GroceryAid Enhances Helpline Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Emotional and practical support for grocery colleagues has never been more important than during the Covid-19 crisis, so GroceryAid is pleased to introduce additional services to its Helpline:

• GroceryAid’s 24/7 freephone, confidential Helpline will now have trained BACP (British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) counsellors answering calls to provide immediate emotional support for colleagues who are worried or anxious.

• For those who need in-depth support with mental health, structured counselling services are available. These programmes start with six one-to-one phone counselling sessions and, if further support is required, there is a newly introduced option of face to face sessions. The service simultaneously provides an online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme which is supported by trained advisors.

• GroceryAid is employing artificial intelligence for the first time with the launch of “Woebot”. This app introduces an AI counsellor providing ‘in the moment’ emotional support 24/7. Woebot’s other features include mood tracking, advice on concerns and coping techniques, for example, CBT or breathing exercises.

• Callers to the GroceryAid Helpline between 8am and 8pm have access to a dedicated team of specially trained advisors available to provide information typically obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau.

• The service will also offer support to managers on topics such as managing change, traumatic and critical incidents and effective workplace performance.

GroceryAid is anticipating a steep increase in both calls to its enhanced Helpline and applications for financial support as colleagues are impacted by Covid-19.

Mandi Leonard, Welfare Director commented “More than ever before, GroceryAid’s support for colleagues throughout the grocery industry is vital to help them cope with the impact of Covid-19 on them and their families.”

GroceryAid Helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year:

• Freephone Helpline 08088 021 122
• groceryaid.org.uk
• welfare@groceryaid.org.uk
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