Council and health and social care employees will have access to a new online platform to help them look after their physical and mental health.

The Scottish Government’s digital wellbeing hub will enable staff, carers, volunteers and their families to access support and provides a range of self-care and wellbeing resources designed to aid resilience as the workforce responds to the impact of coronavirus.

Allan Macleod, chair of the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “This is a great resource which I’m sure will be well used and appreciated by our employees. We know this is a very challenging time for everyone, so anything we can do to help and support our staff is very welcome.”

The content for the hub, which is the first of its kind in the UK, has been created by trauma and other specialists in Scotland.

Its launch follows the £3.8 million extra funding announced in March to increase the capacity of NHS 24’s mental health helpline services and expand digital therapies.

Specifically tailored to support the challenges being faced by everyone in the council and health and social care, the hub will provide advice on self-care and personal resilience to help users to recognise their own “warning signs”.

Councillor Marie McNair, vice chair of the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership, added: “This new hub encourages people to make use of available services to look after their wellbeing and mental health.

“I am delighted to see this new online resource by the Scottish Government being introduced locally and I hope all our staff and their families make the most of this service which will help them look after their health and wellbeing during this difficult time.”