Highland councillors could introduce a mental health and wellbeing service to better support those working with the local authority.
All members will consider the proposals from the council’s occupational health, safety and well-being manager.
Gena Miller’s report will seek councillors’ approval for the procurement of an employee assistance programme for staff and members.
The in-house service could offer telephone and internet-based counselling 24 hours a day. It is proposed the service could provide councillors and staff personal support on a variety of mental health and well-being issues.
The local authority hopes it could help to reduce sickness absence, provide early intervention, and promote well-being.
The new employee assistance programme could save the council around £30,000 in counselling costs if it is given the green light.
Members will consider the proposals at a full meeting of the council on Thursday.
Highland Council to consider in-house counselling service