It’s critical that we engage with our people in discussions around mental health, listening to your thoughts in order to an open culture and compassionate atmosphere where every employee feels comfortable to be themselves at work. In 2019, we are launching a new Mental Health Framework that sets out our approach to achieve this. All of our people will have the opportunity to attend awareness sessions and workshops delivered by trained professionals to raise awareness about mental health.

We’ve engaged with Aware NI who will deliver ‘Mood Matters’, a workshop session that focusses on raising awareness of your own mental health and helping you design positive coping strategies.

We’re also offering Mental Health First Aid, delivered by Action Mental Health. Specifically tailored to support employees and managers in a workplace environment, this course covers topics including identifying risk of harm, conducting sensitive and confidential discussions and positive action planning.

Our mental health focus will continue throughout the year with specific events including access to professional advice clinics and information days to mark Mental Health Awareness Week in May. We’ll have external experts on site to explore topics such as financial wellness, physical activity, addiction and more. All of this activity complements our existing Staff Wellbeing activity and dedicated staff counselling support available through INSPIRE (0800 389 5362).