Please share this information with all your teams, especially with colleagues who don’t have access to our systems.

With the current declared pandemic and uncertainty of what the impact of this may be, we recognise that the constant news and isolation can potentially exacerbate existing mental health conditions and that we may anticipate higher levels of stress and anxiety.

The World Health Organisation has published guidance on mental health and dealing with stress at this time, their recommendations include;

• Avoiding watching, reading or listening to news which could cause you to feel anxious or distressed You can get up-to-date information and advice on the virus here
• Seek information mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones
• Seek information updates at specific times during the day once or twice

Outside of the above tips, for anyone who may be finding things difficult there are a few other steps to consider

TRY TO STAY CONNECTED 

At times of stress, we work better in company and with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family and stick to your daily routine as much as you can. Eating well and staying active can all help alleviate or minimise stressful feelings.

TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN

We need to be alert and ask children what they have heard about the outbreak and support them, without causing them alarm. We need to minimise the negative impact it has on our children and explain the facts to them. It’s best not to avoid the ‘scary topic’ but engage in a way that is appropriate for them. You can get advice on talking to children about world news here.

HOW SHOULD YOU DEAL WITH BEING IN SELF-ISOLATION OR IN QUARANTINE?

If you suspect there's a chance you could have coronavirus you please inform your line manager and People Business Partner and follow their guidance, you may be asked to stay away from other people (self-isolate). For people that are in self-isolation or are in quarantine, this may seem like a daunting prospect. Create a daily routine that prioritises looking after yourself. Make sure your wider health needs are being looked after such as having enough prescription medicines available to you.

IF YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO

We have 98 fully trained Mental Health Champions their names, locations and contact numbers can be found here so feel free to reach out in person, on the phone or via skype if you feel that you need support. They can listen and show you where to get support without judgement. They can’t diagnose or offer treatment for a mental health issue.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME (EAP)

Now is an important reminder that we also provide access to a confidential counselling and support service through our Employee Assistance Programmes in the UK and Ireland:

UK: HELP: - 0800 840 4074 | WEB: murphy.optimise.health

* The website address may look strange, but no need to add www. or .com

IRELAND: LAYA HEALTHCARE – 1800 911 909  | www.layaeap.ie

These services are available 24 hours a day and gives you access to resources and trained counsellors. Expert advisors, can provide for confidential, independent and unbiased information and guidance from a team of trained wellbeing and counselling practitioners.

OTHER SUPPORT

Finally we have a number of resources available on the learning zone to help you with remote working. And Headspace are presently offering free resources online for anyone finding things difficult so do take the time to access these resources.