NICS support services
Welfare Support Service
The Welfare Support Service is available to NICS colleagues for advice and support. It has currently postponed holding face to face meetings, but will continue to be available to offer support by phone/email. Welfare Support Service can be contacted on 028 9025 1771 or through its confidential mailbox welfare@finance-ni.gov.uk
Inspire
The NICS Employee Assistance Programme provider, Inspire, offer confidential counselling sessions to NICS colleagues who are experiencing difficulties. It has taken precautionary steps in light of the most recent government advice, by temporarily withdrawing face to face counselling sessions. It will continue to provide their 24/7 helpline service and all subsequent structured counselling will now be provided via telephone or online video. NICS colleagues can contact the NICS helpline on 0808 800 0002.
The Charity for Civil Servants
The Charity for Civil Servants has contingency plans in place to continue to be available for financial help and support to all civil servants whether current, former or retired: Visit its website: www.foryoubyyou.org.uk or contact their Freephone number: 0800 056 2424. You can apply for financial help online or access details of options for support in a crisis through its website. This includes Mindful and Sleepstation which are available online.
More advice and support
NI Direct
For further general advice, resources and information on how to take care of your mental health and wellbeing, please visit NI Direct:
Public Health Agency (PHA)
The PHA has published a leaflet 'Take 5 steps to wellbeing’ which offers tips on supporting your mental and emotional wellbeing while staying at home during the current COVID-19 outbreak. It sets out a practical framework around five steps - Connect; Learn; Be Active; Take Notice and Give. The leaflet can be found on the PHA website: