As it’s Time to Talk day, our Coordination and Development Support Officer, Anne Webster has been reflecting on her role as Mental Health First Aider for VONNE in her blog below.
Everybody has mental health just the same as we all have physical health. Mental ill health is something that affects 1 in 4 adults each year and supporting employees’ mental wellbeing is a priority at VONNE. I have recently completed the Mental Health First Aid Course, an internationally recognised education and training programme, which has enabled me to better support my colleagues in the work environment. The course had helped me to be more aware of my own emotions, to be more tuned into my colleagues’ feelings and to spot when ‘something isn’t quite right’. I’m not a counsellor nor can I diagnose – I’ll leave that to the professionals! What I can offer is a none-judgmental and confidential listening ear with help to signpost to appropriate services. I also see myself as the mother figure in the office – making cuppas and going round with the biscuits whilst checking in that people are doing ok!
DCEO, Siobhan O'Neill reflected on having Anne take on this role within our organisation and commented, "It’s great to know that we have Anne as a trained mental health first aider and to be able to support Time to Talk Day. Here at VONNE we want everyone to thrive and be confident in bringing their whole self to work. Opening up the conversation about mental health is part of the supportive culture that we foster here, and our people do that on ‘special’ days like today and every day. We can all learn from that, there isn’t a right way to have the conversation but for some of us knowing that people are open to listening can make such a difference to our day."
Last year, the team took part in mental health awareness training delivered by Tyneside Mind which created an honest and inclusive discussion around mental health. Whilst the team are always welcome to talk about their mental health and resources are made available, we ensure a routine dialogue is kept up through supervisions and appraisals, which include feedback on wellbeing and offer support when needed.
Below are some helpful resources and organisations for further information:
Mental health training online and face to face · MHFA England