All care home staff in Lanarkshire are being reminded of a dedicated webpage that has been developed, offering an essential guide for wellbeing support. The site has been devised by Lanarkshire’s multi-agency care home staff wellbeing group – and materials based on the feedback from care home staff.
Caroline Martin, NHS Lanarkshire senior nurse, who co-chairs the group, said: “We strive to tailor supports to what will make a difference. We staged a recent wellbeing survey of staff and despite their ongoing effort commitment and compassion, we know things can be tough.
Caroline added: “We’d like to thank all those who participated. The results of the survey are being carefully considered and views taken on board to informing future support. We also hope it will be of comfort to know there’s a raft of support currently available.
“It was highlighted in the past that it could be challenging to know where to find wellbeing information. Since then, our group has focussed on developing and sharing meaningful help and support information, from wallet cards with helpline support, a series of information videos and a series of special edition newsletters.
“We are aware of how busy care home staff are. The collation of these supports in one webpage means staff who perhaps missed some of the updates, or would like to revisit the tips and guidance, can find them all in one accessible place.”
The group is made up of care home staff, representatives from North and South Lanarkshire health and social care partnerships, NHS Lanarkshire and the Scottish care/care home sector. Its aim is to ensure that staff are supported, from simple wellbeing provision, to those who require mental health assessment and intervention.
A short film has also been produced to explain the group’s work: https://vimeo.com/698545516/a45f856be4
Dr Phil Smith, NHS Lanarkshire clinical psychologist, said: “Staff have also consistently told us that the support they access and value the most is from each other. The power of having someone who ‘gets it’ cannot be underestimated.”
“Where necessary, we aim to support staff to continue to be there for each other, sharing ideas and ensuring they have access to information and resources such as our psychological first aid module. It’s also important they know where to reach out to for help when it’s needed. This web page adds to the support and signposts available.”
Care home staff wellbeing group needs you
If any member of the care home workforce would like to join the wellbeing group, or share their thoughts, please get in touch. Please email caroline.martin@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
