Essex County Council has launched an employee assistance programme (EAP) for its xx care sector workers.
In doing so, it is aiming to support employees mental, physical and financial wellbeing and reduce specific workforce challenges associated with the care sector.
Through the EAP, which is provided by Vivup Perkbox on behalf of Care England, care workers across Essex will be able to access 120 counsellors 24/7, 365 days a year; access to secondary mental health support with clinicians, including an online GP service, an early intervention, self-service wellness platform which includes assessments, recommendations and signposting to suitable treatment; domestic abuse support and resources; and menopause support.
Essex County Council is the first council to fully fund an EAP for care staff using the Care England-Vivup Perkbox partnership.
Cllr John Spence, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Essex County Council, said: “Care sector workers are unsung heroes, providing care for some of the most vulnerable members of our society. They should feel supported and deserve services that help them to manage and improve their own wellbeing.
“I am proud that Essex County Council is the first council to fully fund and use the Care England-Perkbox Vivup partnership for the benefit of our county’s care-sector employees. The investment is testament to the value we place on them: extraordinary people doing extraordinary things so that others can live ordinary lives.”
