Coping with stress caused by COVID-19
24 April 2020
The global COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for psychosocial support.
The Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHWP), administered by Metropolitan Health, is a means for the WCED to show staff that they are valued and appreciated employees.
The service is available to all WCED employees and their immediate family members. It provides support for various issues, from family challenges, financial advice, relationships, medical advice and work-related challenges. These services have been adapted to help manage stress, anxiety and health during the current crises.
This week, Head of Education, Brian Schreuder, wrote to principals to encourage staff to make use of these services.
You can contact the EHWP on their toll-free number: 0800 1110011 to have a confidential conversation with one of their counsellors.
While face-to-face counselling has been suspended during lockdown, counselling is still available via telephone, Skype, Zoom and mobile device video platforms.
You can also send them a “Please call me” at *134*664*38# or email them at wced@mhg.co.za.
More information can be accessed via the WCED’s EHWP web portal at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/employee-health-and-wellness-programme.
During this period you also get access to https://myhealthtv.com/home, for health and fitness advice, mental wellbeing and other related issues.
An added service is access to Hello Doctor, https://www.hellodoctor.co.za/, which allows you to talk to a doctor on your phone.
Schreuder said as we navigate these uncertain times, we need strong, healthy bodies and positive mindsets.
“Seeking the relevant medical and psychosocial support services through this programme can assist with this so that we can continue to serve our school communities.”