At Whiting Landscape Limited in Bromsgrove, employee wellbeing has always been a priority, but supporting a workforce spread across multiple locations presented unique challenges. Many employees work away from a central office environment, making it more difficult to access support and have conversations about mental health when they need it most. The organisation identified a need to make wellbeing support more visible, accessible and responsive.
Worcestershire’s Public Health Workforce and Employee Wellbeing Grant enabled the company to train Mental Health First Aiders, increasing its network from one trained individual to a team of nine across the business.
The project focused on creating a peer-support network that could reach employees wherever they work. Staff from different areas of the organisation completed accredited Mental Health First Aid training and became trusted points of contact for colleagues experiencing challenges. Supported by awareness campaigns, workplace communications and promotional materials, the initiative helped ensure staff knew where to turn for support.
Although still in its early stages, the programme has already had a positive impact. Employees are more aware of the mental health support available to them, conversations about wellbeing have become more open, and Mental Health First Aiders have already supported colleagues through confidential discussions and helped signpost them to further support services.
The organisation expects the programme to contribute to earlier identification of mental health concerns, increased uptake of support, reduced stigma, and lower levels of sickness absence linked to mental ill health over time.
Employees have spoken positively about the difference the initiative is making:
“The training has given me the confidence to have supportive conversations with colleagues and help them access the right support when they need it.”
MHFA Volunteer.
“It’s reassuring to know there are trained people within the business who understand mental health and can point you in the right direction.”
Employee.
The grant has created a lasting legacy for the organisation. The Mental Health First Aider network is now an established part of the company’s wellbeing offer and will continue to be supported by senior leaders and operational teams. Future plans include refresher training, ongoing awareness campaigns, monitoring impact and training additional Mental Health First Aiders. By building skills and capability within the workforce itself, the project has created a sustainable wellbeing infrastructure that will continue supporting employees for years to come.
For more information about Workforce Employee Wellbeing Grants from Worcestershire County Council: Workplace Employee Wellbeing Grants