The success of workplace mental health and wellbeing champions in providing support to colleagues has been highlighted by one of Cumbria’s leading employers.
The Cumberland is supporting Mental Health Awareness Week, which runs from May 10 to May 16, and says the issue has been a particular focus as part of its drive to become one of the UK’s best places to work.
One of the ways it has been able to help its employees 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 The Cumberland has introduced are 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.
The 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, Chief People Officer at The Cumberland, 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 this week The Cumberland will be supporting this by continuing to raise awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health with a range of activities to actively encourage people to take some time out. These include informal cuppa and chat sessions, a team challenge to clock up as many miles outdoors as they can and a fun colleague photography competition to engage with nature.
You can find out more about mental health by visiting mind.org.uk or by contacting your local MIND office.
