All this week we are highlighting the support we provide to colleagues to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 10 to May 16.
Mental health and wellbeing has been a key focus for us as business.
One of the ways we have has been able to help our people is with the introduction of mental health and wellbeing champions. Since 2018, volunteer colleagues have been trained by Carlisle MIND and supported by a programme from the Mental Health Foundation.
One such champion, Becky Towns, said: "The key message is embedding mental health as part of the everyday. This is particularly important as we appreciate that people's mental health and wellbeing can be affected in many ways. Things happen all the time in our lives, in and out of work, that can impact us on a personal and professional level. So, we want people to feel safe and comfortable knowing they can reach out if and when they need to.
Among the measures we have introduced include increasing the number of champions, a 24/7 employee assistance programme, online help in the form of a central support hub with resources from information sheets to 'toolkits' [interactive documents] and signposting to webinars and additional occupational health support. There is also a monthly newsletter.
Our key message is that people should feel able to speak to someone in confidence if they need to, with the mental health champions one of the first ports of call.
Becky added: "Our ultimate goal is to normalise conversations, help break down barriers and stigmas so people know they can reach out to get support whenever they need it.
Jill Johnston, our Chief People Officer said: "Our people are the heart of our organisation. We want everyone to enjoy coming to work and to feel happy, safe and valued. We know that colleagues who feel this way will produce their very best work, and this underpins the exceptional customer service we aim to provide every day.
She continued, “An important part of creating this environment is working together to promote a positive mental health and wellbeing culture. This approach has been even more important during the pandemic as Covid-19 has brought additional wellbeing challenges and heightened anxiety for many. Our priority continues to be there for our people - to listen and help address their worries, to offer support as and when required, and to simply to be there for them if they need us. Our teams have done an exceptional job of supporting each other, both personally and professionally, which has helped us to continue delivering our customers the best level of service possible.”
This year’s national Mental Health Awareness Week is themed around connecting with nature.
During the week we will be supporting this by continuing to raise awareness of the importance of looking after our mental health, and with a range of activities to actively encourage people to take some time out. These include:
**Visit our Coronavirus hub to find out more.**
You can also find out more by visiting MIND, which will provide details of your local MIND office.