Workplace health resources

The following websites and documents will provide you with useful information to assist your business in improving employee health and wellbeing. 

Policy templates and guidelines

The following will be particularly helpful for businesses taking part in the Be Well @ Work Award:

Barnsley Council guidelines for employees

The following were developed for use by council employees and may be useful to other employers:

Signposting to support services

Local mental health support services

  • Talking Therapies - an NHS service for depression and anxiety disorders.
  • Chilypep - a Public Health commissioned provider supporting low to mild mental health problems.
  • Recovery College - an NHS Service offering educational courses and workshops to people accessing Trust Mental Health Services and their families and carers.
  • Barnsley and Rotherham Mind is a charity offering a variety of mental health services.
  • The Barnsley Support Hub is run by the charity Mental Health Matters. It offers a free out-of-hours mental health crisis service for over 18s with support available virtually or in person without the need for a referral or appointment.
  • Samaritans telephone 116223 free or (01226) 244447.
  • Good Work supports people who have a mental and/or physical health condition and or disability to find and stay in work. This applies to anyone in South Yorkshire.

Other useful mental health support

National mental health support services

  • Able Futures delivers the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pension. Call Able Futures free on 0800 321 3137 from 8am to 10.30pm, Monday to Friday or apply online.
  • Access Work Mental Health Support Service delivered by Maximus, funded by the Department of Work and Pensions, provides confidential mental health support for stress, anxiety, depression, low mood and much more, in the workplace at no cost. Email atw@maximusuk.co.uk
  • Every Mind Matters created by Public Health England gives tips and advice on how to manage mental health developed by experts approved by the NHS.
  • Mental health in the workplace developed by ACAS details the law and the duty of care of employers in relation to mental health and how employers can promote positive mental health at work.
  • Managing staff experiencing mental ill health developed by ACAS details the managers role in supporting employees with mental health and how they can spot the signs.
  • Dealing with stress in the workplace have developed the steps employers should take to reduce work-related stress.
  • Five ways to mental wellbeing suggests that a small improvement in wellbeing can help to decrease some mental health problems and help people to flourish. This document, produced by the New Economics Foundation (NEF) on behalf of Foresight, sets out 5 actions to improve personal wellbeing.
  • Workplace anxiety and work-related anxiety developed by ACAS details what causes workplace anxiety and what steps employees can take.
  • Maximus employer toolkit in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions. You'll find a collection of resources to help you and your team.

General health and wellbeing support

  • Hub of Hope is a database that provides useful information about a range of mental health issues
  • MECC Link has a range of resources to help improve your mental health and wellbeing. It also has advice on safeguarding as well as training

Alcohol

Bereavement support

Coping with debt 

Domestic abuse

Find out more about domestic abuse services.

Drugs

Homelessness

  • Housing Advice can support you if you're at risk of becoming homeless, contact them on (01226) 773870, or ring their freephone on 0808 196 3530.

Sexual health

  • BSARCS are a specialist service for people whose lives have been affected by rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault or any kind of sexual violence. Contact them on (01226) 320140 or email info@bsarcs.org.
  • Brook sexual health charity offers support for young people under 25 offering confidential advice. Contact them on 0808 802 1234, Monday to Friday 11am to 3pm.
  • Sexual Health Line offers confidential information and advice on sexual health, contact them on 0300 123 7123.
  • Spectrum Community Health CIC  delivers integrated sexual health services across Barnsley, including contraception, screening and tests for sexually transmitted infections, vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, and advice on unplanned pregnancy and other sexual health issues.
  • Terrence Higgins Trust offer information, support and advice on HIV and sexual health, contact them on 0808 802 1221, Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm.
    You can also contact them on 0300 123 29 30 for advice on contraception, sexual health and relationships. 

Smoking

  • Barnsley Stop Smoking Service offer advice and support with smoking, contact them on 0330 660 1166 from mobiles or 0800 612 0011 from landlines.