Covid-19 and your wellbeing
NES understands that Covid-19 may be a cause of anxiety for some and will do all it can to support colleagues.
NES provides an Employee Assistance Programme (ICAS) with access to a 24-hour telephone counselling service – Freephone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 0800 072 7 072, or visit: www.axabesupported.co.uk and enter:
- Username: educationscotland
- Password: supported
In addition, there are online resources available that might be of use to colleagues who are feeling anxious about coronavirus, including:
- Coronavirus and your wellbeing
- Coronavirus anxiety: How to cope if you are feeling anxious about the outbreak
For those who may have caring responsibilities, Carers Scotland/Carers UK have provided the following useful links:
NES understands that isolation can increase tension in the home and escalate a domestic violence situation. NES has a Gender-Based Violence Policy, which details how staff can disclose instances of domestic abuse to their line manager and/or their HR Business Partner to access support within the workplace.
Any member of staff experiencing domestic abuse during the Covid-19 lockdown can also access immediate help through the following organisations;
Helpline for women experiencing domestic abuse
Support available 24 hours on: 0800 027 1234
Live online chat also available via website
Helpline for men experiencing domestic abuse
Freephone: 0808 8010 327
Monday: 9am – 8pm
Tuesday: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday: 9am – 8pm
Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm
Live online chat also available via website
Helpline for LGBT people experiencing domestic abuse
Support available on 0800 999 5428
Monday: 10am – 5pm
Tuesday: 10am – 5pm (1pm – 5pm is trans specific service)
Wednesday: 10am – 8pm
Thursday: 10am – 8pm
Friday: 10am – 5pm
Sexual violence helpline
Freephone 08088 01 03 02
Open 7 days a week 6pm – midnight
In addition, staff and their family can access the free confidential counselling service provided by our Employee Assistance Programme (ICAS) detailed above.