WEST MIDLANDS HOMEBUILDER LAYS THE FOUNDATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH DISCUSSIONS IN THE WORKPLACE

In light of Mental Health Awareness Week (9th – 15th May), Halesowen-based Barratt Homes West Midlands is encouraging open discussions about mental health in the workplace after training two of its employees.

Chris Cartwright (Chief Estimator) and Lucy Goulbourn (Sales Manager) have both undergone training in mental health first aid and are now the first port of call for colleagues who are experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing.

Lucy took on the training having been touched by similar issues in the past, where she admitted a better understanding may have helped, therefore she felt this training was important to be part of.

She said: “I think raising awareness is vital and, with the pandemic, I feel the importance of these courses will be even more essential. If you have a physical injury you talk about it, and it should be the same with mental ill health.

“In the role of first aider, I think I have learned that’s its ok not to have the answers but just being present, listening and pointing someone in the direction of further help can be a big help to someone in crisis.

“I think I’m now more confident in knowing how to open up a conversation should someone approach me.”

According to the mental health charity Mind, one in four people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England; with one in six people reporting experiencing a common mental health problem, like anxiety and depression, in any given week.

Chris added: “Having been in a few circumstances where a fellow worker needed some help, I felt with additional training I could better handle being of assistance.

“Given the unusual times we currently live in, the training is very much of use. I also find I put many of the Listening Training techniques into practice in my day-to-day role.

“The training teaches you to spot certain signs, which is very useful and I have been able to help colleagues before their mental health became a serious matter.”

Chris and Lucy are now able to have open discussions with their colleagues and lead them to further support if, and when, it is needed.

Adrian Evans, Managing Director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “We are incredibly proud as the UK’s leading housebuilder to offer this mental health first aid training to our employees. Lucy and Chris are a credit to the company for their fantastic support of their colleagues.