At Heathpatch, we recognise the critical role mental health plays in the overall well-being of our employees.
Shockingly, around 1 in 7 people in the UK are currently experiencing mental health challenges in the workplace. There are many stats available on the cost of poor mental health to businesses. However, for us it’s more than just a financial concern. We believe that supporting mental health is essential for creating a compassionate and supportive workplace, where employees feel valued, understood and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.
This year, in line with World Mental Health Day's theme, we have committed to fostering an environment where mental health is just as important as physical health.
Driven forward by our Group Head of HR, Catherine Atkins, Mental Health First Aider training has been rolled out across the Heathpatch Group, with representatives in each subsidiary stepping up to learn more on how to support themselves and their colleagues.
Here's some comments from some of our staff who participated in the training:
We have taken other proactive steps to ensure our teams feel supported. Our regular Health & Safety Committee meetings include ‘Staff Welfare’ on the agenda, referencing thoughts on mental health. Our last meeting included a reminder that our teams should look out for each other and bear in mind that stress, anxiety, tiredness and grief can all be factors in mental health.
Our Group-wide Employee Assistance Programme app, ‘Help@Hand’, provides confidential assistance and information to all employees free of charge, including:
· Remote online GP appointments
· Mental health support
· Wellbeing content
· Personal bereavement counselling and workshops
A last word from Catherine, Group Head of HR "I have been a Mental Health First Aider for three years now and have applied the training many times, signposting people to the right support when required. We are proud of our Mental Health First Aiders across the group and the way in which they have embraced their roles, raising awareness and supporting the mental health of all our people."