5.6 Review a range of physical and mental wellbeing support offers available and how to access them

This guide will help you answer 5.6 Review a range of physical and mental wellbeing support offers available and how to access them.

Supporting physical and mental wellbeing in adult care is important. As a manager or leader, your actions set the standard. Offering clear options for staff and people who use services can help everyone feel more valued, respected, and able to cope with daily pressures.

Physical and mental wellbeing are linked. Looking after one helps the other. This guide covers some of the many types of support on offer and practical ways to access them.

Physical Wellbeing Support Offers

Physical wellbeing means keeping the body working well. Good physical health can reduce sickness, boost energy, and help people stay independent. In adult care, support for physical wellbeing does not only benefit those who use services; it helps the workforce stay fit and able to do their jobs too.

Support offers usually cover:

• Preventing illness
• Managing existing health conditions
• Supporting healthy habits

Healthy Eating Initiatives

Many organisations run schemes to promote good nutrition. Healthy workplaces may provide free fruit, healthy snack options in the canteen, or recipe cards for balanced meals. For people in residential settings, menus might be reviewed by a dietitian.

Access steps:

• Ask the manager or health promotion team about available schemes
• Request leaflets or online resources from the local NHS trust or council
• Set up group discussions with a nutritionist, often available through community health services

Physical Activity Programmes

Regular movement improves mood, strength, and heart health. Wellbeing offers may include group exercise, walking clubs, or online fitness classes. Care staff could encourage light exercise for residents, such as chair-based movements tailored for those with mobility limits.

Access steps:

• Contact local leisure centres about tailored sessions
• Use Active Partnerships, which connect people to activity options in your area
• Speak to your health and wellbeing lead; many set up workplace challenges, like step-counting
• Arrange visits from physiotherapists, especially for those recovering from injury or with limited mobility

Health Checks and Screenings

Routine health checks help spot problems early. Some workplaces offer blood pressure checks, flu vaccinations, or basic health MOTs by a nurse. In care homes, visiting GPs may run regular surgery sessions.

Access steps:

• Book through occupational health, where available
• Organise group vaccinations with local healthcare providers, such as community nurses or pharmacies
• Arrange mobile health clinics for those unable to travel
• Promote annual NHS Health Checks, free for those aged 40-74 and not already diagnosed with certain conditions

Smoking, Alcohol and Substance Misuse Support

Unhealthy habits can harm staff and people using services. Support may be through local stop smoking groups, alcohol misuse services, or staff assistance lines.

Access steps:

• Refer to the local Stop Smoking Service, usually run by the council or NHS
• Display information about helplines and self-help apps
• Arrange confidential signposting with the occupational health team
• Invite visiting speakers from charities (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous)

Pain Management and Physiotherapy

Some people need extra help to manage pain or regain movement. Employers may offer access to physiotherapy, ergonomic assessments, or back care workshops. Residents in care settings often benefit from tailored pain assessment and management plans.

Access steps:

• Refer via the GP or occupational health provider
• Arrange assessments with community therapy teams
• Book an on-site demonstration about safe moving and handling

Infection Control and Immunisation

Preventing infection is essential in care settings. Wellbeing offers here often include seasonal flu jabs, COVID-19 guidance, and regular training on infection control practice.

Access steps:

• Work with the local immunisation team to book staff or resident vaccinations
• Access online or in-person training from public health agencies
• Set up reminders for hand hygiene audits

Mental Wellbeing Support Offers

Mental wellbeing covers how people feel, think, and cope with life’s stresses. Good mental health enables staff and care recipients to be resilient, manage challenges, and live fulfilled lives. Mental ill health can lead to absence, low morale, or unsafe care.

Support offers are increasingly being put in place to help everyone thrive.

Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP)

Many organisations buy into EAPs. These are confidential telephone lines or online services offering information, short-term counselling, and referral signposting for staff and, sometimes, their families.

Access steps:

• Publicise contact numbers or app details via posters, staff handbooks, or on your intranet
• Remind staff the service is confidential and free at the point of use
• Arrange group sessions to explain how the service works

Mental Health First Aid and Peer Support

Training staff as mental health first aiders is common. These workers know how to listen, spot warning signs, and offer first-step support. Peer support can mean setting up buddy systems, where colleagues look out for each other.

Access steps:

• Invite accredited trainers to deliver Mental Health First Aid courses
• Recruit volunteers interested in being contact points for support
• Promote peer support groups using noticeboards or newsletters

Counselling and Talking Therapies

Access to talking therapies is growing. Some workplaces offer short-term counselling sessions run by independent therapists. People using services might be referred to the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme.

Access steps:

• Refer employees to in-house or contracted counselling programmes
• Contact local IAPT teams for free NHS support
• For urgent needs, provide crisis line numbers and signpost to mental health crisis teams

Stress Management Workshops

Stress affects health and performance. Many workplaces hold workshops on coping skills, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.

Access steps:

• Book workshops through local health and wellbeing providers
• Partner with charities like Mind or Rethink who can offer staff training
• Share online resources and printable guides on stress management

Mindfulness and Relaxation

Learning to manage thoughts and emotions can reduce anxiety. Mindfulness sessions and relaxation classes are often available, either in person or online.

Access steps:

• Arrange virtual or on-site group mindfulness sessions
• Share links to reputable mindfulness apps or free NHS digital tools
• Provide guided relaxation recordings in break rooms

Debriefing and Reflective Practice

Dealing with complex care issues or bereavement can impact staff mental health. Safe spaces to talk about feelings help people process tough experiences. Debriefing sessions can be run after major incidents or following death of service users.

Access steps:

• Set up regular staff meetings to share and reflect on practice
• Bring in trained facilitators after distressing incidents
• Encourage use of reflective diaries or supervision notes

Support for Specific Needs

Mental health support must include options for people with learning disabilities, sensory loss, dementia, or cultural differences.

Access steps:

• Offer staff training on reasonable adjustments and accessible support
• Work with advocacy groups or community mental health teams
• Link with local charities, e.g., Alzheimer’s Society, for specialist advice

Community-Based Support Offers

Outside the workplace, many offers are available from public or voluntary sector providers.

NHS Services

The NHS provides a wide range of physical and mental wellbeing support for adults. These include:

• GP surgeries: for common health concerns and referrals
• District nurses: for people unable to get out
• Specialist teams: such as respiratory nurses or diabetes educators

Access steps:

• Book online or by phone through the surgery receptionist
• Use NHS 111 for out-of-hours support

Local Authority Services

Councils run social care, public health, and wellbeing services. They coordinate:

• Adult social care assessments
• Equipment and adaptations for people struggling at home
• Sensory impairment services
• Health improvement teams

Access steps:

• Use the council’s adult social care web page or phone line
• Ask your social worker or care coordinator for information about community offers
• Refer directly to sensory services for aids and equipment

Voluntary Sector Offers

Charities provide practical help and emotional support. Services may include befriending, day centres, activity groups, or helplines.

Local examples include:

• Age UK: offers practical help, social activities, and advice
• Mind: provides local mental health support groups
• Carers UK: supports those looking after loved ones

Access steps:

• Search online local directories or charity websites
• Pick up leaflets in GP surgeries or community centres
• Speak to your organisation’s community liaison lead

Occupational Health and Workplace Support in Adult Care

Staff wellbeing has a direct effect on the quality of care. Many care employers provide extra physical and mental health support.

Occupational Health Services

Occupational health teams carry out workplace health checks, offer return-to-work guidance, and manage referrals for work-related illness or injury.

Access steps:

• Refer via your line manager or HR team
• Book a confidential appointment for advice or assessment
• Share details with staff during induction and on noticeboards

Wellbeing Champions and Committees

Some workplaces appoint wellbeing champions: staff members who gather feedback, arrange activities, and offer peer advice.

Access steps:

• Recruit interested staff and provide basic training
• Regularly meet to plan health campaigns and initiatives
• Gather suggestions via feedback boxes or anonymous surveys

Flexible Working Policies

Helping staff balance work and life commitments can support wellbeing. Flexible rotas, condensed hours, and supportive leave policies reduce stress and absence.

Access steps:

• Discuss options with the HR department or immediate manager
• Review written policies, usually found in the staff handbook

Digital and Tech-Based Wellbeing Support

Digital options have become more common. Tools can include online therapy sessions, wellbeing apps, and digital exercise classes. These supports can increase access, especially for those living in rural areas or with limited mobility.

Common options:

• NHS Apps Library: lists free apps to support health and wellbeing
• Confidential chatbots for mental health advice (such as Qwell or SilverCloud)
• Video consultations with GPs and therapists
• Online peer support forums

Access steps:

• Download recommended apps from Apple or Google stores
• Register for online therapy via local NHS or employer portals
• Help staff and service users with set-up if they struggle with technology

Barriers to Accessing Wellbeing Offers

Knowing about support does not always mean people use it. As a manager or leader, you play a central part in breaking down barriers.

Common barriers:

• Stigma about asking for help
• Lack of time to access support
• Lack of awareness or clear information
• Physical or digital accessibility barriers
• Language or cultural differences

Ways to help:

• Promote a supportive culture where seeking help is normal
• Schedule time for staff or residents to attend wellbeing activities
• Display posters and handouts in plain language and accessible formats
• Offer information in multiple languages or formats (large print, easy read)
• Regularly remind everyone about the support on offer

Promoting Take-Up and Reviewing Effectiveness

Reviewing whether support offers are working is part of good leadership. This helps you know if they meet needs, or if changes are needed.

Ways to review include:

• Keeping records of who uses which offers (respecting confidentiality)
• Asking for anonymous feedback from staff and service users
• Holding team meetings and supervision sessions to talk about wellbeing options
• Reviewing sickness and absence rates after new offers are introduced
• Keeping up to date with changes in local and national support schemes

Regular review improves support for everyone. It shows that wellbeing is valued at every level. Acting on feedback builds trust and encourages more people to take up offers.

Final Thoughts

A wide range of types of support are available for physical and mental wellbeing in adult care. These include healthy eating, exercise, health checks, mental health first aid, counselling, community and digital offers. As someone in a management role, you have duties to make support easy to access, spread awareness, and review what is working.

You can access most support through workplace policies, occupational health, NHS or council services, and community groups. Removing barriers is an ongoing job. Promoting regular uptake leads to better health, happier staff, and a safer, better service for all.