Health Care and Mental Wellbeing

Health Care and Mental Wellbeing

Supporting the health and wellbeing of internationally recruited workers is a key part of successful onboarding and long‑term retention. This guide helps providers support workers’ access to healthcare and promotes positive mental health in the workplace.

Access to Health Services

NHS Healthcare Rights

International care workers sponsored under a UK Skilled Worker visa have the same access to NHS healthcare as UK residents. This means they can register with a GP and access many NHS services.

Registering for NHS and GP Services

Including instructions and links in the welcome pack helps workers complete these essential steps independently.

Providers should support new recruits to:

• Register with a GP
• Register with an NHS dentist

See also - Hampshire and Isle of Wight primary care networks

NHS 111 – Health Advice and Urgent Care

NHS 111 provides free health advice 24/7 for urgent but non‑life‑threatening issues.

• Online:https://111.nhs.uk
• Phone: Call 111 free

Urgent Treatment Centres

International workers can access urgent treatment centres (UTCs) if they need care and cannot see a GP. Some UTCs accept walk-ins, while others require an appointment via NHS 111. Providers may include the addresses of nearby UTCs in the welcome pack or direct recruits to a local UTC directory.

Find local urgent treatment centres

Workplace Support for Wellbeing

Encouraging a Supportive Culture

Care work can be rewarding but demanding. Supporting mental wellbeing should be part of everyday workplace culture.

Providers can help by:

• Encouraging regular check‑ins and supportive conversations
• Embedding wellbeing conversations into visits, supervisions, and appraisals
• Assigning a workplace buddy or mentor

Wellness Action Plans (WAPs)

A Wellness Action Plan (WAP) is a personalised tool that helps employees and managers understand:

• What helps keep someone well at work
• What triggers stress or distress
• How to manage wellbeing proactively

Practical WAP guidance: Mind – Wellness Action Plans

Including WAPs as part of induction supports long‑term wellbeing.

Mental Health First Aid and Champions

Providers may consider training staff as:

• Mental Health First Aiders
• Mental Health Champions

These roles help raise awareness, reduce stigma, and direct individuals to appropriate support.

For training and resources:

Mental Health First Aid England

Become a Mindful Employer

Providers may choose to sign up to the Mindful Employer Charter, which recognises organisations committed to supporting staff mental health. Signing up provides access to confidential advice lines, training, and resources to embed a positive mental health culture in your workplace.

External Support Services

Below are national and local mental health support options that can be shared with workers or included in induction material.

National Support

• NHS Mental Health Services
• Every Mind Matters
• Samaritans– Emotional support 24/7 - Call: 116 123
• Mind (Mental Health Charity) – Support and employer guidance
• Shout– Confidential 24/7 text support - Text SHOUT to 85258
• The Care Workers Charity - Support sessions

Local Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton & IoW Support

Tip: Consider putting this local directory in the induction pack or on a separate resource page.

General Mental Health Support

• NHS Urgent Mental Health Support – phone: 111
• Local GP practice services – via GP registration
• Skills for care - www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Support-for-leaders-and-managers/Managing-people/Wellbeing
• Italk (Hampshire IAPT) – free NHS talking therapies: www.italk.org.uk
• Solent Mind – wide range of wellbeing services: www.solentmind.org.uk

Community and Counselling Services

Southampton & Portsmouth Support

Good Practice for Providers

• Prepare early: Include health registration and mental wellbeing information in pre-arrival guidance.
• Facilitate access: Support GP/dentist registration, NHS numbers, and urgent care information.
• Provide ongoing support: Assign a buddy or mentor and schedule regular check-ins.
• Promote mental health awareness: Consider Mental Health Champions, First Aiders, or training for staff.
• Tailor resources: Include culturally appropriate and accessible information for your recruit.
• Use Wellness Action Plans: Encourage personalised plans to maintain wellbeing and manage stress.
• Signpost local and national support: Ensure your recruit knows where to find help quickly if needed.

A proactive approach to healthcare and wellbeing helps international recruits settle faster, feel supported, and thrive in your organisation.