ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) is encouraging retailers to make full use of a new service launched by industry charity Grocery Aid.  The GroceryAid’s Workplace Critical Incident Support service, delivered in partnership with workplace counselling specialists CiC, aims to support grocery colleagues who have witnessed or been involved in a traumatic incident at work, such as accidents at work, violent attacks, medical emergencies, robberies with a threat to life and the death of a colleague.

ACS chief executive James Lowman: “We are proud to have been a part of the Parliamentary launch of this fantastic and valuable service which will provide support to colleagues in our sector.

“The new Workplace Critical Incident Support service further strengthens the already comprehensive help that GroceryAid provides for people that are part of the grocery sector. This new service is especially helpful for people that have suffered trauma like violence and abuse while working in stores, which is unfortunately all too common in our sector.”

The service is activated when an accident, robbery or assault has occurred in the workplace resulting in a critical incident.

• An employer, witness or victim can contact GroceryAid via their 24/7 confidential Helpline.
• An initial assessment is made and if a site visit is required, the case is handed directly to CiC.
• CiC carry out a full assessment of the situation and if onsite support is the best solution, timings are agreed.
• CiC professionals will attend site for half or a full day depending on the numbers of staff involved. They may run group or 1-2-1 sessions on coping with trauma depending on the situation, providing practical advice and tools to help individuals manage their feelings and emotions.

ACS has developed Crime Guidance for retailers to help them assess and manage the crime threats that their stores may face. The guidance is available to download here.

For more information about GroceryAid and their Workplace Critical Incident Service, please visit https://www.groceryaid.org.uk