Urgent advice needed.

[Carty76]

So I returned to work in March this year following being off for 6 months. My daughter was stillborn in September which devastated me. Completely devastated me. Plucked the courage up, and it literally took everything in me, to go back. Yesterday I was asked to move teams to a team that has a dreadful reputation for bullying amongst other things. I panicked straight await and became really anxious at the thought of being moved when I’m still finding my feet after going back. On a side note they have also put a stop to my bereavement counselling.To add to this, yesterday I found out I was pregnant. Apparently I’m now going to be forced to go. The stress that it is causing is unreal and I’m terrrified what the stress may cause. Does anyone have any advice at all? Oh, I’ll add at this point that I work in mental health for the NHS

Oh my dear that does sound completely overwhelming.

Firstly - congratulations on your pregnancy. I know that must seem more scarey than exciting but that is a wonderful positive.

Secondly - although this team has a bad reputation it is just possible that the people there are just not capable of being cruel to a recently bereaved mum - it might be OK.

Thirdly - who us the "they" who have stopped the councelling. There are usually limits on the numbers of sessions you can have for any talking therapy. That doesn't mean you can't get any kind of help any more but that it needs to change. Have you talked to Sands? Is there a local self-help group?

Who can help you negotiate all this? Are you in a union?

I hear what your saying about the other time but I need stability at the moment. HR have out a stop to my counselling sessions. I am in a Union, sent them a message saying I need urgent advice. Some people amaze me.

I think it's probably worth considering the issues separately. In respect of your bereavement counselling, so your employer has been funding counselling for you, is that right? And they are now stopping the sessions. Have you been told why? Is it the case that you are entitled to x number of sessions as part of your terms and conditions?

In terms of moving teams, what reason has been given for this? Is it common/generally acceptable to do that where you work?

The team you are being moved to, do you have any actual reason to think you'll be bullied, other than the team having a 'reputation'? Do you know people/have history with people there or something?