It seems quite surreal that it has already been 12 months since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This has caused increased mental strains and stress levels for care workers across the country and the impact will potentially cause life-long mental health issues.
Today, one in five people who are working the care sector are suffering post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with anxiety or workplace stress still something being dealt with – and often alone.
Our senior staff across the Group, have first-hand experience about the mental and physical strains placed on their teams, after more than 10 members of our critical care team were struck by Covid-19 in January 2021.
We are offering constant support to those who have been affected by Covid-19. Our management teams are always available to speak to anyone with concerns.
What is Stress Awareness Month?
Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to increase public awareness around the causes of stress. According to the Mental Health Foundation, it has found that 74% of adults have felt so stressed at some point during the last year that they have been so overwhelmed and unable to cope with daily life challenges.
Covid-19 has inevitably caused higher levels of stress for everyone and it is damaging our health – if we’re feeling stressed, we’re less likely to go for a walk because we’re not motivated, we’re overcome with emotion. Stress has been one of the greatest public health challenges of all time. We know that stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including depression and anxiety.
The national theme for this year’s Stress Awareness Month is ‘Regaining Connectivity, Certainty and Control.’
30 days of relaxation
Throughout April, staff will have the opportunity to take part in a relaxation/wellness challenge for 30 days. We have designed and developed a Wellness Card which will be given to staff prior to 1st April for them to have it stamped everyday upon completing a positivity activity. Such activities will range from 30-minutes of yoga, deep breathing exercises or even colouring in a picture from a colouring book.
Diane Watson, Senior Manager at Red Homes said:
“The pressures that have been placed on our people over the last year have been tremendous and we know not everyone has been able to cope positively.
“So often we’re left to ourselves to find ways and means of dealing with life’s everyday pressures and this is our way of helping our fantastic team along a little, especially if they don’t naturally put themselves and their mental health first.”
“Inside and outside of work we want staff to invest in themselves again and we think the Wellness Card will be a little accountability buddy that enables them to track their own personal progress.”
