States politicians and front-line staff are among those benefiting from government-backed initiatives, including a mental-wellbeing app, a dedicated support helpline and an interactive group page on Facebook.
It is also understood that health care workers have been receiving individual calls from members of the Health and Community Services’ wellbeing team, to track their progress and offer guidance.
The schemes have taken on greater value in recent weeks as essential civil servants tackle unprecedented and time-sensitive workloads in a bid to reduce the impact on both Islanders’ health and the local economy.
A spokesperson for the government’s chief operating office said: ‘The wellbeing of our staff is a priority at all times, but especially now during the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Mental-health programmes include our Mental Health First Aid scheme, in which trained colleagues are available to talk to other members of staff, to listen and signpost them to further support services, if required.
‘We also encourage staff to use the Thrive app, which provides 24/7 confidential mental-wellbeing support and allows users to manage their moods, better understand their stressors and find out whether they require more support. There is also the Be Supported helpline, which provides easy and fast access to information and resources on a wide range of work-related or domestic topics.’
In addition to a ‘Hometime’ group on Facebook, staff also have access to wellbeing newsletters and internal links with tips on working from home.
Meanwhile, Assistant Health Minister Steve Pallett has reminded colleagues – and all non-States employees – that mental-health charities are also approachable.
Jersey Talking Therapies have halted their services due to government redeployments, although organisations such as the Jersey Recovery College, Listening Lounge, Mind Jersey and Liberate Jersey are all still offering support.
Senator Pallett said: ‘It is important that people know who they can ring if they’re feeling down.
‘That applies to everyone – it doesn’t matter if you’re a States Member, an essential worker or someone who is sitting at home having been furloughed or having lost their job.’
