As part of our Diversity & Inclusion journey at FPSG, we have been taking part in a range of activities to mark notable dates throughout the year. A key date World Mental Health Day which this year is marked on 10th October 2019. World Mental Health Day is an opportunity for all of us to raise awareness of mental health issues and advocate against social stigma.
What have we done?
With as many as 1 on 4 people experiencing mental health problems in any year and up to 1 in 20 people having depression. Mental health problems are very common. Having people who are comfortable talking about mental health issues supports individuals, workplaces and society cope with mental health issues.
Last month, we supported two of our employees through the ‘Mental Health First Aid’ certification. Our Office Manager, Richard Puglisevich and Ops Director, Kirsty Peacock attended the two day course with Glasgow Clyde College. This has given our team an insight to mental health and help them cope personally and be able to assist others and recognise warning signs of someone struggling with their mental well-being.
‘In signing up, I hoped to get more knowledge on mental health issues, the confidence to speak with my colleagues and friends and increase my ability to deal with a crisis. I feel this has definitely been achieved by doing the course’. Richard Puglisevich, Office Manager
Mental Health First Aid has trained us in:
- How to ask about suicide
- How to recognise the signs of mental health problems or distress
- How to provide initial help
- How to guide towards appropriate professional help
What are our plans?
We are talking about mental health – to gain maximum benefit from the new insights we have are sharing our knowledge through:
- Running workplace workshops – where can all talk about our experiences
- Making our Mental Health First Aiders known and accessible to all
- Incorporating Mental Health First Aid into out induction process
- Making content available to all in our shared drive
- Networking events with our clients to discuss mental health provision in the workplace
Need more information?
Time to Change – works at ending mental health discrimination and supports employers and employees with practical ways to raise awareness and support of mental health issues in the workplace
Glasgow Clyde College offers courses including Mental Health Awareness and Mental Health First Aid
SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) provides lots of information and resources
To find out more about life at FPSG and how we support our staff, get in touch here.
