Approximately 1 in 4 in the UK will experience a mental illness each year[1], with 70% of employees saying they’ve experienced poor mental health in their lives[2].
Mental health doesn’t just affect us at home, it can affect any and all elements of our lives, and statistics such as these cannot be ignored. We therefore believe that we have a responsibility as an employer to support our staff and their mental health.
In many ways, mental health is just like physical health: everybody has it and we need to take care of it. For this reason, we have introduced trained Mental Health First Aiders into Stage One. This team of individuals promote awareness of mental health in the workplace; and can support colleagues who are struggling with their mental health.
Sometimes, even small everyday actions can make the biggest difference. The role of a Mental Health First Aider can vary from simply providing a non-judgemental listening ear, to signposting to further resources or professional help, to responding to a mental health crisis.
[1] NHS England
[2] Mind