It’s more than seven months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Scotland and the way people working in services, from social care, early years and social work, continue to deal with its many challenges is incredible.
We’re delighted to have shared some of your amazing work through our Inspiring Care Stories campaign, many of which have been picked up by national and local media across Scotland. This helps people to learn more about what you do and the difference you are making. You can find out more on our website Inspiring Care Stories page.
Your health and wellbeing
Throughout this time and the season ahead, please look after your own health and wellbeing. It’s been an extremely busy, difficult and demanding time to work in social services and it’s OK to recognise that. Please do take your annual leave to rest and recover too, your employer has a responsibility to support you with this.
I know your colleagues, team and managers will all be looking out for each other and providing support and there are other resources you can also use.
- Workforce support and wellbeing during the COVID-19 outbreak
- National Wellbeing Hub
- National Wellbeing Helpline 0800 111 4191
If you are working in a service where you provide direct personal care, you are eligible for the flu vaccination and I encourage you to take this up to protect yourself, your family and those your care for. Please visit www.nhsinform.scot/flu or call 0800 22 44 88 for information.
Preparing for winter
Now that winter is on its way, we have prepared guidance for you with links to information and resources that can help to support you and the services you work in during this time. You’ll find the information on Preparing for winter on our website and I hope you will find this useful.
Thank you
As I said when I wrote to you back in May, I’d like to thank you for your commitment and everything you do to provide high quality care for the people you work with. You are helping Scotland deal with the pandemic and we’ll continue to support you in any way we can.
Lorraine Gray
Chief Executive, Scottish Social Services Council