An estimated 137.3 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury in the UK in 2016, which is equivalent to 4.3 days per worker (ONS, 2016). On the whole, sickness absence levels are experiencing a downward trend, which is a positive sign, but more still needs to be done to reduce sickness absence. The ONS data (see our blog) shows that short-term, one-off, often unavoidable illnesses such as colds and flu cause the greatest proportion of sick days. However, these short-term absences can actually have a less significant impact on organisations and individuals than long-term conditions such as mental ill health or musculoskeletal disorders (two of the main causes of long-term absence - four weeks or more). The impact of long-term absence cannot be underestimated and it brings with it a unique set of challenges: -It can be a real struggle for organisations to cover the workloads of absent employees for extended periods. -In general, the longer a person is off work on sickness absence, the harder it is for them to return. -It is difficult for GPs to make decisions about their patients' return to work without a full understanding of their jobs and working conditions. -The management of long-term sickness absence presents problems for employers in terms of implementing adjustments tied in with a person's rehabilitation, and dealing with the uncertainty caused by the lack of defined recovery period. -That's why Fit for Work focuses specifically on supporting those who have been, or are likely to be, off work for four weeks or more. For more information on Fit for Work, see the Fit for Work website.

Age UK Camden’s Older People’s Information Directory

This directory is designed to make accessing information as straightforward as possible. The best way to find information is by clicking on a subject below, or if you know the organisation you are looking for you click on the Organisations A-Z. You can also type a subject into the Search box above. You can also search for factsheets on topics such as benefits, choosing a care home, being re-housed, local services and much more. If you would like further information, please call our Information Line 020 7837 3777 between 10am and 4pm Monday - Friday, or come to our Information Desk between 10am and 4pm on the ground floor of our offices at Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9NA

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

Like adults, children and teens can sometimes experience intense emotions as they get older or go through stressful or traumatic events in their lives.

Child And Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS are specialist NHS children and young people's mental health services. If you think your child might need more help than friends, family, school and GPs can give, you can read more about CAMHS here. Or perhaps you and your child are on the CAMHS waiting list, or have an appointment soon. So you know what to expect, we have put together information about CAMHS especially for parents and carers.

Making Every Contact Count (MECC)

Making every contact count (MECC) is an approach to behaviour change that utilises the millions of day to day interactions that organisations and people have with other people to encourage changes in behaviour that have a positive effect on the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations.

Thinkuknow

Thinkuknow is an education programme from the National Crime Agency’s CEOP Command. Since 2006, Thinkuknow has been keeping children and young people safe by providing education about sexual abuse and sexual exploitation.