Ukraine crisis support

You will be aware of the escalating situation in Eastern Europe. Our thoughts are with those living in Ukraine, as well as those of our colleagues with personal links to the area.

The letter from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid MP is shared for information, and if you have family or friends living in Eastern Europe and are particularly affected by what’s happening, please make your line manager aware so they can support you. For many of us, situations that are beyond our control like the pandemic, severe storms, and the war in Ukraine, can be overwhelming and trigger anxiety. It is also likely the current situation may bring previous experiences of atrocities to the surface. If that’s how you’re feeling, you’re certainly not alone and we would encourage you to reach out to others.

Please remember the support that is available to you as an employee in our system:

• Here For You is a 24/7 support line run by Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (HPFT) and Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT). It supports all staff in the ICS, clinical and non-clinical, by signposting to the right help at the right time, with an opportunity to confidentially talk through any problems you’re facing. The number is 0344 257 3960 and email is hereforyou@nhs.net
• The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) team is made up of CCG and HBL ICT colleagues, who listen non-judgementally to guide people to any appropriate care that they may need. The team don’t diagnose but can help people understand what they might be feeling, and why, and direct them to the best place for help. You can find out more about mental health first aiders, and who these are for each CCG, plus other mental health information and resources under the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ section of the HR and ODL intranet (you will need to be logged onto the network to access this)
• Employee Assistance Service offers employees access to confidential, independent, professional information and emotional support, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by telephoning 0800 1116 387 or visiting the My EAP website (enter the invite code: WESTWELL)

If you have children who might be upset by what they’re hearing or seeing about this situation, BBC’s Newsround has some very helpful information.

The Ukrainian Institute London website also has information about how and where to make donations and support Ukraine and Ukrainians.