April to June 2010
Over the last few months we have been busy expanding our team following a series of contract wins. We are delighted to welcome Debbie Pinchen, Kirstie Bailey, Katie Hobday, Diana Whalley, Jan Howell, Karen Elphick and Marion Wachet to the Lewis Psychology CIC team. The depth of knowledge and experience that they have gained in their respective fields will be a great asset to the team and we look forward to working with them. New additions to the Lewis Psychology CIC team
Lewis Psychology CIC celebrate ethical business award
We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Mark, which identifies us as trading for social and environmental purposes.
The Social Enterprise Mark is the brand for social enterprises and was launched 1st February, 2010. The Mark identifies businesses which meet defined criteria for social enterprise, and consumers will recognise that businesses displaying the Mark are trading to benefit people and planet.
Government data estimates that there are 62,000 social enterprises across the UK, contributing £24 billion to the economy and employing around 800,000 people.
Social enterprises are working to make a difference across the UK and beyond, but not enough people know what they are or how they work. The Social Enterprise Mark aims to raise awareness of what social enterprises do in order to get more people to buy from, engage with, start up and work for social enterprises.
Teresa Lewis, founder and director, said, "We're really proud to have been awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. Lewis Psychology CIC is absolutely committed to supporting sustainable businesses and consequently helping local communities to thrive and prosper. Social enterprise is a different way of doing business, and is especially relevant at a time when people increasingly want to use companies that put their profits back into the community, rather than into the pockets of shareholders".
Lucy Findlay champion from the Social Enterprise Mark Company advised: "With more and more opportunities opening up every day for social enterprises to deliver health services, the Social Enterprise Mark has an important role to play in helping people understand when their health provider is genuinely socially motivated. The Social Enterprise Mark is available across the country and we hope its the next 'Fair Trade'-type success story in helping people buy in a more 'ethical' way".
Fit note replaces sick note
The new fit note replaced the sick note on Tuesday 6th April, aiming to encourage more employees back to work while calling upon employers to ensure there are relevant support mechanisms in place for this to happen.
Over 40% of GP consultations are for problems related to mood and emotional states; these issues often lie at the heart of sickness/absence from work. From today employers will find that workers experiencing these problems are more likely to be told that they 'may be fit for work' and will be given advice about what would make this possible. All of this is built on the premise that work is of psychological benefit and can improve wellbeing.
The main problem for employers will lie in understanding exactly what the impact of an individual medical condition is on the worker who has it, and what might need to change at work in the short-term to support attendance and promote their rapid return to wellness.
Workplace counsellors, as the key professionals involved in the emotional wellbeing of employees, will be required to assist with assessment and action-planning, and to identify the emotional triggers and coping strategies for both the employee and the employer. The risk to employers in not working with counsellors is that adjustments may be made that have a less than beneficial effect or they may even be denied, and therefore lead not only to higher levels of absence but also may create grievances and more serious litigation.
The government's move towards a Wellbeing Culture is welcomed by Lewis Psycholgy CIC. The fit note is a further step in the development of a UK workforce that is strong and resilient whilst having rapid access to help and support when needed.
New Sign
The latest addition to the grounds of Lewis Psychology CIC is a new external sign showing off our logo. We hope you like it.
Reduced fee counselling now open to low income families
With funding from the Big Lottery Fund we are able to offer part subsidized counselling to people in receipt of benefits, students and low income families.
If you feel that you are entitled to part subsidized counselling please ask about our Lottery Funded Access to Counselling Project when you book your first appointment.
