What is employee support line?

esl

is a confidential counselling and support service provided by trained, experienced counsellors, providing face-to-face counselling  available throughout Hampshire.

Who can use employee support line?

Anyone who works for the County Council can use esl, whether you work full-time, part-time, casually or as a volunteer.

Whatever the issues you feel you need support with - work related or not - you can contact esl.

esl is also available to staff of other authorities / organisations who have contracted to use the service.  

If you are unsure if your organisation has contracted into esl your HR department will advise you.

When and where is support available?

Various venues across the county are available to esl

When and where you meet with a counsellor will include consideration of your needs which will be discussed with you when you contact the service.

Is there a charge?

No, the service is provided free

Is there a charge?

No, the service is funded by your organisation

Is it really confidential?

Matters you discuss with us will not be passed to anyone outside of the esl service.

esl does keep confidential written records to enable us to properly manage your case.  These records are carefully protected to ensure that no one else has access to them.

The only exception will be where there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

In the rare event that we do disclose information this will be done where possible with your consent and then only to those who need to know.

Your counsellor will discuss confidentiality, record keeping and the law with you at your first meeting.

See also What is confidentiality?

Venue

The place where you meet with your counsellor has been carefully chosen to maintain confidentiality and your anonymity.  Your counsellor will explain where you will meet in order to minisise contact with others.  If you feel at all uneasy about the venue your counsellor will be happy to discuss this with you.

Please browse this website for further information about the service.

Alternatively you can contact the esl Helpline Co-ordinator on 023 8062 6606

What support is available?

esl can provide counselling and support for a wide range of difficulties which include:

• stress at work or home

• relationship difficulties at work or home

• violence / aggression / harassment

• financial worries

• bereavement / loss

• alcohol / substance misuse

• trauma / critical incident support

• panic attacks / phobias

• illness of self / others

• gender issues

What you can expect from esl?

At your first appointment you and your counsellor will agree the number of sessions (usually a maximum of six).

Counselling sessions are usually weekly, at the same time on the same day and with the same counsellor.   Appointments may be adapted as necessary.   Your counsellor will discuss this with you.

In the unlikely event that your counsellor is unable to keep an appointment you will be contacted.

If you wish to continue with longer term counselling beyond the six sessions your counsellor will give you information about other agencies.

If a new issue arises in the future you may contact esl again.

What esl expects from you

Once counselling begins we ask you to please keep your appointments.

Cancelled appointments create a delay for others wishing to meet with a counsellor.

If you do have to cancel an appointment for reasons outside your control please contact us as soon as possible by calling 023 8062 6606.  Your counsellor will discuss notice requirements with you at your first session.

Evaluation of the service

Your counsellor will give you an evaluation form at your first appointment.  It will be really helpful if you would complete this and return to us at the end of counselling.

Every form that is returned is used in evaluating and improving the service.  These forms are anonymous.