World Mental Health Day 2022: Making mental wellbeing a priority
In the past few years, mental health has become a focal point for many. World Mental Health Day provides us with an opportunity to reflect and ask questions about how we deal with our mental wellbeing and how we can support those who may need it. This year’s focus is about ‘looking after Number 1’ when it comes to mental health.
At St. Modwen, we take mental health seriously. As part of our overall responsible business ambition to boost the happiness, health and satisfaction of our people, as well as making a meaningful, positive impact on the health and wellbeing initiatives to support our colleagues and enable them to perform at their best. Whether they’re a new parent returning to work or going through a difficult time personally, we’ve implemented a range of programmes and resources across our business and work with leading partners to ensure everyone at St. Modwen is able to fulfil their full potential, and make their mental health their Number 1 priority.
Breaking Barriers and building partnerships
Last year we signed and committed to the Building Mental Health Charter, a voluntary initiative which aims to support organisations in the construction sector to demonstrate their commitment to raising awareness of mental health issues, lowering stigma, promoting understanding and supporting their employees, by signing the charter, St. Modwen is furthering its commitment to promoting positive mental health through workshops, educating and enabling mental health champions.
We’ve built strong partnerships with organisations such as Lighthouse Club, the construction industry charity, Health Assured and Work + Family Solutions, to provide expert training and resources to support our colleagues and their mental health. These include holding thought-provoking talks across the business, confidential talking therapies and 24/7 helplines and online support that can help with a range of personal and work-related issues, whatever the induvidual’s state of life.
Mental Health First Aiders
A substantial amount of mental first aid training is provided to our line managers through our partnership with charities like MIND and Lighthouse Club. Consequently, we now have over 40 mental health first aiders in our organisation.
Introducing mental first aiders within our company has provided our colleagues with a network they can use whenever they need assistance. Providing readily accessible support from a familiar face creates a culture where individuals can feel comfortable to speak open and be greeted with empathy. The result of this is not only a strong contribution between colleagues sharing much-needed support but also a lasting connection that can enhance performance and morale amongst colleagues.
Our work is never done
While we’re proud of what we’ve implemented so far, we know that we can always do better. That’s why earlier this year, we worked in partnership with leading mental health charity, MIND, to conduct a company-wide survey to help us identify our colleagues’ concerns and thoughts and to determine how St. Modwen can improve its mental health support offering for the future.
To find out more about how we’re committed to the wellbeing of our employees, customers and partners, head here – Heath & Wellbeing – St. Modwen (stmodwen.co.uk)
