A counselling service has been extended to all staff of small to medium (SME) businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District as the Covid-19 pandemic enters its third year.

‘Take Stock’ is an initiative by the Southern Lakes Business Recovery Group, which offers three free and confidential counselling sessions through provider Benestar.

The service was initially available only for SME business owners but it has been extended to staff because of the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the community.

“We know people and businesses are struggling,” Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) economic development manager Peter Harris said. 

When people are stressed and worried there can be a ripple effect across whanau and communities, Peter said: “No one is immune to the challenges the last few years have brought us.”

Deputy mayor Calum MacLeod said the public should be cognizant of the fact the local business community was still struggling, describing the mood as “incredibly bleak at this time”.

“The burden of the last two years has just been so hard that that industry is massively impacted and needs all the support it can get…” he said..

QLDC’s Peter Harris said Omicron had added new stress on businesses and their employees. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Funding for Take Stock is in place for the next six months. Employers will not be made aware if their employee takes up the service.

“Omicron has added new stress on business owners and their workers, and it can be tough to know who to talk to when those around you are also struggling,” Peter said. 

“Benestar is staffed by professionals who are there to help you get through, and you don’t have to be at a crisis point to access this service.”

To access the service, call 0800 360 364 and ask for Take Stock; email [email protected] and quote the Take Stock programme; or visit the Benestar website here.

The Take Stock counselling service is funded through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Recovery Fund and coordinated through the Southern Lakes Business Recovery Group, which is group of agencies which came together during the pandemic to support the business response and recovery