Tea and Talk – taking care of ourselves and each other

Talking about mental health can feel like a taboo subject, especially at work, but we want to do our bit to encourage our team to talk openly about how they really feel not just on World Mental Health Day but every day.

Our two trained Mental Health First Aiders – Michelle Wylie, Document Controller and Mark Such, Factory Assistant Manager – are always here to lend an ear and listen without judgement to colleagues who may be struggling with their mental health. To mark this year’s World Mental Health Day, and in line with its “Tea & Talk” theme, Michelle and Mark shared some biscuits with all our teams to draw attention to the information and support we have available, as well as encouraging colleagues to take a moment to check in with and look out for each other.

We’ve displayed and circulated to site a Mental Health Toolbox Talk and some literature, including contact details of Mind, The Samaritans and organisations specifically aimed at men, reminding our teams of the importance of positive mental health and encouraging anyone to seek the support that is available when needed. Knowing that mental health can be a difficult subject to tackle, we’ve also put up posters in the staff toilets so that people can review the support available in privacy if they prefer.

We pride ourselves on our family feel even as we’ve grown over the last two decades, so we regularly check in with our teams across the business and our Mental Health First Aiders are a crucial part of this.