World Mental Health Day

Posted about 2 weeks ago

The World Health Organisation recognises World Mental Health Day on 10^th October every year. This year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is “Mental Health in an Unequal World”.

“The theme of ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’ for the upcoming World Mental Health Day 2021 on October 10 underlines the pressing need to focus sufficiently on health beyond the physical in a sustained way in a world still struggling to fight the coronavirus”

As a company focussing on the wellbeing of its workforce, we are passionate about doing our part to raise awareness and offer support.

What Support do we Have Available?

Mental Health First Aiders

As part of Allied Healthcare’s commitment to our employees’ mental health, we appointed eight Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) across our organisation to provide support to individuals who may be experiencing poor mental health and or emotional distress. Our MHFA’s are also a resource if any of employees have a concern regarding their colleagues or would like further guidance on how to support their peers.

Our MHFA have completed a recognised, accredited training course by MHFA England to equip them to:

• Have an understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
• Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
• Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
• Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgmental listening
• Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support, whether through self-help resources, the employer, or the NHS

Our MHFA are not qualified therapists or psychiatrists but are there to provide non-judgemental listening and guidance to the workforce.

Carly Barnard, Head of HR who has been leading on the initiative, said: “We are committed to ensuring our employees, who may be struggling with their mental health, have the right level of support and guidance in place. Our Senior Leadership Team recognises the need for wellbeing support, especially during the past 18 months when our employees have been working on the frontline providing care and support to our service users. Our dedicated team of MHFA’s will promote a workplace culture where staff are free and can with confidence, discuss mental health issues openly with the support from their colleagues and Employer when they do so”

A dedicated helpline has been set up for employees to contact if they would like to speak to a MHFA.

If you are an employee and you would like to speak to one of our MHFA please dial 01707286896 or alternatively email: confidential@hcrghomecare.uk.com

Able Futures

Able Futures is a nationwide specialist partnership set up to provide the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Their aim is to provide support with Mental Health concerns experienced in the workplace. This could either be existing poor mental health that has an impact while in the workplace or also if the workplace is contributing to poor mental health.

To discuss the support available to you, you can call – 0800 321 3137 – or you can visit their website – able-futures.co.uk – where you’re able to apply for a 9 month support programme focussing on coping strategies, guidance, and advice.

We also understand that some people would prefer to do their own research or look at resources at their own pace and therefore we have links below to three support guides that employees may find useful to help deal with feelings of stress, issues with sleep, and advice on general mental health in the workplace.

You can also find out more information on support with your own mental wellbeing and support plans here.

How to sleep better support guide

How to manage and reduce stress support guide

How to support mental health at work support guide

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