£8 million package for health and social care workforce wellbeing

An extract of the announcement is shown below.  Click the link to read the full announcement.  https://www.gov.scot/news/gbp-8-million-package-for-health-and-social-care-workforce-wellbeing/ 

The increased support will help fund a number of immediate recovery actions and lead to the development of a National Wellbeing programme.

The priority areas for action will include the ongoing development of the National Wellbeing Hub, National Wellbeing Helpline, and psychological interventions and therapies for staff. Coaching for Wellbeing, digital apps and the Workforce Specialist Service for regulated staff will also be provided, along with time and training for  staff to support each other as teams. More practical support for staff like rest spaces will also be provided.

Social care and primary care will be targeted with £2 million of support in recognition of the specific needs of staff working in those services in responding to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "Health and social care staff have responded to the pandemic with extraordinary fortitude, often working in unfamiliar settings, learning new skills and undertaking new roles.  We owe them a great debt of gratitude for their continued hard work, commitment and professionalism.

“We are committed to supporting our NHS and social care staff now and into the future.  The wellbeing of staff remains a critical priority that will influence the way that our health and social services recover.

"We know that the pandemic has affected staff in a range of ways and this £8 million package of support will help us meet the basic practical and emotional needs which workers tell us are right for them, alongside more specialised mental health support where this is needed.

"The crucial frontline role of social work and social care going forward is underlined by the targeted support it will receive as part of this package."