New online support service for staff is available now

The Highland Council is offering its 9,500 staff and their family members, a new, free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) service.

The local authority has partnered up with an organisation called Spectrum.Life to provide staff with free mental wellbeing support, fitness plans, legal assistance, financial advice, and eLearning content related to a variety of wellbeing topics.

The service is available to all Council staff and their families, including partners/spouses and any dependents, can now access online support 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The support includes a range of topics, including anxiety, bereavement, and relationship problems.

Chief Executive Donna Manson said: “This new service will be more important than ever to our staff and their families and could benefit over 30,000 people across the Highlands.

"Coronavirus is affecting everyone’s lives and people will be anxious about loved ones, health and finances. The service provides advice and practical support which will help people get through these difficult times.”