Tag: social work staff

Looking after wellbeing of Scotland’s social work and social care staff

A new £1 million fund has been established to support projects which look after the wellbeing of staff working in social care.

The Workforce Wellbeing Fund for Adult Social Work and Social Care will be managed by Inspiring Scotland and provide grants of up to £10,000 until December 2022.

Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart said: “Everyone working across social work and social care has shown an invaluable commitment to delivering a first class service and compassionate care through the most difficult of times.

“This fund is about giving staff anything which makes them feel better and supports their resilience. Applications can be as creative as possible, as long as they focus on our most valuable asset, our people.

“Grants could be given for activities or to purchase equipment that will improve the wellbeing of the workforce. Ask your staff what they most want or need, and please take advantage of this fund to help them get it.

“Workforce wellbeing must remain a priority as we continue to move through this pandemic and recovery. We will overcome the challenges ahead if we look after our people.”

Head of Funds at Inspiring Scotland Kaylie Allen said: “We are delighted to be working with the Scottish Government on this programme. The importance of the people providing frontline care and the challenges they have faced delivering the most essential services over the last 18 months cannot be overstated.

“This fund will provide a flexible and easy way for adult social care and social work staff to access support for their own wellbeing.”

The Scottish Government has made £12 million available to support the wellbeing of the health and social care workforce. This new fund, which is open to applications until 29 July 2022, will ensure £1 million of targeted support towards the wellbeing of staff in the social work and social care sector, which faces unique challenges in accessing available funding since it consists of a mix of local authority, private and voluntary sector provision.

See here for further information and details of how to apply to the Workforce Wellbeing Fund for Adult Social Work and Social Care.

Humzah Yousaf’s ‘heartfelt gratitude’ for efforts of health, social care and social work staff

As Scotland faces one of its most challenging winters, Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has praised the continued courage, commitment and professionalism of Scotland’s health, social care and social work staff.

In his Christmas message, Mr Yousaf said: “This year has been an incredible race to get ahead of COVID-19 with a vaccination programme which has been the largest logistical peacetime operation Scotland has ever seen.

“As we set our sights on recovery, we have had to adapt and respond to new variants, following guidelines which are constantly updated to take on board the course of this pandemic.

“Every single person working in health, social care and social work has continued to provide exemplary care in the most trying of circumstances, saving lives and protecting our NHS at a high cost both personally and professionally.

“You continue to be extraordinary in your response to unprecedented demands, delivering services in what can often be new and often unfamiliar ways. I have heard directly from some of you about the impact that working in pandemic conditions has had. And I want to sincerely thank you for everything you have done, and continue to do, during this difficult time.

“We will only overcome the challenges ahead if we look after our most valuable asset – the people who provide care through this pandemic. Your wellbeing, wherever you work in the sector, is a key priority.

“Now more than ever, it is critical to look after your wellbeing, and that of your colleagues, and provide support so you can take the time you need to access local and national wellbeing resources available.

“To complement the help that is available to you at a local level, we also have a range of services on hand through the National Wellbeing Hub, including a 24/7 National Wellbeing Helpline, confidential mental health treatment through the Workforce Specialist Service and Coaching for Wellbeing resources.

“I implore you to speak up if you or a colleague need support. You are doing an amazing job, and deserve our help in return.

“The pandemic has been the most significant challenge the NHS has faced in its 73-year history. We know that it is not over, and that the new Omicron variant and other pressures will continue to impact us for some time.

“We hope this Christmas will not be as restrictive as last year, but we’re asking everyone to play their part in helping to suppress the virus by limiting their socialising as much as possible. This is to save lives, and to support all of you in the work that you do. Because we will overcome this virus if we work together and think carefully about how our actions might impact others.

“I want to share my heartfelt gratitude for everything you continue to do in order to support and care for the people of Scotland, and take this opportunity to wish you a happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.”