The civil service employee assistance service (CSEAS) offers a range of free and confidential supports to Fórsa members and other civil service staff.

The service is designed to help employees manage work and life difficulties which, if left unattended, could adversely affect their quality of life.

The CSEAS has a number of online resources available, ranging from financial support advice, to coping with remote working.

There are also a number of Covid-19 specific supports available, aimed at assisting employees as they continue to grapple with the upheaval of the health crisis. 

Civil service employees can self-refer to the CSEAS by contacting the service directly, and any information disclosed to the service will remain confidential. 

Employee assistance officers are based in Dublin, Tullamore, Cork, Limerick, Castlebar and Sligo, and provide a shared service to all Government department and offices.

The CSEAS can be contacted by phone, on 076 – 1000 030, or by email. While operating within office hours Monday to Friday, evening and weekend assistance is available by appointment if required.

A survey of Fórsa members conducted earlier this year highlighted the increased levels of stress amongst our membership.

Almost 80% of respondents reported experiencing anxiety during the Covid-19 crisis, while more than half said that either they or a family member had experienced depression or a related condition as a result of the pandemic.

Half of the respondents said mental health and lack of motivation were their top concerns, and a huge proportion reported having trouble sleeping.

More information on the supports offered by the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service can be found here.