World Mental Health Day 2024

This month saw World Mental Health Day a chance for our staff to not only reflect on their own Wellbeing but to take a moment to talk to each other away from the hustle and bustle of work. Multiple services celebrated across our organisation and pondered the question

“How can we make Mental Health a priority in the workplace?”

Tower Hamlets

Our office in Tower Hamlets is the workspace for many of our services. Including our Employment Support Service, In Work Support Team and Upskill Service which all came together to catch up and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. We asked Jamie one of the Employment Specialists at our Employment Support service what he thought people could do to make Mental Health a priority in the workplace.

“To make mental health a priority in the workplace, start by creating a judgment-free environment where people feel safe sharing any challenges. This environment fosters openness about all issues, including mental health, encouraging growth through shared experiences and making it easier to seek support within the workplace and from professional services when needed.”

Kingston

Meanwhile our Kingston Supported Employment Service took the chance for a more creative approach with a morning of arts and crafts. Creating their own mugs for use in the office while they had a film to help them get into a creative mindset. A perfect way to foster a relaxed atmosphere to bridge the subject of Wellbeing in the Workplace.

With that in mind we asked Maya an employment support worker from the Kingston service about her thoughts on making Mental Health a priority in the workplace.

“I think making mental health a priority in the workplace means finding a balance between giving people space to focus on their tasks while also creating opportunities for team-bonding, through creative, non-work activities. For example painting clay mugs and bonding over a colleagues favourite film (High School Musical!).”

Enfield

Working Well has two services operating out of Enfield as of this moment our Enfield IPS Service and our Thrive into Work service. Both of which work to support Enfield Residents on their employment journey. Though for the day they came together to socialise, mingle and see how best they can support the people of Enfield.

We caught up with Tae from the Thrive into Work Service to see how she would approach the question of making Mental Health a priority in the workplace.

“To make mental health a priority in the workplace, we need to create an open and supportive environment where employees feel safe discussing their challenges. Regular check-ins, mental health training, and providing access to resources can help create a healthier work culture.”

Working Well Trust was founded with the goal of supporting those whose have faced mental health challenges find meaningful employment on their terms and as long as our teams keep to these ideals and work together with our clients we’ll always champion workplace wellbeing and ensuring that Mental Health is always a priority in the workplace

To find out more about World Mental Health Day and other similar events at the Mental Health Foundation Website.