Help beyond the workplace.
WHAT ORGANISATIONS CAN PROVIDE
Access to confidential counselling, where arranged Information about available services Adjustments to work Time to attend appointments Financial support arrangements, in some cases
WHAT THEY CANNOT PROVIDE
Treatment Diagnosis Substitute for professional care
WHY THAT DISTINCTION
Attempting to provide care is outside competence and it delays proper help.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
What support actually exists locally.
WHAT THAT MIGHT INCLUDE
Medical services Mental health services Counselling Helplines Community and religious support Financial guidance services
WHY ESTABLISH IN ADVANCE
It cannot be researched during a crisis.
WHAT TO MAINTAIN
A list, accessible.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY
What is recorded, and who knows.
WHY
Fear of consequences prevents people seeking help.
WHAT TO COMMUNICATE
That seeking support does not affect their position.
WHAT TO DO
Mean it, and demonstrate it.
WHY
One person disadvantaged after disclosing ends disclosure for everyone.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT TIME
That attending appointments is permitted.
WHY
Inability to attend during working hours prevents treatment.
WHAT TO CONSIDER
Training some people to recognise difficulty and direct others to help.
WHAT THEY SHOULD NOT DO
Attempt to counsel or treat.
WHAT TO AVOID
Presenting support as a substitute for addressing causes Support that requires disclosure to management
WHAT TO REVIEW
Whether people actually use what is provided.
