Counselling Service approved as part of range of wellbeing measures

The introduction of a service to support the mental health and wellbeing of Highland Council staff and councillors has been approved by the Council as part of a range of measures to improve wellbeing.

An Employee Assistance Programme for staff and Members will be put in place to offer telephone and internet-based counselling 24 hours a day.

The service can provide personal support on a variety mental health and wellbeing issues and could help to reduce sickness absence, provide early intervention and promote wellbeing in general.

The introduction of an Employee Assistance Programme through procurement is estimated by the Council to potentially lead to an annual reduction of £30,000 counselling costs to the Council, as well as reducing sickness absence.

The Council is committed to promoting good mental health and wellbeing. This is articulated in the Council’s Programme, the Council’s Corporate Plan, the Council’s Employee Health and Wellbeing Strategy and through the partnership Highland Outcome Improvement Plan, which aim that people in Highland will benefit from good mental health and wellbeing.

Read the full reports at item 7

https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4140/highland_council