“Having Equipsme has given us something really valuable to show our people we care about them. It’s only a small amount of money but it sends a really big message.”
Progress Cymru Counselling is a small charity based in Swansea, supporting LGBTQ+ people in Wales with their health and wellbeing. Although funding is extremely tight, the organisation has invested in an Equipsme plan for the small team for five years, now.
Founder and CEO Debbie Lane explains: “Running any organisation, your staff have to come first. But that’s even more the case for our psychotherapists and frontline workers.
“We work with people who have experienced complex trauma, might be experiencing suicidal ideation, and often come to us in crisis. It’s very rewarding work but it’s also very demanding. Looking after our staff so they can look after our clients is an absolute priority.
“I wanted to make sure everyone could access health support. As a charity we obviously don’t have an enormous budget, but for £9 per person per month Equipsme’s GP Plus plan does exactly what we need it to. It was the most amount of cover and value I could find for the best price, and it’s continued to really deliver for us.
Virtual GP
“The virtual GP service in particular has been a Godsend. When they’re working our staff clearly can’t be on their phones trying to get through to an NHS practice - which can take forever sometimes. With Equipsme they go through the app, and book in to talk to a doctor at a time that actually suits them. Often it’s even on the same day.
“The perks that come on top of the plan are also wonderful. A 40% discount on a gym membership goes a huge way to making it affordable for people, and it’s been great to be able to offer that, and support staff to look after their health in that way, too.
“We always get really good feedback about Equipsme. People genuinely appreciate just having that little bit of back-up when they need it, and that little bit extra that makes working here special.
Positive Impact
“Making staff feel like they’re valued, respected, listened to and looked after means they’re happier, more committed, and more productive. So it has positive impact on moral. It also helps people feel like they’re a valued part of the company’s vision, which is so important.
“The thing with any charity is that often people aren’t it in for the money, as it’s not the most competitive salary, and we work on fixed-term contracts - which can also be very last minute notice as it will always depend on successful funding applications. So you’ve got to go the extra mile to make it worthwhile, keep up morale, and keep people with you because they really want to be there.
“I’m proud to say we’ve had people who’ve been head-hunted and offered more money, but who’ve chosen to stay because we’ve worked so hard to make it a great place to work. We’ve even been recognised by the Trusted Charity Mark auditors as an exemplary employer because of how well we look after our staff.
“Having Equipsme has given us something really valuable to show our people we care about them. It’s only a small amount of money but it sends a really big message. I’d absolutely recommend it to other charities looking to support their staff in the same way.”
