Confidential support for staff in participating pilot practices
Employee Assistance Programme
Working in general practice can be demanding.
As part of a one-year pilot, a number of Dorset practices now have access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offering staff free, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year.
If your practice is taking part in the pilot, you and your colleagues can use the EAP for work or personal issues, whenever you need someone to talk to.
This page explains how staff in participating practices can access help, the quick actions practice managers can take, and the resources available to raise awareness in your teams.
Currently, the EAP pilot will end July 2026.
Which practices have an EAP?
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The EAP is currently available only to staff who work in the following pilot practices and networks:
Ammonite Health Partnership
Blackmore Vale Partnership
Castleman Federation
Cross Road Surgery
Gillingham Medical Practice
Harvey Practice
Moordown Medical Centre
Poole Central Primary Care Network
Purbeck PCN
Queens Avenue Surgery
Royal Manor Health Care
South Coast Medical Group
The Adam Practice
The Blandford Group Practice
The Bridges Medical Practice
The Grove Medical Centre
Walford Mill
Wareham Surgery
West Moors Village Surgery
Weymouth & Portland GP Federation
Weymouth Bay Medical Practice
Wimborne and Ferndown PCN
If you’re not sure whether you’re covered, please ask your manager or email dorsetgp@dorsetgpalliance.nhs.uk
If your practice isn’t on the list, it means they're not taking part in this pilot.
There are still places you can look for general wellbeing information and signposting, even if they don’t replace an EAP. You may find it helpful to explore:
Alliance Staff Wellbeing page
Primary Care Training Hub Dorset
If you’re feeling unsure or would value a conversation, please speak with your practice manager or someone you trust in your team.
How to get support
You do not need permission from a manager to use the EAP.
1. Call the helpline any time
UK: 0800 028 0199
(Freephone, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls go directly to Health Assured’s trained counsellors. )
A counsellor will listen, offer immediate support and, if needed, arrange further help such as counselling.
2. Download the Wisdom wellbeing app or access on the Health Assured Wisdom webpage
Click here to get the access code from the GP Sharepoint pages.
You only need to enter the code once when you first register.
The Wisdom app gives you easy access to self-help tools, CBT programmes and wellbeing resources on your phone.
Watch the video below which explains the ways in which you can access support.
What support does the EAP offer?
Short-term counselling following an assessment
Information and guidance on legal, financial and family matters
Support with a wide range of issues including stress, sleep, relationships, money worries, health concerns and caring responsibilities
Digital self-help tools via the Wisdom wellbeing app, including mood tracking, guided meditations, podcasts and wellbeing plans
You can use the EAP for work or home life, whatever is affecting your wellbeing.
Watch the video below which explains what happens when you contact the service.
How to use the Wisdom App
We’ve added short, bitesize videos to help you get the most out of the Wisdom app.
Each video shows a simple step, such as how to find support, track your wellbeing or use key features of the app.
These quick guides are here to make the app easier to use, so you can get support when you need it.
Is it confidential?
Yes.
Your call goes straight to Health Assured.
Your practice does not receive a list of who has used the service.
Any onward support (for example, counselling or digital CBT) is arranged directly with Health Assured, following their clinical and confidentiality standards.
The only time information may be shared is if there is a serious and immediate risk to you or someone else, in line with Health Assured’s safeguarding and risk policies.
What about referrals from managers?
Most staff will choose to contact the EAP themselves.
In some situations, your manager may suggest a manager referral to help coordinate support. This uses Health Assured’s wellbeing referral process and clinical triage pathway.
Information for practice managers
Detailed guidance on referrals, promotional materials and using the EAP pilot is available on our Practice Manager EAP Pilot page on the intranet.
Link below coming soon.
Additional Information
These short videos answer some additional questions you might have about the support available through the EAP.
Each one explains what to expect and how to get help when you need it.
If you any any other questions, contact: dorsetgpalliance@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.