Employee Assisstant Program

[lifesabitchslways]

Hi all, I’m really struggling at the moment and would really appreciate some advice or experiences.

I’m going through a very tough time financially. I recently lost my second job due to redundancy, the whole department was disbanded, so it wasn’t performance related. My remaining job simply doesn’t cover all of our bills. I’m not entitled to Universal Credit, and it’s becoming a real struggle to pay rent, keep up with essentials, and properly clothe and feed the kids. To give an idea of where I’m at, my 14-year-old’s school uniform is now too small and I genuinely don’t know how I’m going to replace it right now.

I’ve been considering calling my employer’s advice line, the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), but I’m very hesitant. I’m worried about confidentiality and whether my employer or manager would somehow become aware of what I’ve discussed. I also vaguely remember reading something a while ago about information being passed back to employers, even though the service is meant to be confidential, and that’s really putting me off.

I’m also unsure what practical benefit I’d actually get from calling. Has anyone used an EAP during financial hardship? Did it genuinely help in any way, or was it more generic advice?

Basically:
– Is it truly confidential?
– Will my employer know I’ve called or what I’ve said?
– Is it worth calling when the issue is money and survival rather than stress alone?

Any experiences or advice would be really appreciated. I’m feeling quite overwhelmed and just trying to work out the best next step.

Thank you for reading.
BTW I don’t don’t know if it helps to state the employer is a local council in essex

It is 100% confidential. They have a range of advice including financial advice. I used to manage the contract for an EAP and I’d just get high level data - e.g how many people had contacted in a set period. Does your PTA sell uniform? I know some do. I advertised on my local FB group when DS left primary school to pass on all his uniform for free. I’m planning to do the same in the summer when he leaves secondary school and he has 4-5 blazers, loads of PE kits etc

thanks for that- so what should I be expecting from my cal to them - any ideas?

I’m sorry you’re in this situation. Please let the school know. They can sometimes help with uniform even if you don’t qualify for help. I hope things work out.

Hi, I called my EAP in May. They were actually super helpful. I was initially put through to a counsellor, who spoke with me for an hour and also directed me to self-help resources and gave me some strategies. She also arranged face to face counselling which was set up within 72 hours. This was for six sessions. It was solutions focused and actually very helpful.
I was seeking personal and professional advice due to a number of circumstances coming together, but the initial phone call will tell you what they can do or offer. It might just be helpful for you to meet with someone regularly to get some strategies in place and share the mental burden of your situation. I am a single parent so I understand financial pressures, I have sold DC’s old stuff on Vinted and EBay to get money together - it doesn’t make a huge amount but it can make the difference between being able to afford something and not, and I am happy that usable clothes or toys find a new home.
Regarding confidentiality, I was told high level data would be given but not details unless I was at risk of harm or anything like that. I am not aware of anything which has gone beyond the service and I would recommend ours. I think different places have different providers though. But to be honest, if you need help and it’s a service your employer provides, I would access it. It’s better than struggling alone.

@lifesabitchslways the EAP will give back metrics to your Employer, normally HR who manages the contract, but the data are fully anonymised, so there is no way they will ever know it's you.

the only time anonymity is broken is if the employee states something that gives the EAP staff any indication of illegal practices, self harm or safeguarding eg danger to self or a vulnerable person. So in your case if you said to them you'd been struggling with debt and had stolen money or tried to obtain money through illegal means because of debt, they would be duty-bound to report it.

please approach the school. Most have hardship funds and discretion over how to use them. temporary difficulties due to redundancy would qualify for us. Are you getting any esa - that would also entitle you to pupil premium and free school meals which unlocks other things.

Are you sure you’re not entitled to more benefits you’re getting?

@LottieMary no not entitled to UC because my one income is above the threshold and my rent is high which was completely fine when I had my 2nd job it was good