weeks and months. Generations before ours have lived without this experience, which puts into context how rare a global pandemic is. From a professional and personal perspective this has not been easy. At some point I have experienced a full spectrum of emotion, and not to mention both mental and physical stress. That said, I believe there is no right or wrong in terms of how anyone feels and there is nothing wrong with you, or deficient, if you are okay. Our response to the crisis, now and in the future, is going to be individual. As a collective of individuals, what we can do is help and support ourselves as well as each other.”
Lee Brooks, Director of Operations
“The challenges we face now and over the coming months encompass our whole lives. Many of us juggle the strangeness of quarantine, limits and stress on our social and family support networks, taking on new roles at work or at home, anxiety about loved ones and our own health and the reality of providing a front line service. Hopefully the resources below will encourage everyone to reflect on their own wellbeing and that of those around them. I think one of the most helpful tools is to take time to pause, to find time each day to stop, breathe, to feel whatever emotion we might feel in that moment and to remember we are all in this together. “
Catherine Goodwin, Clinical Psychologist
“None of us have ever experienced anything like this, and it will inevitably affect people in very different ways. We have had to readjust at home, at work and socially – it is only right that we take time out to readjust how we manage our mental health and wellbeing.”
Jessica Hooper, Project Manager Mental Health Team
Available Mon- Fri with extended cover at weekends and bank holidays at this time
In house Occupational health remit undertaken in order to support both employees and managers when work might be affecting health. Mangers are able to refer to OH with employee consent and also employees can self-refer to OH.
For Occupational Health please call 0300 123 9850 ocupationalhealth.amb@wales.nhs.uk
For Wellbeing Support Service please call 03003214700 email Wellbeing.Support.Service@wales.nhs.uk
If you’re finding things hard emotionally right now, you’re not alone. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting all our lives. Things are changing fast, and many of us are worrying about what it all means for ourselves and for our loved ones.
Here you’ll find reliable information and tips to help you cope during this time.
You might be worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it could affect your life. This may include having to stay at home and avoid other people.
There are lots of things you can try that could help your wellbeing, particularly if:
- you’re feeling anxious or worried about coronavirus
- you’re staying at home and avoiding public places, following Government advice that we should stay at home as much as possible
- you’re self-isolating because you, or someone you live with, has symptoms of coronavirus. Self-isolating means that you stay home and keep away from other people.
How to look after your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak
Tips, advice and guidance on where you can get support for your mental health during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
During the global coronavirus pandemic we are facing a tragic loss of life, often under very difficult circumstances.
Cruse Bereavement have put together resources to share how bereavement and grief may be affected by this pandemic. It covers some of the different situations and emotions bereaved people may have to deal with. We will be adding to and updating this information as the situation develops.
Developing a Wellness Action Plan (WAP) can help employees to actively support their own mental health by reflecting on the causes of stress and poor mental health, and by taking ownership of practical steps to help address these triggers. This process can also help managers to open up dialogue with employees, understand their needs and experiences and ultimately better support their mental health. Click on the link below for more on this from mental health charity, MIND.
Providing support for Health Professionals and Healthcare students across Wales.
Please take a moment to look at the Health Education and Improvement Wales wellbeing document. Here you will find information on emotional and psychological wellbeing, social connectivity and physical wellbeing.
FOR URGENT ADVICE PLEASE CALL THE SAMARITANS TODAY 116 123