For the team at Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust in Wychavon, supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer is rewarding but emotionally demanding work. Employees regularly help families through diagnosis, treatment and bereavement, often dealing with challenging and traumatic situations.
Conversations with staff highlighted a need for greater support to protect employee wellbeing and help the team manage the emotional impact of their roles.
As a small charity, the organisation did not have access to a formal Employee Assistance Programme or dedicated professional wellbeing support. Through Worcestershire’s Public Health Workforce Employee Wellbeing Grant, the charity was able to introduce a comprehensive wellbeing package for every member of staff.
The funding enabled the implementation of the Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing app, providing employees with confidential support 24 hours a day, counselling services, financial wellbeing coaching, mental health resources, and practical advice covering personal, legal and financial challenges.
The programme has significantly strengthened the charity’s wellbeing offer. Employees now have reassurance that professional support is available whenever they need it, helping them process difficult experiences and maintain their own wellbeing while continuing to support others. The introduction of financial wellbeing coaching is also helping staff address pressures associated with the current cost-of-living environment, supporting both mental and financial wellbeing.
The value of the initiative has already been recognised by staff and leaders:
“Providing access to professional counselling and wellbeing support is one of the most important investments we can make in our people. Our team gives so much to support children and families facing childhood cancer, and it is vital that they know support is available for them too.”
Marketing and Operations Manager.
“Due to the nature of our work, we often encounter emotionally challenging and complex situations, so being able to access this level of support is incredibly important in promoting the wellbeing of the team.”
Family Support Manager.
This project is about much more than responding to wellbeing issues when they arise. The charity is embedding wellbeing into everyday working life through monthly wellbeing themes, regular staff engagement activities and ongoing promotion of support services. With short term funding, but a long-term commitment from leadership, the organisation is building a stronger and more sustainable wellbeing culture that will continue benefiting employees long into the future.
For more information about Workforce Employee Wellbeing Grants from Worcestershire County Council: Workplace Employee Wellbeing Grants