Mental Health First Aider Support at Christmas
Christmas certainly can be a wonderful time, but it also can be a time that brings stress and challenges. It's the time to take the opportunity to gather with family and friends to celebrate and create memories, although, for many, it's also a time that can often be sad or overwhelming.
We all differentiate our home, social and working lives, but often they can be intertwined or impact each other. Within Starfish Construction, our employees' mental health and wellbeing are important to us, and we want, at this time, to take the opportunity to inform our employees and our network of the support approach and mechanisms at Starfish Construction.
One in four adults experiences mental health problems at some point in their lifetime.
"Being a Mental Health First Aider is about supporting our colleagues across the business. Firstly, ensuring everyone feels they've got someone they can turn to – whether it's for guidance on finding support or a quick cup of tea to talk through how you're feeling." Karen Slaven, Starfish Construction, Mental Health First Aider
Christmas… It's the most wonderful time of the year!
Starfish Construction has two Qualified Mental Health First Aiders across our organisation who are on hand to provide a listening ear to their colleagues and point them in the right direction for the support they may need.
If any Starfish Construction employees feel they would like support and speak to a Mental Health First Aider, they can contact:
Karen Slaven (Motherwell) kslaven@starfishltd.com 07956 025 316 and
Adam Denton-Beaumont (London) adenton@starfishltd.com 07375 546 966
A Mental Health First Aider can offer initial support until professional help is received, hopefully resolving the crisis or situation.
The journey towards better mental health can start with having an honest conversation with someone you trust without fear of judgement. We can all need someone to talk to throughout any day and at any time.
What can our Mental Health First Aiders do for you?
- What's really on your mind? We will listen
- Help you understand the importance of Mental Health
- Point you towards support groups, helplines and professional support
- Help you identify the first signs and symptoms of mental ill-health
- Maintain confidentiality.
We hope that everyone has a peaceful and enjoyable festive season, although if anyone does feel they need someone to speak to, the following are also a range of support contacts:
ALL NUMBERS ARE FREE TO CALL FROM A LANDLINE, although always check your mobile provider:
NHS 111 - For urgent advice and support, Telephone: 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk
Samaritans – To speak to someone, Telephone: 116 123 or visit samaritans.org/how-we-can-help for further information.
Mind - For mental health information Telephone: 0300 123 3393 or explore mind.org.uk/helplines
The Construction Industry Helpline is also available, and you can contact them via Telephone at 0345 605 1956 or visit their website https://www.constructionindustryhelpline.com/
This is a FREE 24x7 Helpline available to anyone in the construction industry. They can support anyone with problems ranging from wellbeing to financial and legal. The Helpline is funded by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, which, in turn, is funded by our industry.
