Pilot programme to support wellbeing in small businesses

Pilot programme to support wellbeing in small businesses

WellBeing World, in partnership with Jersey Business, has launched the initiative, which aims to provide support in dealing with stress/anxiety, feelings of being overwhelmed, guilt, financial wellbeing, decision making, self-care, avoiding burnout, and also hopes to help people flourish and gain confidence.

Participants are being asked to give feedback about how the project can support their wellbeing and resilience during an initial three-month phase lasting until September.

WellBeing World is a membership body which represents and promotes health and wellbeing practitioners primarily based in the Channel Islands.

Founder Beverley Le Cuirot said: ‘Supporting the health and wellbeing of small business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed sole traders as we move into the rebuild stage following Jersey’s safe exit from lockdown will be essential.

‘We have endured a seismic collective shock and our stress and anxiety levels have been heightened like never before in the lifetime of the working population.’

She added: ‘For small business owners in particular, their challenge has seen a fight for survival to save their businesses, hold on to their employees and pay their bills.

‘The learning from the pandemic will put us all in a stronger position to weather the storm of future crises which may, of course, arise at any time, affecting the economy overall, our sectors or our individual businesses.’

The Jersey pilot programme will be offered initially to the members of the growing small business support groups on Facebook and WhatsApp, which were run by Mrs Le Cuirot during the pandemic.

The initiative is being supported by a foundation that aims to help education, entrepreneurship and employment in the Island.

‘It is the first example I know where a foundation has supported small businesses and self-employed individuals in Jersey with their own wellbeing,’ said Mrs Le Cuirot. ‘The foundation is inspirational and leading the way. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to pilot this programme and to do everything we can to support the wellbeing of small businesses in Jersey.’

Graeme Smith, chief executive of Jersey Business, said that his organisation was ‘delighted’ to support the programme.

‘As we move towards planning to rebuild our economy it is essential that business leaders take time to look after their own mental health and wellbeing,’ he said.

Natalie Cummins, of Serafina, a company specialising in Indian head massage, will join Mrs Le Cuirot in administering the project, with many WellBeing World practitioner members due to provide support.

Wellbeing World also recently negotiated with the UK creators of the NHS approved mental-health app Thrive, which is now available in the Channel Islands via the organisation for employers with one to 1,000 employees.

Many of Wellbeing World’s international contributors are available to support the group online and are also due to be in Jersey for the Leaders in WellBeing Summit scheduled for 1 October.

The team is working alongside other agencies including Mind Jersey, JACS, Citizens Advice, Jersey Business and government ministers and officials as part of its work.

For more information contact: beverley@wellbeingworld.je.

lInterview with wellbeing specialist Polly Ashton: Page 22

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