It’s World Mental Health Day! At The Wilf Ward Family Trust, we know it’s important to prioritize the mental health and wellbeing of all our employees, all year round. Our newly appointed Mental Health Advocates (MHAs) play a critical role in making this a reality. As we move forward, our MHA team is actively working on several initiatives to ensure everyone in the organisation has the support they need to thrive, both professionally and personally. Here’s a glimpse into what we’re currently working on and our plans for the future:
Welcoming New Members to the Team
We are thrilled to have five new members joining our Mental Health Advocate team! Integration is a key focus for us, so we are ensuring they are fully supported as they begin attending team meetings and participating in our training sessions. Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives will undoubtedly add to the energy and effectiveness of the team.
Recruiting More Mental Health Advocates
As the demand for mental health support continues to grow, we are actively seeking more recruits to join our team. If you’re passionate about supporting mental health and want to make a real difference in our workplace, we’d love to hear from you! Being a Mental Health Advocate is a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of your colleagues.
Upcoming Focus on Menopause and Stress Awareness
Looking ahead, the next few months will see a concerted effort from the MHA team to raise awareness on two important topics: Menopause awareness and stress management. Menopause, in particular, can have a significant impact on mental health, yet it remains a topic that is not often openly discussed in the workplace. By highlighting both these issues, we hope to create a more supportive environment where all employees feel informed and empowered.
Movember – All Genders Welcome!
We are also gearing up for Movember, an initiative that aims to raise awareness around men’s mental health, but we’re expanding it to be inclusive of all genders. Whether you’re interested in growing a moustache or finding other ways to participate, we’re looking for volunteers who are eager to support this fantastic cause.
Heart Health and Mental Health Awareness
This month, we are raising awareness of the critical link between heart health and mental health. Both physical and mental wellbeing are deeply interconnected, and by promoting heart health, we aim to highlight how taking care of our bodies can lead to better mental health outcomes. Stay tuned for tips and resources on maintaining a healthy heart and mind!
Increasing MHA Team Visibility
One of our goals is to make the Mental Health Advocate team more visible and accessible to all colleagues. To help with this, we are excited to announce that we are in the process of launching a dedicated area on SharePoint called the ‘Wellbeing Hub’. This space will house a variety of mental health resources, support information, and contact details for the MHA team, making it easier for employees to find the help they need, when they need it.
Expanding Partnerships with External Organisations
Finally, we are working hard to build partnerships with external organisations to strengthen our support network. One exciting development is a potential collaboration with the Mental Health Society at the University of York. By partnering with other like-minded groups, we can share knowledge, resources, and best practices, all with the aim of providing even better mental health support within our organisation.
Join Us in Supporting Mental Wellbeing
As we continue to grow and evolve, we encourage all employees to get involved, whether by joining the MHA team, participating in awareness initiatives, or simply learning more about mental health. Together, we can foster a supportive, open, and caring workplace where everyone feels valued and heard.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to mental health at The Wilf Ward Family Trust.