Last month we started a new workplace wellbeing scheme and Christine, our Key Accounts Manager, took on the role of Mental Health First Aider. Here are a few things she had to say about the importance of looking after our wellbeing at work.
Why is it important to have a Mental Health First Aider?
We all have mental health. It fluctuates throughout our lives, and we all experience challenging times - relationship breakdowns, bereavement, financial difficulties, to name a few. Reaching out for support as early as possible can help to reduce escalation. However, not everyone has a support network at home and there can be things that we don’t want to speak to friends or family about. This is where a Mental Health First Aider can offer a helpful outlet.
For many, work provides social contact and purpose in our lives, so maintaining that stability can be incredibly important to our wellbeing (not to mention our income!) Having a Mental Health First Aider at work, where we all spend a huge amount of time, can help people to stay in employment when times are difficult as well as making sure that everyone has someone to turn to if they need support.
How can they help?
A Mental Health First Aider is a trained individual who provides initial, short-term support to someone experiencing a mental health issue or emotional crisis.
Although they can’t offer support for specific mental health issues, they will be aware of support services available locally and can help colleagues by signposting to the appropriate services - which can help to ease pressure for people at times when they may need support! Training as a mental health first aider involves two full days of group training with a qualified trainer, and a 4 hour refresh course every 3 years.
If you’d like to find out more information or become a Mental Health First Aider yourself, you can find out more here: https://mhfaengland.org/individuals/adult/mental-health-first-aid/
What have we done so far?
As part of the workplace wellbeing scheme we were delighted to welcome Gemma from The Quiet Heart who joined us for an intro into workplace wellbeing and strategies to combat stress.
Gemma has over 25 years’ experience working in the Corporate, Charitable and Educational sectors, as a Business and Human Resources Manager, leading large teams, working 1:1, and coaching and training all over the UK. She taught us how we can reduce our stress levels at work by moving more often, utilizing the physiological sigh technique and much more.
If you’re interested in Gemma’s coaching practice or workshops you can find more information at quietheart.co.uk or @thequietheart on Instagram.