At a time when social care staff face a number of challenges, a new project is giving hard-working care workers much-needed wellbeing and mental health support free of charge.
The Care Coins scheme, operated by Red Umbrella, has been introduced by Cornwall Partners In Care and received funding from Cornwall Council.
The service is for all social care staff working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and provides a totally flexible way for people working or volunteering in the social care sector to access expert advice, invaluable information, and specialist counselling and support that can be tailored to their needs.
Care Coins can be used to book free and fully accredited professional one-to-one therapy, counselling and coaching, as well as individual mental health assessments.
Each ‘coin’ represents one session with a qualified counsellor or therapist.
Registered care home managers can use Care Coins to book sessions for groups of staff to provide support around a specific issue such as bereavement or coping with stress and anxiety.
Care Coins are available for anyone working for a social care provider, so anyone working as cooks, cleaners, gardeners, in maintenance staff and managers as well as those providing direct care and support can benefit from the scheme.
Richard Monk, Executive Officer of Cornwall Partners in Care, said: “We have already supported a number of individuals with one-to-one sessions thanks to the Care Coins project. There is a need and demand for it.”
Cllr Dr Andy Virr, Portfolio Holder for Adults and Social Care, added: “With Covid having a huge impact on care workers and care homes over the past two years, the Care Coins scheme is a fantastic way to support them and show how much we appreciate the incredible work they do in such difficult circumstances.”
For more details about Care Coins and how to book them and support slots head to the Cornwall Wellbeing in Care website.
