You don’t have to be experiencing long-term sickness absence to access the Employee Counselling Service. This is open to everyone at anytime. NHS Forth Valley has for many years commissioned an external company to provide this service and they are now offering counselling over the telephone, by email, and even by Skype.
It’s worth remembering that this service is completely confidential. Although Occupational Health are made aware of numbers attending, it’s a strict case of no names, no pack drill. People can self refer or in some cases, your manager may suggest that it would be worth you contacting them. If you’d rather talk to someone over a tea or coffee, there are clinics available in Forth Valley or alternatively you may be seen more quickly in Glasgow.
HR Director Helen Kelly said: “This is an excellent service. We want you to feel well and supported at work. Sometimes we can feel as though everything is getting too much and that’s when it can be good to talk with an independent service.”
A helpline is available 24/7 and there’s lots of information on the website ecs@empcs.or.uk plus useful links.
