Orkney Islands Council Resources for a Mentally Healthy Workplace

Breathing Space is a free, confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression. They provide a safe and supportive space by listening, offering advice and providing information.

Telephone 0800 83 85 87  www.breathingspace.scot

Samaritans Provides 24-hour, confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal or despairing. Free helpline: 116123                    

Email: jo@samaritans.org website https://www.samaritans.org/.

Cruse Scotland - Everyone experiences bereavement at some stage in their life, whether it’s the death of a parent, a loved one, a friend or a child. The experience often means that our lives will never be the same again. Sometimes the feelings – despair, loneliness or even guilt – may overwhelm us, so much so that we need help. In time, and with support, we can work through such feelings and learn to live with our loss.

• Helpline – this is a freephone number (0808 802 6161) and manned by a team of experienced volunteers offering listening support. Weekdays this is open 9am-8pm and weekend 10am-2pm. Should the lines be busy, voicemails are responded to as soon as
• Webchat service – this is a text based messaging service with a trained counsellor. This is accessible through our website (https://www.crusescotland.org.uk/ - pop up bottom right of the screen) and is available 9am-9pm.
• Early Support Sessions - 1-2-1 appointment based by telephone or Anyone looking for support can access these by contacting the helpline or email (support@crusescotland.org.uk).

Please note: Contact either Maximus or Able Futures for support, you cannot use both services at the same time.

Maximus: This confidential service delivered by Maximus is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and is available at no charge to any employees with mental health issues affecting their work such as depression, anxiety, stress, low mood and insomnia. It is delivered by training professionals with expertise in mental health in the workplace. Contact details telephone 0300 456 8114, email atw@maximum.co.uk or visit the website Access to Work Mental Health Support Service (maximusuk.co.uk).

Able Futures: Also delivers the Access to Work Mental Health Support on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions and if you are experiencing issues that are affecting your mental health at work, Able Futures can help. Nine months’ advice and guidance from a mental health professional free of charge is available is completely confidential. To contact Able Futures telephone 0800 321 3137 or visit the website www.able-futures.co.uk

Ieso: ieso therapists provide text-based cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) informed by a scientific understanding of what works, why it works and when it works best. This treatment is free and available to many NHS patients across the UK. It is quick and easy to check your eligibility online and to then create an account and complete your questionnaires to be matched to a therapist. Find out more by visiting the website here ieso Online Therapy | Home (iesohealth.com)

Occupational Health provider (Dr Simon Kemp) would refer employees back to their GP to access specialist counselling, CBT or appropriate treatment.

Local Counselling Services: In certain situations, counselling can be arranged and provided directly by a local counselling service through Orkney Islands Council. This need can be identified through a relevant Manager and/or in discussion with Human Resources.

Blide Trust offer counselling in partnership with a qualified Counsellor and Living Life to the Full with Sheena Leask https://www.blidetrust.org.uk/our-services/counselling-service-living-life-to-the- full

Shout is a free confidential 24/7 support for people in crisis https://www.crisistextline.uk/

‘Connect Us Too’ – a new mental health resource for deaf people.

This is a series of British Sign Language videos on mental health which aim to help breakdown the stigma of mental health issues and encourage deaf people to talk to others about their mental health. It has been produced by a partnership of organisations including Deaf Scotland, Deaf Links and See Me.

More information and links to the resource can be found by following this link https://www.alliance- scotland.org.uk/blog/news/connect-us-too-mental-health-resources-for-deaf-people/

Out Of My Head: https://youtu.be/0benfedpI-8

The Faces of Mental Health: https://youtu.be/z7eU2dc8k2Q

It’s Good To Talk: https://youtu.be/_1f1IPZ8PIo

Mental Health – Overarching: https://youtu.be/QGtwffkjDJI

Orkney Islands Council Policies and Procedures:

Stress Management                                          Capability

Leave of Absence                                             Grievance

Dignity of the Individual

OIC Dignity at Work First Contact Officers: If you feel you are being bullied, harassed or unfairly treated at work but do not want to speak to your line manager about it, then a Dignity at Work First Contact Officer can give you help and support. You choose who you contact, they don’t have to be within your Service Area.