Portsmouth City Council enhances health and wellbeing offer for social workers

At Portsmouth City Council, we understand that social work is both rewarding and demanding. That’s why we’re committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our social workers—helping them thrive both professionally and personally.

Our wellbeing offer is designed to provide practical, emotional, and medical support whenever it’s needed, creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered.

We spoke with Nicola Kerr, staff wellbeing coordinator at Portsmouth City Council, to explore the key areas of support available, why they matter, and what new initiatives are on the horizon for later this year.

1. Can you provide an overview of the health and wellbeing package offered by Portsmouth City Council?

Our health and wellbeing support includes a wide range of services. Through the Employee Assistance Programme (VIVUP), staff can access up to 12 free sessions of counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed therapy.

This confidential service is there to help employees manage life’s challenges with expert guidance.

The Your Care platform complements this by offering evidence-based tools to build mental resilience and support emotional, personal, and financial wellbeing. Staff also benefit from a remote GP service via Health Hero, available seven days a week from 8am to 10pm, making it easy to access medical advice and prescriptions.

To support mental health in the workplace, we offer Wellbeing Action Plans—developed collaboratively between staff and managers to proactively manage health and wellbeing.

Our stress risk assessment process, based on Health and Safety Executive (HSE) standards, helps identify and address sources of workplace stress. Managers are also supported through a half-day training course that equips them with the knowledge and tools to promote wellbeing within their teams.

2. Can you tell us why wellbeing services matter?

Offering a strong health and wellbeing package isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. We’ve seen a clear link between staff wellbeing and workplace performance. When employees feel supported, they’re healthier, more focused, and more productive.

By addressing health concerns early, we reduce sick days and improve job satisfaction. Our staff feel genuinely cared for, which boosts morale and helps us attract and retain top talent. Ultimately, happier staff with better mental health create a stronger, more resilient workforce.

3. What roles do wellbeing champions play within the council?

Wellbeing champions play a vital part in creating a supportive and healthy workplace culture. These are staff members who volunteer their time to promote wellbeing across the organisation.

Because they know their teams and work environments well, they are ideally placed to understand what approaches will have the most impact.

Champions help raise awareness of wellbeing initiatives and ensure colleagues know what support is available. They also play a key role in breaking down the stigma around mental health by encouraging open, honest conversations.

By offering a compassionate ear and signposting to appropriate services, they help create a workplace where everyone feels heard, supported, and valued.

4. How can social workers provide feedback on the health and wellbeing offer?

We’re always looking to improve the service we offer and welcome feedback from social care practitioners. There’s also a dedicated wellbeing section in the upcoming staff survey, providing another opportunity to share ideas and experiences.

5. What’s next for staff wellbeing?

We’re continuing to grow and evolve our wellbeing support. One exciting development is the expansion of staff support groups and networks. Current groups include the menopause support group, neurodiversity support group, and LGBTQ+ support group, all of which meet monthly in safe, welcoming spaces.

Soon, we’ll be launching two new groups: a bereavement support group and a cancer support group, offering further opportunities for peer support. We’re also working on a new initiative to enhance support for women’s health in the workplace, with additional services around menopause and menstrual health set to launch throughout 2025.

Learn more about Portsmouth's health and wellbeing package for social workers

Our #ProudToBePortsmouth social workers benefit from sector-leading support for physical and mental health. For more information, visit the health and wellbeing section.

Find out more