The Be Well employee support initiative launched earlier this year is off to a great start, with eight staff psychologists delivering a range of programs across Monash Health.
Be Well is an expansion of the popular Call a Psychologist program and is a free and confidential service.
Director of Psychology Christine Miller says the team of psychologists helps managers support their teams through proactive check-ins, psychological first aid after critical events, coaching and counselling, and wellbeing strategies.
The Be Well team recently presented a webinar on the program, which is available to watch here. It includes practical ways to stay emotionally healthy.
Psychologist Kirsten Yates says specific themes had emerged during sessions with teams, including fatigue, moral distress, and information overload.
“People have had to stay across so much information during the pandemic, and there has also been uncertainty about redeployment and timelines,” she said.
“There are also now the challenges of returning to your normal role and team after redeployments.”
Christine said it was important to understand that teams do not need to actually know what they need.
“You just need to call or email, and we’ll talk to you about how we can help,” she said. “We’re here to help you think through your needs. We really have a passion for wellbeing and supporting our colleagues.
“There is very strong support for the Be Well program at all levels of the organisation, so we urge team leaders to contact us, and employees to talk to their leaders if they think we can help.”
Bookings and enquiries
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Email: bewell@monashhealth.org
Service delivery hours
Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm
Weekends by arrangement
This initiative is supported by the Victorian Government’s Department of Health Be Well Be Safe Program, providing increased health and wellbeing support for healthcare workers during COVID-19. For further details and to stay informed about the latest initiatives, visit the Be Well Be Safe Program webpage.
Approved by Michael Holman.