World Mental Health Day
On the of 10th October every year we celebrate World Mental Health Day.
This year’s theme is Workplace Mental Health and for many of us, we spend a significant amount of time in the workplace.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, and how as organisations, companies and individuals, we can contribute and support one another.
At PBC we are lucky enough to have two fantastic mental health ambassador, Tamsin Parker and Richard Wild who support our team at PBC.
In light of this year’s theme, we had the opportunity to speak with both Tamsin and Richard about their motivations for taking on these roles, their responsibilities, and why this year’s theme underscores the importance of supporting mental well-being in the workplace.
1. What made you want to become a Mental Health Ambassador
There is a lot of pressure, expectation and challenges in today’s society, which can easily result in poor mental health for those around us.
We both have or know of people who have struggled with their mental health, and we understand the importance of simply having someone to talk to when you need it the most.
It can be easy to be so focused and caught up in work, but the truth is you never know what is going on in people’s lives, both in and outside of work.
Having a line of support like an ambassador, gives people the opportunity to share a problem or understand that they are never alone – a problem shared is a problem halved.
2. Can you describe your primary responsibilities for your roles
As qualified Mental Health First Aiders, we play a primary role for being the first point of contact for anyone who needs support, guidance or just someone to talk to about their mental health, both in and out of the workplace.
Everything is highly confidential, and we simply provide a platform to listen empathetically. We reach out and engage with colleagues if we notice signs of stress, and we also very much encourage an open forum for anyone to come and have a chat 1-1 if they feel comfortable to do so.
We also make sure we maintain open lines of communication. It’s good to check in and ensure people are receiving the necessary ongoing support (if required). There are no timescales for mental health struggles.
3. How important is this year’s topic to you and all of us at PBC
We spend a large proportion of our lives at work, and it has a huge impact on our mental health and wellbeing, and that’s why its so important to talk about it and support colleagues.
Both your work and home lives are very much correlated, if you have struggles at home, this could affect your work environment and vice versa.
Our mental health is so fragile and is something that we need to exercise (no different to what we would do with caring for our physical health).
This topic really highlights how important it is to encourage colleagues to take regular breaks at work and just simply interact with one another. The smallest of things like stepping away from your desk at lunch to take a walk, organising social events now and then, or just taking a moment for yourself can positively impact how you feel, and in turn your health and well-being in the workplace.
From hosting events like “tea and talk” to fundraising and just checking in with colleagues, there are plenty of ways you can get involved in WMHD.
Explore the Mental Health Foundation website for further information, resource and support: www.mentalhealth.org.uk/get-involved
