Support in the Workplace
Every workplace benefits when staff feel healthy, safe and supported. Drug or alcohol issues can affect anyone, at any level, in any profession. When someone begins to struggle, a compassionate and proactive response makes a real difference. We are here to help you build a culture where people can speak up early and get the support they need.
We work with businesses, local authorities, emergency services, schools, the NHS and a wide range of professional settings across Wirral.
How we can support your workplace
We offer guidance and services that help you respond confidently and appropriately when you are worried about a colleague or member of staff.
• Confidential advice for managers and HR teams
• Support for early intervention
• Help understanding signs that someone may be struggling
• Guidance on sensitive conversations
• Clear referral pathways into Wirral Ways
• On site or virtual support options where appropriate
• Workplace wellbeing and harm reduction sessions
• Recovery support for staff returning after treatment
What support can look like for staff
If someone you employ is concerned about their own drug or alcohol use, they can receive:
• A private space to talk about what is going on
• One to one support focused on their goals
• Harm reduction support if they are not ready to stop
• Clinical and prescribing support if needed
• Mental health and trauma informed care
• Aftercare and relapse prevention for ongoing stability
We will only communicate with employers when consent is given or if there is a serious concern about someone’s safety. Confidentiality is always explained clearly at the start.
Why early support matters
Many people hide what they are going through because they are scared of stigma or job loss. By helping someone access support early, you can:
• Reduce sickness and absence
• Prevent disciplinary action
• Protect long term health and wellbeing
• Improve morale and team culture
• Support them to stay in employment
A supportive conversation can be the first step to change.
“I did not identify with being an alcoholic because I felt in control. I was holding down a job. I was being promoted. I had great appraisals at work.”
Dr Mike’s story is a reminder that anyone can struggle
Dr Mike is a GP in Wirral. For years he cared for others every single day while quietly trying to manage his own relationship with alcohol. On the surface his life looked stable and successful, but underneath he was finding things tougher than anyone realised.
His experience is not unusual. Many professionals hide their struggles because they feel pressure to keep everything together. It takes real courage to ask for help.
Dr Mike is now in recovery after reaching out to his own GP and attending AA. He continues to build his recovery every day and now supports others by helping to run online AA meetings and sponsoring people who are starting their own journey.
Dr Mike’s story is featured in Wirral’s Public Health Annual Report for 2024 to 2025, alongside other residents who have spoken openly about addiction and recovery. The report explores what addiction looks like across our communities and how we can all work together to create better support and hope for the future.
You can read Dr Mike’s story, and the stories of others with lived experience, in the Wirral Public Health Annual Report 2024/25
Free training for workplaces
We offer free training to help staff and managers feel more confident in supporting colleagues:
• Substance awareness
• Having conversations around drugs and alcohol
• Harm reduction approaches
• Professional curiosity
• Trauma informed practice
• Naloxone awareness
• How to make an effective referral
Tools for your workplace
You can download free posters and leaflets that encourage help seeking and highlight what support is available locally.
• Confidential staff support poster
• Signs to look out for in colleagues
• QR code link to local help and advice
• NHS and emergency services specific versions
Who we work with
We regularly collaborate with:
• Local authority teams
• Teaching and education settings
• NHS services, including Cheshire and Wirral Partnership and WUTH
• Fire and rescue services
• Police and criminal justice
• Retail, manufacturing and industrial sites
Wherever people work, support should be accessible.
Contact us for workplace advice
If you are concerned about someone, want guidance about a policy, or would like to explore training options, we are here to help.
If someone needs urgent help
Include signposting:
• If there is immediate risk, call 999
• For safeguarding, follow your organisational procedures as well as contacting us if appropriate