Major life challenges
There is guidance on help and support in an emergency or crisis. If you or a colleague are in danger, call 999.
If you’re struggling with any kind of crisis, we have support for you. Your manager should follow the general advice for any employee with any wellbeing concern.
For example they can:
- refer you to occupational health to help explore reasonable adjustments
- discuss flexible working and time off if necessary
- help you take advantage of support offered by the council such as our employee assistance programme
Being a carer
We understand the additional stress of being a carer and want to support you.
Find out about flexible working, and time off and support for carers.
We have a carers forum community for working carers and a carers champions community on Viva Engage.
You can get information and help from:
Bereavement
We are here to help you with loss and bereavement leave and support.
GOV.UK's bereavement guidance provides signposting to the main charities and further practical advice and help. There is local support on what to do when someone dies from Essex County Council.
Our employee assistance programme can support either an individual or a group of employees affected by traumatic events such as the death of a team member. Managers should get in touch with the provider to arrange an initial assessment or conversation to help decide the best actions and support.
Domestic abuse
We have made a commitment to respond to domestic abuse and build an approach that ensures all employees feel safe, supported, and empowered within the workplace. Anyone who shares that they are affected by domestic abuse with their manager will be supported to contact the organisations that are best placed to support them.
We recommend that all employees undertake the free basic awareness training from Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (SETDAB). This may trigger an emotional impact. Please make sure you have someone to talk to when undertaking the training and make use of our general wellbeing support.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Otherwise, for specialist domestic abuse support, contact:
- the Essex Domestic Abuse helpline on 0330 333 7444, available from 8am to 8pm on weekdays and from 8am to 1pm on weekends
- Essex Compass for a comprehensive list of support organisations and to make a self-referral or professional referral for support
- Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (SETDAB), for advice and information on services for those affected by domestic abuse
- Essex County Council to report abuse or neglect
These resources include support for victims, professionals, and perpetrators.
You can:
- join the Women's Network or the Men's Employee Network for peer support, information sharing and signposting to support organisations
- find articles and training on safety in our learning and development section
Financial problems
We know the rising cost of living affects our employees. There is information about support and services to support your financial wellbeing.