10 October marks World Mental Health Day 2022, and the theme for this year is “making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority”. The wellbeing of our staff is an important part of our culture at Stewarts. Nadia Krueger-Young, Senior Associate and Mental Health First Aider, explains how we are marking the day.
Just like physical ill health, most people will need some mental health support during their lives. It is crucial that when that time comes, people can talk freely about how they feel without fear of judgment or stigma and find strategies and support that best works for them.
Every person has a part to play in creating a mentally healthy society. Our attitudes, especially in the workplace, can be the difference in someone feeling like they can reach out for support or not.
Stewarts has a team of trained mental health first aiders who are on hand to speak to anyone in confidence about any issue affecting their mental wellbeing. It is confidential and informal, and we welcome anyone who just wants to chat. Or, if it’s more serious, we can signpost you to the available support.
Mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their psychological, emotional and social wellbeing. This can affect how we think, feel and act. It’s important to take care of our mental health, nurturing what’s good for us and limiting things that have a negative impact.
Our Health and Wellbeing strategy
Stewarts launched a Health and Wellbeing strategy for staff in 2021 with three focus areas, one being mental health. As part of this strategy, the firm partnered with BetterSpace and gave all staff an allowance to spend on the platform so they can manage their wellbeing needs on a highly-personalised basis.
BetterSpace gives people access to a number of resources to help staff stay mentally healthy. This includes access to yoga classes, meditation platforms, books, talks and community-based activities.
Alongside this, staff also have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, a 24/7 service with expert telephone and online advice, as well as specialist counselling and support. Staff also have access to the Aviva Digicare+ Workplace app, which grants quick access to tailored mental health advice through a qualified therapist.
Mental health training
Throughout October, the mental health first aiders will host training for all managers and supervisors on how to manage mental health in the workplace. The session covers different mental health conditions, how to spot the signs of those conditions in the workplace and how to take action to help.
More information about World Mental Health Day
If you want to find out more about World Mental Health Day, here are some resources:
- Mental Health Foundation – How to support mental health at work
- Mind – the UK’s pre-eminent mental health charity
- Time to change – a social movement working to change how we all think and act about mental health problems
- Mental Health UK– provides support and services for some of the biggest societal challenges that threaten people’s mental health, including money problems, loneliness and isolation in young people
