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OSSTF District 11- Thames Valley
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District 11 Office |
Education Matters Online
Volume 4, Issue 3: February 27, 2006
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| At this time of the school
year, many of us suffer from the February “blahs.” Some of us get S.A.D.....
Seasonal Affective Disorder is thought to be caused by a deprivation to
sunlight during these long winter months. For some, feelings of
depression and anxiety can be too much to cope with alone. It is
important for our members to know that help is just a phone call away.
Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers 24 hour immediate response and its professionally accredited counsellors guarantee privacy and confidentiality. A phone call to “Resilience” (provided by Wilson Banwell Human Solutions) will connect you to an intake person who may transfer you directly to a counsellor or arrange your first counselling session, at a convenient date and time. You may already know that this service exists for our members who are coping with work stress or family issues such as substance abuse, marital problems or bereavement. What you may not be aware of is the numerous other counselling services available, such as referrals for help with financial problems or legal problems. Face to face counselling sessions with experts in these area is available. This service is also provided for immediate family members who may be having some difficulty coping and need advice or expert assistance. To really explore the breadth of services offered to our members, log on to the ManuLife Group Benefits website and register as a member of the plan. This site provides access to supports like the Child and Eldercare Database. The information that you provide regarding your location and your specific needs for childcare or care for aging parents will help to identify resources available in your particular region of Thames Valley. Specific searches for home care, daycare or residential care may be made, and in-depth service descriptions are provided. In addition, the site offers a health library with a searchable drug data base and details about medical conditions and current treatments. The online Health Risk assessment will evaluate your current health and uncover potential health risks. Health articles offer practical advice on issues that deal with parenting and emotional well-being. Members may also access eLearning courses on a whole host of topics, including coping with stress and dealing with workplace change. A Chat Line may be accessed that might have appeal for adolescent family members who may be coping with their own health concerns. In today’s workplace, it is estimated that one quarter of a staff is coping with difficult life events. Ongoing stress can affect health, well-being and quality of life. Please keep this EAP number close by (1- 866-644-0326) and remind colleagues and friends in the workplace that help really is just a phone call away. |
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