Staff wellbeing initiatives in a multidisciplinary community learning disability service in response to the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

In response to the pressure and potential burden on staff members in a busy London Community Learning Disability Service during the Covid-19 pandemic, several staff wellbeing initiatives emerged. These included a weekly wellbeing newsletter, wellbeing sessions, virtual lunches and reflective practice sessions. Through using a responsive approach, the initiatives were adjusted to meet demand and the need of the staff members within the service. Feedback has suggested that in particular, the wellbeing session and newsletter were the most valued and gave staff members a sense of connectedness and belonging and helped to manage anxiety. These initiatives are now ongoing. To increase the reach and potential benefits of the wellbeing initiatives across the service our learning indicates management modelling, protected time and collaboration across disciplines may be important factors.