It's Mental Health Awareness Week 2023 and the official theme this year set by the Mental Health Foundation is ‘Anxiety’.
"Anxiety disorders affect over 8 million people in the UK – that’s a little over 1 in 10 of us – and there are lots of different types." - Mental Health Foundation
At HOBART Service, we recognise that anxiety is a prevalent emotion that affects many individuals. For this reason, we provide our employees with the option to talk to our Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) if their mental health is being impacted.
We reached out to some of our Mental Health First Aiders and asked them what being a MHFA means to them:
Chloe Farmer - HR Advisor
My answer to this question really has to be split into two.
Firstly, are my personal views. I believe that environment, exposure, and biology affect the ability to navigate events that take place during someone’s life. I feel passionately that regardless of the above, everyone should be treated with respect, empathy, and kindness. In addition to this, there are so many unknown avenues of support that can, and do, make people’s lives easier and happier. As a trained Mental Health First Aider, I gained the skills and knowledge to confidently provide support to employees through non-judgemental listening and guidance. I have seen the positive impact this has had and believe I have made a difference to several individuals since completing my qualification.
Secondly, as a HR professional, I am aware that sadly 1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace. Having MHFA’s available to support our employees, both reactively in a crisis and proactively campaigning for awareness and education undoubtably impacts sickness absence rates and ultimately business performance. You never know what someone may be going through, and so for me, it is encouraging that as a business our management team have invested in this avenue as a commitment to supporting our amazing employees. When I was afforded the opportunity to complete my qualification, it allowed me to be part of a team who can directly impact the company’s wellbeing agenda and this is something that is a professional priority for me.
Stephanie Scarisbrick – HR Administrator
I personally decided to become a Mental Health First Aider as I have family members who have mental health issues. I wanted to gain more knowledge on how I can support in these situations, with not only people outside of work but those within work. I like helping people. Since being qualified, I have already helped support employees by listening and being non-judgmental, which has helped provide a positive impact to make a difference in someone’s life.
I think it is great that Hobart UK are supporting mental health and are helping to raise awareness. This will encourage reduced stigma and judgement surrounding mental health. As Mental Health First Aiders, we are not here to fix problems, we are here to recognise the signs, support and signpost to professional help.
Paul Winch – Part Sales Manager
I became a Mental Health First Aider to increase my knowledge and have a better understanding of the issues surrounding mental health as it has become more prevalent in recent times. It is important that everyone feels they have support of their friends and colleagues during difficult times, and that there are many organisations that can offer professional, confidential help, support and guidance. For me the role of a Mental Health First Aider is to help and encourage people into taking steps to get the help they may require, and also to help break the stigma of mental health.
Jenna Ryan - Service Delivery- Key Accounts Assistant
Mental health is quite the taboo subject. I have personally struggled and still do struggle with my own mental health, I wanted to take part in the course to offer myself more knowledge and to also offer support to anyone that may not have a support network they can turn to. I, like many, have fought mental health battles alone and it can be a very lonely place, I do not want anyone else to feel as alone as I did, I have taken part in the course to offer support, to offer open non-judgmental conversation and to just be a friendly face to those who may need one.
Gareth Williams - Invoicing, Contracts And Database Manager
I volunteered to become a Mental Health First Aider as it’s a subject close to my heart, having seen friends and colleagues suffer in the past. Mental Health issues are major contribution to office-based absences and early intervention and support is key to helping colleagues through difficult times.
WHERE TO NEXT?
For help with Anxiety or more information please click here
Find out more about MHFA England
Our MHFA England accredited Mental Health First Aid Course was run by Jacqui Kemp at Your People Potential. Find out more about Your People Potential
Contact our Service Team using our online Contact Form or call us on 0844 888 7777 (option 1)