You are at the heart of the services we deliver and we want you to know that we value the contributions you make every day. We can't do what we do without your support. We will aim to create a healthy working environment that supports your physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Able Futures
We have now partnered with Able Futures who deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service, providing a wide range of mental health support services delivered by qualified health care professionals. The service is confidential, fast and flexible and is available over the phone, through email and face-to-face meetings.
Contact Able Futures and speak to a mental health professional about whatever is playing on your mind at work:
- Able Futures website
- Email: hello@able-futures.co.uk
- Call their Freephone number 0800 321 3137 (8am to 10.30pm, Monday to Friday)
Access to Work is a grant scheme which supports people with health conditions or a disability. This includes all types of disabilities, including Mental Health conditions.
This grant may help beyond the Reasonable Adjustments provided.
This PDF outlines the Access to Work scheme and what it could offer for those who need it: Access to Work Presentation Nov 22
This policy is a positive strategy to address alcohol and substance related problems/ abuse at work. It sets out the approach to the identification, support arrangements and management action which the Council will take.
Alcohol and substance use procedure (DOC 270KB)
Need Advice?
If you would like advice, please contact the People Management Service via the People Management Portal and a member of the team will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
Getting help
If you're concerned about your drinking or someone else's, a good first step is to visit your GP. They'll be able to discuss the services and treatments available.
As well as the NHS, there are a number of charities and support groups across the UK that provide support and advice for people with an alcohol misuse problem.
For example, you may want to contact:
- Alcoholics Anonymous - helpline 0845 769 7555
- Al-Anon Family Groups - helpline 020 7403 0888
- Drinkaware - runs the national drink helpline, Drinkline on 0300 123 1110
For a full list of charities and support groups, see our page on alcohol support.
Managing an employee who has suffered a bereavement requires compassion, sensitivity, and flexibility. This guide provides some key tips on how to support employees who are dealing with a bereavement, both in the short term and in the longer term. How you respond as a manager will make a huge difference to the experience of your bereaved colleague and how supported they feel when they are able to return to work.
This guidance can provide support to Line Managers: Bereavement Guidance - Line Manager Support
Cumbria Bereavement Services Partnership
The Cumbria Bereavement Services Partnership is a multi-organisational group that brings together all bereavement support providers alongside statutory and other voluntary organisations to help share the information and good practice for the benefits of the residents of Cumbria.
To contact the group:
- Chair - deb.lee@northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk
- Admin - Wesley.Wilson@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Cumbria Bereavement Services Partnership
Local Charity Every Life Matters
Who we are: Every Life Matters is a Cumbrian Suicide Prevention and Bereavement Support charity. We are dedicated to supporting those affected by suicide and reducing suicide rates in our county through campaigning, training and promoting suicide safer communities.
How we can help: Every Life Matters offers practical and emotional support during the early weeks and months following a bereavement by suicide either in person, by telephone or online.
By Your side - Booklet that provides support after suicide in Cumbria
Covid - 19 During the global coronavirus pandemic we are facing a tragic loss of life, often under very difficult circumstances.
Bereaved people may have to deal with increased trauma, and may be cut off from some of their usual support network. Those who are already struggling with bereavement, or whose relatives or friends die through other causes will also be affected.
Below are a number of different sources of information and support which may be off help to you.
Additional information is available under the Financial Wellbeing section.
Cruse - Specific advice for dealing with bereavement during the Corona pandemic.
NHS Factsheet - Bereavement fact sheet and support.
Mind Factsheet - General advice fact sheet for dealing with grief.
Dying Matters- Useful factsheets that contain practical advice particularly around talking to others about your or their wishes.
WAY - Widowed and Young Support for anyone who has lost their partner before their 51st birthday.
NHS - Supporting Children - Supporting children through bereavement.
Child Bereavement UK - Support for children and young people up to 25 when they lose a loved one.
NHS Support for young people - Supporting young people through bereavement.Welcome to the Living with Dementia Toolkit for people with dementia and their carers. This set of resources is based on research, and the expert experiences of people with dementia and their carers. These resources are here to:
- give you hope for the future
- inspire you through examples of real-life experiences
- offer ideas to help you live your life as you choose
University of Exeter and Innovations in Dementia have been working with people over the last 12 months to create the toolkit of advice and information that people living with or affected by dementia. It is a good resource that you can signpost both people with a diagnosis or those caring for someone with dementia to and has been supported by Alzheimer's society and NIHR.
About us - Living with Dementia Toolkit
Many employees have caring responsibilities outside of their working environment.
Domestic Abuse Support Services during Covid-19
If you or someone you know is at risk or experiencing abuse, help and support is available.
List of domestic abuse support services
Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behavior between people in a relationship. But it isn't just physical violence - domestic abuse includes emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological abuse.
Abusive behavior can occur in any relationship. It can continue even after the relationship has ended. Both men and women can be abused or abusers.
Domestic abuse can seriously harm children and young people. Witnessing domestic abuse is child abuse, and teenagers can suffer domestic abuse in their relationships.
Domestic Abuse Policy Statement (PDF 213KB)
Domestic abuse Line Manager information (PDF 368KB)
Catherine.Alderson@cumbria.gov.uk
Rebecca.Allen@cumbria.gov.uk
Louise.Armstrong@cumbria.gov.uk
Nicola.Braund-Smith@cumbria.gov.uk
Hayley.Gibbs@cumbria.gov.uk
Anna.Glover@cumbria.gov.uk
Suzannah.Gregson@cumbria.gov.uk
Zoe.Hartley@cumbria.gov.uk
Lisa.Hodgson@cumbria.gov.uk
Amanda.Irving@cumbria.gov.uk
Nicola.Jackson@cumbria.gov.uk
Jill.Jarvis@cumbria.gov.uk
Allison.Johnston@cumbria.gov.uk
Charlie.Jones@cumbria.gov.uk
Denise.Kinnoch@cumbria.gov.uk
Lorraine.Lamb@cumbria.gov.uk
Louise.Cavanagh@cumbria.gov.uk
alyson.myles@cumbria.gov.uk
Frances.Robertson@cumbria.gov.uk
Clare.Roche1@cumbria.gov.uk
Gill.Schwer@cumbria.gov.uk
James.Shaw@cumbria.gov.uk
Julie.Topping@cumbria.gov.uk
Paula.Warriner@cumbria.gov.uk
Susan.While@cumbria.gov.uk
Andy.Williams@cumbria.gov.uk
Lynne.Johnstone@cumbria.gov.uk
This guidance aims to provide information to managers so they can support an employee who has dyslexia to achieve their full potential.
Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness in the Workplace (MiW) is an online mindfulness course specifically designed as a model which people can integrate and make use of in everyday work settings.
Course: Mindfulness in the Workplace (Blended) (learningpool.com)
This Guidance aims to provide information to managers so they can support employees who require additional support to achieve their full potential.
Scope
This scheme applies to all permanent and fixed term county council/school employees covered by the Burgundy book and Grey book.
Are you struggling - do you need urgent help or to talk to someone?
If you need to talk to someone urgently the Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123 or online at Samaritans.org
Able Futures provide a wide range of mental health support service delivered by qualified health care professionals. The service is confidential, fast and flexible and is available over the phone, through email and face-to-face meetings.
Contact Able Futures and speak to a mental health professional about whatever is playing on your mind at work:
- Able Futures website
- Email: hello@able-futures.co.uk
- Call their Freephone number 0800 321 3137 (8am to 10.30pm, Monday to Friday)
With the cost of living on the rise, there will be people in Cumbria who are struggling, whether that's emotionally, financially or just because they need practical help to get in touch and seek support.
It can be daunting to search through what is on offer and to find what you need. The information below provides local information for Cumbrian residents on a range of helpful topics.
You might feel worried or find yourself in a position you have never experienced before, but please don't wait for problems to get worse, there are many local organisations that can help.
If you are struggling to feed yourself or your family there are organisations that can help. They are used by hundreds of people every week in Cumbria from all walks of life.
Many food projects make use of surplus food that would otherwise go to waste, distributing it locally or turning it into hot meals.
Foodbanks can provide emergency food parcels in a crisis.
Baby Basics is a volunteer-led project aiming to support new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby. Baby Basics started in Sheffield in the spring of 2009, this centre continues to support families across Sheffield working with a wide range of frontline health and social care professionals. There is an ever increasing network of Baby Basics centres across the country each staffed by a committed team of volunteers. Find your nearest Baby Basics Centre
Baby Basics provides much needed essentials and equipment to mothers and families who are unable to provide these items for themselves; including but not limited to teenage mums, people seeking asylum and women fleeing domestic abuse and trafficking.
Money Helper
MoneyHelper is a free service provided by the Money and Pensions Service, providing free and impartial money and pensions guidance for people all across the UK.
It includes:
- advice and guides to help improve your finances
- Tools and calculators to help keep track and plan ahead
- Help with the cost of living, dealing with debt, benefits, pensions and retirement and much more
As well as information, you can start a webchat and talk to trained staff.
There is a wealth of information available on the Government funded website. Money Helper
Are gambling problems affecting you, or those close to you? GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling. Home - GamCare - The leading provider of support for anyone affected by problem gambling in Great Britain
Being a compulsive gambler can harm your health and relationships, and leave you in serious debt.If you have a problem with gambling and you'd like to stop, support and treatment is available. Help for problem gambling - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Citizens Advice
You can contact Citizens Adviceby phone, email or online chat: Contact your nearest Citizens Advice
Chat lets you talk to a trained adviser online. You can:
Talk to us about a debt problem - we can usually help between 8am and 7pm, Monday to Friday
Talk to us about any other kind of problem - we can usually help between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday
Or you can contact an adviser through their national phone service,
Adviceline: 03444 111 444
Text relay: 03444 111 445
If you have any questions about claiming Universal Credit you can talk in complete confidence to an adviser who can support you through the process.
Citizens Advice Help to Claim
The latest updates from Local Pension Partnership Administration (LPPA)
Cumbria Local Government Pension Scheme is open to all employees apart from teaching staff or uniformed fire fighters who have their own pension schemes. Pensions form a valuable element of an employee's remuneration package and you are now able to access your own Local Government Pension Scheme membership record securely from PensionPoint
PensionPoint - Member Self Service
Member Self Service is now available from PensionPoint - register/login
Contact
For pension queries please email askpensions@localpensionspartnership.org.uk or Telephone: 0300 323 0260 (8am to 6pm).
Death Grant Nomination
Have you made a nomination to ensure that in the event of your death, any death grant payable, is made to the right person(s)? The form can be found here: Death Grant Nomination Formhe Guides, Leaflets and Forms section of the website or alternatively sign into your online account where you will find it under Guides and Documents.
What are Credit Unions?
Credit Unions are community savings and loans cooperatives. They offer members the chance to save regularly and to access great value, low interest loans linked to the value of their savings.
Who are Credit Unions For?
Credit unions are open to everyone who lives or work in the areas that they serve regardless of your level of personal household income. If you want to benefit from saving on a regular basis and being able to borrow money at a low interest rate then join your local credit union today.
What are the Community Benefits of Credit Unions?
Credit Unions are financial cooperatives owned and controlled by their members and are run by and for local people. Any financial surpluses from a credit union go towards developing the credit union and / or are returned to local members through a dividend. The only shareholders are therefore the local members who use its services. Credit unions are therefore local, ethical and of benefit to local residents and the wider local community that the money is retained within.
Credit unions offer an alternative to getting into financial difficulties from taking out high Annual Percentage Rate interest loans from legal doorstep lenders, payday advance services or illegal loan sharks.
Dying Matters
It's not a subject we tend to talk about but we will all die, whether expectedly or not. When we prepare for our own death in advance, we are able to relieve the decision making burden on those whom we love and also potentially avoid some of the financial difficulties that families can experience. It is also a good time to think about some of the practical steps that you can take to ease any burden on your family. There are some simple things that you can do such as:
- Make sure that your pension information is up to date and complete a death nomination form
- Think about your funeral, have you thought about whether you would prefer to be buried or cremated? Perhaps you would like a green funeral rather than a more traditional one
- Write your will
Terminal illness
If you are a manager and have a member of staff who has been diagnosed as being terminally ill we have additional information on how the People Management and Occupational Health teams can provide additional support where time is a critical factor. Please see the Ill Health Fast Track procedure and contact People Management as soon as possible. Ill Health Fast Track Page
Funeral Plans
There are many things to think about and decide when arranging a funeral. It is often a difficult time for family and friends who are dealing with loss. A funeral is also, to some people's surprise, a lot more expensive than they thought, often costing thousands of pounds. Money Advice Service can give you a breakdown of costs and suggest a few ways to help you plan a good but affordable funeral. Funeral Plans
Making a will
A will makes it much easier for your family or friends to sort everything out when you die - without a will the process can be more time consuming and stressful. If you don't write a will, everything you own will be shared out in a standard way defined by the law - which isn't always the way you might want. A will can help reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that might be payable on the value of the property and money you leave behind. Writing a will is especially important if you have children or other family who depend on you financially, or if you want to leave something to people outside your immediate family.
Visit money advice service for more information on why you should make a will and what your options might be. Money Advice Service Making a will
Trade Unions - Free will writing service
Trade unions offer a free will writing service as part of their membership. Speak to your trade union representative if you would like to find out more about this. If you are a member of a Trade Union you may also wish to contact them for support.
Contact Details
Green Book Trade Unions which are formally recognised by the County Council are given below:
GMB email: gmbbranchsecretary@gmail.com
Unison email: d.armstrong@unison.co.uk
Unite - Ryan Armstrong, email: ryan.Armstrong@unitetheunion.org
Money Saving Expert
Free Mental Health and Debt guide
There is a free 44-page PDF booklet supported by Mind, Rethink, CAPUK and others, for people with mental health problems and those caring for them.
It covers how to handle debts when unwell, work with banks, free debt counselling, specific tips for bipolar disorder or depression sufferers, whether to declare a condition and more.
Cumbria Sexual Health service provides confidential advice and support on a range of sexual health issues. They offer testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They also provide, for free, all types of contraception including emergency contraception.
Patients can now register for an appointment via online booking (July 2021) Sexual Health Services Online Booking.
Alternatively please call the central phone line on 01228 608989 Monday to Friday 9.30 to 4pm
If you need an interpreter please call the central phone line on 01228 608989.
Support is also available on the NHS website.
Find a sexual Health Clinic in Cumbria.
About loneliness
We all feel lonely from time to time. Feelings of loneliness are personal, so everyone's experience of loneliness will be different.
One common description of loneliness is the feeling we get when our need for rewarding social contact and relationships is not met. But loneliness is not always the same as being alone.
You may choose to be alone and live happily without much contact with other people, while others may find this a lonely experience.
Or you may have lots of social contact, or be in a relationship or part of a family, and still feel lonely - especially if you don't feel understood or cared for by the people around you.
Is loneliness a mental health problem?
Feeling lonely isn't in itself a mental health problem, but the two are strongly linked. Having a mental health problem can increase your chance of feeling lonely.
For example, some people may have misconceptions about what certain mental health problems mean, so you may find it difficult to speak to them about your problems.
Or you may experience social phobia - also known as social anxiety - and find it difficult to engage in everyday activities involving other people, which could lead to a lack of meaningful social contact and cause feelings of loneliness.
Feeling lonely can also have a negative impact on your mental health, especially if these feelings have lasted a long time. Some research suggests that loneliness is associated with an increased risk of certain mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, sleep problems and increased stress.
Find more information on Mind Webpages including tips on how to manage loneliness
Macmillan estimates that more than 125,000 people of working age are diagnosed with cancer in the UK each year. Whether you are an employee, carer, business or health professional we can provide support and information about work and cancer.
Cumbria County Council recognises that being supportive to employees affected by cancer can make huge difference to them as they go through this difficult time. If you are affected by Cancer please speak to your line manager to discuss support available to you.
We currently hold a number of Work and Cancer Toolkits which can assist line managers to support employees or employees themselves. The Toolkit includes information on managing colleagues affected by cancer, support for people living with cancer whilst employed and for individuals working whilst caring for someone with cancer. There are a limited number of toolkits available from People Management.
Employers can register with Macmillan at Work to receive training and a toolkit.
Useful Links:
Understanding this section includes information on types of cancer, different treatment options, possible symptoms and diagnosis.
Organising here you will find how to get assistance with finances, managing work, future planning and much more.
Treating this page includes support on how to choose treatment options, what different types of treatments there are and future planning.
Coping this page gives advice and assistance on how to cope with emotional, relationship and health changes.
Support:
Macmillan Cancer Support Line: 0808 808 00 00 Available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm
Online Community for people affected by breast cancer to share experiences and ask questions to people who understand what you are going through.
Each year, about 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. It is more common in women who are aged 50 and over.
Breast cancer can be invasive or non-invasive (in-situ). When people talk about breast cancer, they usually mean invasive breast cancer. This is when cancer cells have spread outside the milk ducts or lobules where they started into surrounding breast tissue.
Macmillan have information about non-invasive breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It is the earliest possible form of breast cancer and is usually found during routine breast screening.
Breast cancer in men is rare. More information for men with breast cancer.
Cumbria County Council recognises that being supportive to employees affected by cancer can make huge difference to them as they go through this difficult time. If you are affected by Cancer please speak to your line manager to discuss the support options available to you.
Useful Links:
Booklet - Breast Cancer in Women
Breast cancer - Macmillan Cancer Support
Support:
Macmillan Cancer Support Line: 0808 808 00 00 Available 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm
Online Community for people affected by breast cancer to share experiences and ask questions to people who understand what you are going through.
Angela's story
I was 39 when I felt a lump. At first I felt like I'd pulled a muscle. The first thing I did was to 'google' it. Later my consultant told me not to google and not to compare myself with anyone else. After a couple of weeks I went to the doctor who said he would refer me to the breast clinic. Two weeks later the lump was out and then the waiting game to get results!!
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy followed. I wouldn't wish chemotherapy on my worst enemy and that feeling of your hair falling out is one of the worst feelings I've ever experienced, especially 2 days after my 40th birthday. One thing I couldn't ever do was to look at myself full face in the mirror. My daughter who was 9 at the time said "it doesn't matter if you've no hair mum, you are still you".
As time moves on and life gets back to normal, the scars are still there and even now I find I get nervous going for mammograms.
I connected with a friend of my sisters who had gone through the same thing a couple of years previously. I found speaking to her useful and for her to say 'yes, that is how I felt' most comforting and reassuring. She then through her contacts with Cancer Research UK, asked if I'd like to take part in their campaign for that year. So I went to their local shop and 'modelled' for them. This was then a full page spread in the local paper.
I would encourage anyone who finds a lump to get it seen to straight away and to all ladies and gents, to check for lumps regularly. Also a positive mental attitude helped me through it and I'm happy to speak to anyone who needs to.
Sheena's story
We were in the office, top floor of the Kraemer Building and I was sitting at my desk and a colleague said out loud, that 1 in every 10 women will get breast cancer. I looked up and there were 10 females in the room. I thought Crickey - one of us then. It turned out to be me. This was October 2008. I was 49.
I used to check myself periodically but had let that lapse because I was so busy and tired and basically forgot. One night lying in bed I remembered, and to my horror found a lump. The next day I rang the Doctors. Luckily he could see me that morning (how things have changed now!). He said not to worry but he would make a referral to the Hospital. I was called the following week and the Doctor asked me to sit on the bed with my arms up. He called a trainee doctor into the room and pointed out the puckering. I knew then. An urgent ultrasound was organised, and all I could see was this black shape on the screen.
I was then sent to see the Consultant. The nurse asked him if we should we wait for biopsy results, but the Consultant said no, we know what it is. I had the operation the following week, which included taking some lymph nodes so see if it had spread.
The relief that the offending lump had been removed was tempered by the thought that it might have spread. An anxious wait of about 10 days. Then devastation - it had spread.
3 weeks after the first operation I had a 2nd one to remove the lymph nodes on that side. It has the unimaginative title of 'auxiliary clearance'.
My cancer was hormone sensitive and had spread so there was the discussion about further treatment. After the Christmas 2008, I started 6 gruelling rounds of chemotherapy. Some people have few side effects, others have more. I had more than most - the 'one in 10,000' might experience ………. Sessions had to be delayed as my body was wrecked and did not recover quickly enough.
After that there was radiotherapy and long-term medication which has also had long term side effects on the aging process of my body. My eyebrows have never grown back!
BUT I am still here, still working for the Council and as far as I know, cancer free some 13 years later.
Breast cancer is, like so many others, in an area where we want to be private, but my motto was 'park your pride at the hospital door and pick it up again on the way out'. I had so many follow up checks that I joke to my husband about the number of men that have seen my breasts!
The whole journey was a rollercoaster and very hard on my family, but I got through it with the brilliant support from them and especially my husband and Son.
My message to all men (as men can get it too) and women, young and old, is to check, check, check. If only I had checked earlier I would not have had to go through all the treatment. Survival rates are good but so much better if caught early enough.
I am lucky I got through it and regularly count my blessings. For every cloud there is a silver lining, and my experience changed my outlook on life for the better. I don't or try not to sweat the small stuff and I have had some wonderful holidays since.
Tamsin's story
Summer 2009, I was 19 and preparing to head off to university and all the anticipation and excitement that comes with embarking on this new chapter of what feels like, adult life.
It was that summer my Mam was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer consumed our family life, operations, chemotherapy, radiotherapy all the logistics but also the emotional impact these had on my Mam and all our family.
My Mam and I had a really close relationship and so a pressure I had put upon myself was to be 'strong and 'brave' for my Mam who was experiencing the reality of this disease, but this meant I was overlooking the impact it was having on my own health and wellbeing. I kept thinking I'm an 'adult' now I must deal with this but trying to navigate a cancer diagnosis of someone who you love very much and whose role until this point has been taking care of you felt overwhelming and daunting.
Fast forward to the summer of 2013, we were in the middle of planning my wedding with just a few months to go and living with cancer had become our new family normal, so normal that a health decline came as a shock. Sadly, the inevitable we had all been avoiding had arrived and my Mam passed away in June 2013.
There's a lot of clarity in hindsight so for anyone who has a parent diagnosed with cancer my top tips would be:
1. Don't be afraid to acknowledge your feelings.
It is easy to put on a brave face, but they are still your parents and want to know how you feel too so don't shy away from expressing how you feel.
2. Keep healthy and take care of yourself
"You cant give from an empty cup". Taking time for yourself to remain healthy is so important.
3. Ask for help
Support is available for families and loved ones dealing with the effects of a cancer diagnosis so reach out and seek the help if you need it.
4. Its ok to be down or confused
There is so much information and emotion involved, its normal to feel sad or confused or both.
5. Support can come in many forms
Find what works for you, speaking to family, friends, professionals may help either talk about what's going on or give you a break from the reality.
Barbara's story
My Breast Cancer journey began when I was 45. I noticed a "dimple/lump" in my right breast. It took me a few weeks before I went and got it checked out. It was like getting on to an emotional rollercoaster with a few double loops along the ride. Within three weeks, I had a mastectomy on my right side and lymph nodes removed. I was lucky and it hadn't spread. Following my mastectomy, I had six cycles of chemotherapy. Chemo was horrid and invasive, but with amazing support from my family, friends, Ruby my dog and a positive mindset, most of the time, I came out the other side- looking and feeling very different- very bald! The second dose of chemo put me into a chemically induced menopause and these symptoms were enhanced by the tamoxifen I was prescribed for the next 5 years.
A year after the mastectomy I made the decision to have DIEP reconstruction. I was referred to the North East to start the process. Before I had the surgery, I had to have a mammogram on my left breast, pre cancer cells were found and after several biopsies, I asked for it to be removed. I had a second mastectomy and bi lateral reconstruction at the same time. It was a really tough operation (10 hours) and it absolutely flawed me. I was pretty active and fit before cancer but after this operation I couldn't even walk out of the hospital, my daughter pushed me out in a wheelchair. I was determined to get my fitness back and built my strength up over the next 2 months. 10 weeks after the op I took part in the 100km ride the night cycle ride in London for Women V Cancer with a group of friends, it was good to have a focus and raise funds for the charities at the same time.
One of the hardest parts of the cancer journey for me was when the treatment had ended, and I returned to work. I really struggled with who I was, what was normal? I didn't feel normal. I felt angry, upset, my body was like a patch work quilt! Living in rural Cumbria, I struggled to find any support. I now volunteer as a cancer coach for Cancer Support UK- which offers a 6-week virtual space for people post treatment to talk to others and share their stories with people who are feeling the same and learn about resources to help them move forward. It is a fantastic peer group support.
I am now 7 years cancer free; the journey does change you; it has made me really appreciate the simple things and enjoy life, I don't sweat the small stuff, it really puts things into perspective in a positive way.
Julie's story
I got an appointment through for my first mammogram just after my 49th birthday it was a bit of a 'oh I'm of that age now am I? ' but there wasn't any doubt in my mind I would go. I was talking to my GP on the day of the appointment and she advised me not to worry if I got called back as that happened regularly on the first one - so when I got a letter 5 days later asking me to go back I didn't think any more about it.
When I arrived at the Breast Clinic the receptionist asked me if I had brought anyone with me, I thought it was a bit strange but didn't think any more about it. Two hours and a whole load of tests later the radiographer said to me 'well you have 2 lumps and I'm not really concerned about the second one' and I knew at that point that I had breast cancer.
I had to wait 2 weeks for the biopsy report to confirm the diagnosis and the day I received the results was the day they booked me in for my lumpectomy surgery 2 weeks later. Then it was another 2 weeks to confirm that they had removed the tumour - it was invasive but they caught it early and the likelihood was that it would have taken a long time for me to spot it due to the location.
The next step was 3 weeks worth of radiotherapy and confirmation that I was fortunate and didn't need chemotherapy but because the cancer was hormone receptive I had to go on medication for the next 5 years to reduce the risk of a tumour in the other breast.
So now I'm 6 years out and cancer free which is amazing but I thank my lucky stars that I went for the mammogram when I did otherwise I could have ended up with a very different scenario.
Jennifer's story
Wear Pink day is extra special this year for me. In January I attended my routine Mammogram. Despite Covid, Carlisle Hospital continued doing the tests and it was so simple - no problem with parking, queues or delays - 15 minutes exactly from leaving the car to getting back and another job ticked off! Or so I hoped!
Two weeks later instead of visiting our daughter in Hong Kong which had been cancelled because of Covid I was back for a biopsy and the one per cent who have no symptoms, lumps or bumps but I did have breast cancer. The NHS were brilliant and I had my first op at the beginning of March. The cancer was six times bigger than they thought so I was back in for my second op at the end of March to get clear margins. We decided as a family it would be good to raise some money for the Breast Care Units at Whitehaven and Carlisle and also Breast Cancer Now and Macmillan. Just as we started we were told more cancer had been found and I would need a mastectomy and rebuild etc. Two weeks after my third op we had raised £250 which I gave to my my breast nurse and surgeon. But as word spread and people used their talents with jams, chutneys, knitting etc the total grew - my friend even gave a lamb which we auctioned making £765. The total raised now stands at £3,480. Two weeks ago I returned to work after seven months and delighted that we have this event to specially raise awareness of Breast Cancer.
Please check yourselves regularly, it is so important- men included- catch it early!
The Macmillan Cancer Information Library Project is a joint venture between Macmillan Cancer Support, North Cumbria NHS Trust and Cumbria County Council's library service, to make information about cancer more widely available to the public.
The project libraries have dedicated shelving and leaflet holders and a wide range of free Macmillan leaflets to take away, as well as library books on cancer awareness, and titles which offer advice on diet, lifestyle, and mental attitude as well as practical information and guidance on living with cancer.
Some of the libraries also offer drop-in sessions staffed by trained Macmillan information and support volunteers. (The project has been made possible thanks to a grant from Macmillan.)
Change in the workplace can cause stress, especially when an organisation goes through a period of major change that will involve redundancies.
Stress is not an illness it is a condition. However, if stress becomes excessive and prolonged an individual may get to the stage where they feel unable to cope with the pressures they are experiencing. As a consequence they may experience mental or physical symptoms.
If you start to feel that your levels of stress are getting too much, it is important that you get the help and support you need. Work-related stress is a workplace hazard and like any other hazard it is important that you report any concerns to your Line Manager as soon as possible so they are able to take any necessary actions to help to support you at an early stage.
Where can I access further information and support?
Your own GP - Your own GP should be contacted if you are experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression. Besides being able to help address your symptoms they are a valuable source of help and information.
NHS Choices - Stress support and signposting. including specifcs for stress about covid-19.
Rethink Mental Illness - Stress - How to cope - If you are struggling to cope with life pressures, you might be stressed. This webiste explains the common symptoms and causes of stress. It also looks at some of the ways you can try to reduce stress.
You can also download their stress factsheet full of advice and resources that even has a stress diary to complete to help you identify your triggers.
The health and safety executive have listed some of the signs and symptoms that may indicate stress and a need to seek further help.
They also have a workbook aimed at Managers to support Employees with Stress
Step by Step workbook for tackling stress
Drinkaware
Be Drinkaware by visiting this useful resource on alcohol consumption and links with stress. Drinkaware
Occupational Health Service
Your manager may arrange an appointment with the Council's occupational health service so they can assess your levels of stress and provide advice and guidance on the support you need and the services available to you.
The aim of this guidance is to help create an environment where women feel confident enough to raise issues about their symptoms and ask for adjustments at work. We will aim to promote a greater understanding of the menopause and seek to eradicate any exclusionary or discriminatory practices.
This guidance may also be useful for employees who have family members who are going through the menopause, as this may also be affecting them.
Menopause Guidance (PDF 486KB)
You may have seen communications about the Staff Focus Groups which have now been launched. There wasn't a specific group for Menopause included when the groups were first set up, but following some enquiries from staff a Menopause Network is now being established. As well as providing support to colleagues the group are looking at raising awareness of menopause, support available and suggested improvements to workplace policies and guidance. If this is something that you might be interested in or if you have colleagues who may be interested please can you email: staffnetworkgroups@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.
Men's health is in crisis. Men are dying on average 5 years earlier than women, and for largely preventable reasons.
A growing number of men - around 10.8M globally - are facing life with a prostate cancer diagnosis. Globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among young men.
And across the world, one man dies by suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 75% of all suicides.
Movember is uniquely placed to address this crisis on a global scale. They fund groundbreaking projects all over the world, engaging men where they are to understand what works best and accelerate change.
Get involved
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.
In England, around one in eight men has a common mental health problem such as depression, anxiety, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Last updated: 1 October 2021
As with many mental health statistics, it's hard to know if the figures really represent what is happening. They can only tell us about mental health problems that have been reported - many cases may go undiagnosed. This may be especially true when it comes to men's mental health.
There are other signs that might give us a better picture of the state of men's mental health:
- Three times as many men as women die by suicide.
- Men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK.
- Men report lower levels of life satisfaction than women according to the Government's national wellbeing survey.
- Men are less likely to access psychological therapies than women: only 36% of referrals to NHS talking therapies are for men.
In addition, men are far more likely than women to go missing, sleep rough, become dependent on alcohol and use drugs frequently. Find out more about how mental health problems affect men and women differently on our statistics page.
Get Support
We're the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and we're taking a stand against suicide. That means standing against feeling shit, standing up to stereotypes, and standing together to show life is always worth living.
125 lives are lost every week to suicide. And 75% of all UK suicides are male. We exist to change this.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Globally, more than 1.4 million men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Know the facts and take action early.
EARLY DETECTION IS KEY.
The difference between early detection and late detection can be life and death.
Detecting prostate cancer
Not everyone experiences symptoms of prostate cancer. Many times, signs of prostate cancer are first detected by a doctor during a routine check-up.
Some men, however, will experience changes in urinary or sexual function that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Signs and symptoms
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Difficulty in having an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs
Information and Support
Cancer of the testicle is 1 of the less common cancers, and tends to mostly affect men between 15 and 49 years of age.
Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in 1 of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles.
It's important to be aware of what feels normal for you. Get to know your body and see a GP if you notice any changes.
Read more about the look and feel of normal testicles, the symptoms of testicular cancer and diagnosing testicular cancer.
Testicular cancer - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Check your pair
A How to Guide Movember - Men's Health - Testicular Cancer
This guidance has been developed to provide a resource for anyone who is supporting a member of staff with a mental health problem and to promote understanding and remove stigma around mental health.
Mental Health Support (DOC 241KB)
Coping with Trauma Leaflet (PDF 606KB)
Every Life Matters
Promoting Suicide Safer Communities and providing Suicide Bereavement Support across Cumbria
Wellbeing & Mental Health Guide
Covid-19 has now had a far reaching impact on our nations mental health. Its more important than ever that we take positive steps to look after our ourselves, to seek help when we need it, and check-in and support people around us.
Our revised Guide to looking after yourself and others contains practical information about things you can do now to look after your mental health and wellbeing, on how you can support others, and where to find support if you or others need it. Visit our Support Directory to find out more about where you can get help.
Urgent mental healthcare
Whether you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, details of where you can go for help and advice can be found on the attached guidance document and also from the Cumbria NHS Website.
Who to contact if you need urgent support in a crisis (DOC 26.7KB)
If a person's mental or emotional state gets worse quickly, this can be called a mental health emergency or mental health crisis. In this situation, it's important to get help quickly to stop the person harming themselves or others.
Mental health emergencies can include:
- threats of suicide or self-harm
- self-neglect, such as stopping eating or drinking
- aggressive behaviour
- being extremely distressed
- going missing
In an emergency, you may need to contact someone for help. The care plan of the person you care for (usually drawn up under the Care Programme Approach if they have severe mental health problems) should contain details of who to contact in a mental health emergency.
If this isn't in their care plan, call their GP first. For urgent advice or treatment when your GP surgery is closed contact NHS111.
If you think there is any immediate danger, call 999.
If the person you care for has written something on Facebook about struggling to cope or suicide and you can't contact them, you can report the suicidal content to Facebook. Facebook will put Samaritans in touch with the distressed friend to offer their expert support.
Please find below details of Mental Health support services.
Mind
Mind Provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Sometimes talking things through or hearing a supportive voice can give you the extra strength to find a way forward.
Telephone: 0300 561 0000
Samaritans
Samaritans are here round the clock, every single day of the year. They support anyone who needs them through 201 branches across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Whatever you're going through, call them free any time, from any phone on 116 123. Round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Telephone: 116 123
Support after suicide
How to support someone who has been bereaved and affected by suicide.
The Lancashire and South Cumbria Resilience Hub was created in response to the pandemic to help support public sector workers psychologically affected by Covid-19.
The dedicated Resilience Hub team, who worked tirelessly to get the hub up and running quickly, is dedicated to supporting those who work in the emergency services, health and social care, teachers, carers, local authority staff and volunteers. We can offer support to your families too.
Call Us: 01772 520228
Email Us: lschub@lscft.nhs.uk
Staff Wellbeing Hub We're a partnership bringing together the NHS, councils, combined authorities, voluntary and partner organisations from right across our region. We are a collaboration of organisations committed to looking at new and different ways to work to improve the overall health of the three million people we serve.
Most of our work is focused in places and neighbourhoods, but it also provides a way for us to work together on regional issues that need to be tackled at scale.
Togetherall is a safe, online community where people support each other anonymously to improve mental health and wellbeing.
Millions of people in the UK have access via their participating employer, university, college, NHS provider or local council. All armed forces personnel, veterans and their families (16+) also have free access.
Our Frontline is here to provide 24/7 emotional support, by call or text with trained volunteers, or online resources, to all the workers who have been on the frontline throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shout If you are struggling to cope and need to talk, our trained Shout Volunteers are here for you, day or night.
Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous text support service. You can text from wherever you are in the UK.
TEXT US 85258
Carlisle Eden Mind The Lighthouse
6pm to 11pm every night of the year.
Telephone: 0300 561 0000.
The Lighthouse is a calm, safe and comfortable place for people in Carlisle and Eden to visit when they are experiencing crisis, feeling unsafe or finding it hard to cope. We are open 6pm to 11pm, every night of the year, when most other services are closed. At The Lighthouse you can talk to one of our crisis support workers - time to be listened to or to explore together ways to feel safe and strategies to help you cope with your crisis. Some people simply use The Lighthouse as a calm and safe place to have some time out, a sanctuary while the feelings pass. Others find support through talking to people in a similar situation as them.
You are welcome to visit The Lighthouse as often as feels useful to you, though we do stress that we are here for your worst times. Many people visit The Lighthouse once, or a small number of times until their crisis has passed. Others use the service for a longer period of time, for out-of-hours support with serious mental health problems or because their lives are very difficult. We welcome both of these, and anything in between. The service is confidential. We won't tell anyone about your visit unless you ask us to - except in exceptional circumstances.
The Lighthouse is a place to find sanctuary and support in times of crisis. A calm, welcoming and safe place where you can get one-to-one support, the chance to talk about what's going on for you, to look at ways of coping and keeping yourself safe and to find out more about what other services locally might support you.
At The Lighthouse we can offer you:
- a safe environment where you will be listened to with warmth and understanding, and you won't be judged
- a chance to look at ways of coping with your crisis and keeping yourself safe
- information about mental health and other places to get support
Visits to The Lighthouse are by appointment only. If you feel in crisis and would like to visit The Lighthouse, you can ring and refer yourself on 0300 561 0000.
We will ask you a few questions about how you're feeling and what's going on for you. If you've visited The Lighthouse before please call us first to request a further visit. We are based in Carlisle City Centre, close to both the central bus and train stations. Our staff will give you directions when you call.
If we are full, or if you'd prefer not to come to The Lighthouse, our MindLine staff are available to provide crisis support over the phone every night until 11pm.
Togetherall is a service offering free online support to anyone aged 16 and over, 24/7, you just needs a Cumbria postcode to register. It provides online peer-peer support, access to an anonymous community and lots of information, as well as course and resources covering a range of mental health and wellbeing topics.
The Cumbria Support Directory contains an A to Z list of all local health and wellbeing initiatives available throughout Cumbria. The Directory contains information relating to services that help people live longer, feel healthier and be happier.
It is important to note that the site contains information relating to a full range of health and wellbeing services and not all of these will be of interest.
However by browsing the directory, you will find contact details of counselling services, groups, sessions and resources for people going through a period of change and / or challenge.
The aim of this guidance is to help support managers and employees with any queries regarding neurodiversity in the workplace. We aim to promote a greater understanding of neurodiversity and seek to eradicate any discriminatory practices.
Neurodiversity is a relatively new term that many people may not yet know much about. Learning more about neurodiversity and taking steps to understand how to best support everyone in workplaces can be hugely beneficial for employers and employees.
The Occupational Health Service operates an employee self-referral scheme for counselling.
Please note counselling can be provided to employees as an interim measure of support while the employee seeks longer term treatment and support through their GP. Once your referral has been triaged then you will be refereed to a counsellor initially for up to four sessions.
To access the scheme please read the guidance below first and then log into the eOPAS portal.
Self Referral for Counselling Portal Guidance (DOC 3.5MB)
Occupational Health Portal
If you have any difficulties please call the Occupational Health Service on 01768 812556.
We have teamed up with credit unions in Cumbria to offer a salary deduction scheme to staff which means you can save directly from your wages. And if you would like to keep fit and save money you can purchase a bike through our Cycle to Work Scheme.
Just as we all can become affected by a physical injury, we can also all be potential sufferers of psychological effects due to pressures in our work or personal lives. 11 million working days are lost in the UK every year due to stress at work. Employers have a legal duty to protect employees from stress at work by assessing the risks and addressing the findings.
A stress risk assessment is nothing more than a careful examination of what in a workplace could cause staff to suffer from work-related stress. We have produced a corporate risk stress risk assessment which covers the key organisational controls that should be in place for all staff. Link to: Corporate Stress Risk Assessment
Should an individual report that they are suffering stress related symptoms or if a staff member is returning to work following a stress absence, we endorse the use of the HSE Return to Work form which is effectively an individual stress questionnair (PDF 330KB), individual stress questionnaire (DOC 61KB). This should be completed by the individual with their manager or other representative.
Link to: Stress Management Pages Health and Safety - workplace safety A to Z : Cumbria County Council (intouch.ccc)
Trade Unions play an important role in the council and in providing support to their members.
Wellness Actions Plans (WAPs) are an easy, practical way of helping you to support your own mental health at work, and if you are a manager, helping you to support the mental health of your team members.
Everyone can complete a WAP, you don't need to have a mental health problem in order to feel the benefits. It just means that you already have practical steps in place to ensure you are supported when you aren't feeling great.
We have two guides available, both with a WAP template which you can fill in electronically:
- Our Guide for line managers is for managers or supervisors who are interested in introducing WAPs to their team members
- Our Guide for employees is for any member of staff who would like to try a WAP for themselves and introduce the idea of using WAPs to their manager or supervisor
Cervical canceris a cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix.
The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the womb (uterus).
It's part of the reproductive system and is sometimes called the neck of the womb.
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain types ofhuman papillomavirus (HPV).
It can often be prevented by attending cervical screening, which aims to find and treat changes to cells before they turn into cancer.
Cervical cancer usually grows very slowly. How serious it is depends on how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.
Symptoms of cervical cancer include:
· vaginal bleeding that's unusual for you - including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual
· changes to your vaginal discharge
· pain during sex
· pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy
Cervical screening is offered to all women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 to check the health of cells in the cervix. It is offered every 3 years for those aged 25 to 49, and every 5 years from the ages of 50 to 64.
Breast canceris the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.
About 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected at an early stage.
For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP.
Breast cancer can have several symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor.
You should also see a GP if you notice any of these symptoms:
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
- Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.
Find out more about thesymptoms of breast cancer.
Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 to detect early signs of breast cancer. Women over 70 can self-refer.
- Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. This usually happens between the ages of 45 and 55.
- It can sometimes happen earlier naturally. Or for reasons such as surgery to remove the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments like chemotherapy, or a genetic reason. Sometimes the reason is unknown.
- Perimenopause is when you have symptoms before your periods have stopped. You reach menopause when you have not had a period for 12 months.
- Menopause and perimenopause can cause symptoms like anxiety, mood swings, brain fog, hot flushes and irregular periods. These symptoms can start years before your periods stop and carry on afterwards.
- Menopause and perimenopause symptoms can have a big impact on your life, including relationships and work.
- There are things you can do to help with symptoms. There are also medicines that can replace the missing hormones and help relieve your symptoms.
A GP, nurse or pharmacist can give you advice and help with your menopause or perimenopause symptoms
A Menopause Network group has been established for staff which aims to share information and resources regarding per-menopause and menopause, as well as providing peer support to colleagues.
If this is something that you might be interested in or if you have colleagues who may be interested please can you email StaffFocusGroups@cumbria.gov.uk
Menopause: Starting the Conversation (eLearning)
My Learning with Cumbria County Council.
We have a network of staff who have volunteered to provide support to colleagues. This is a voluntary role which is supported by the council.