Clowes Developments launch Mental Health First Aiders initiative for employees

As a result of this collaboration, the group have embraced a number of wellbeing initiatives, including the engagement of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) in the workplace.

Elizabeth Pugh, (Liz) Executive Assistant for the Land & Planning department and Louise Lavender, HR Manager for the group are both fully trained and qualified MHFAs. The qualification is valid for three years with refresher courses available to keep the skills relevant and up to date.

According to MHFA England, “the role of a Mental Health First Aider in the workplace is to be a point of contact for any employee who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. This interaction could range from having an initial conversation through to supporting the person to get appropriate help. As well as in a crisis, MHFAs are valuable in providing early intervention help for someone who may be developing a mental health issue. MHFAs are not trained to be therapists or psychiatrists, but they can offer initial support through non-judgemental listening and guidance.

MHFAs are trained to:

• Spot the early signs and symptoms of mental ill health.
• Start a supportive conversation with a colleague who may be experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress.
• Listen to the person by being non-judgemental.
• Assess the risk of suicide or self-harm.
• Encourage the person to access appropriate professional support or self-help strategies. This might include encouraging access to internal support systems such as Employee Assistance Programmes.
• Escalate to the appropriate emergency services, if necessary.
• Maintain confidentiality as appropriate.
• Protect themselves while performing their role.

At no time does the MHFA role (or anyone trained in MHFA skills) supersede company policy, first and foremost they are all employees of the company.” For more information about MHFA England, click the link https://mhfaengland.org/.

Employees at Clowes are invited to speak to Liz or Louise at any time and with the aspiration to have at least one MHFA available during normal working hours. Remote employees are also able to connect via Microsoft Teams.

Louise Lavender, HR Manager & MHFA at Clowes Developments commented:

“In addition to promoting the availability of MHFAs, the group have also initiated an open and shared diary protocol so team members can sense check remote workers safety and wellbeing when lone working. Ednaston Park employees are encouraged to take a walk around the grounds at lunch and even set up a couch to 5k running programme. The group recognises the need to move away from the desk, get some fresh air and daylight even if just for half an hour. Most importantly though here at Clowes Developments the kettle is always on, and we benefit from a supportive and friendly workforce.”

Liz Pugh, Executive Assistant, Clowes Developments added:

“According to the Mental Health Foundation, almost 15% of people experience mental health problems in the workplace. Evidence suggests that over 12% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions.

At Clowes we want to create a safe environment where our people can flourish and feel supported in times of emotional distress. I completed my training through St John’s Ambulance and I am proud to be a qualified MHFA offering an ear for my colleagues when they need it.”