By Anthony Brady, Strategic Lead for Culture and Engagement, Stockport Homes Group

Supporting staff with mental health isn’t just about addressing issues when they arise, but also about creating a proactive and holistic approach to wellbeing.

At Stockport Homes Group, we promote a culture of openness about mental health through a range of key provisions and initiatives, including providing resources and training, encouraging positive work-life balance, creating supportive environments, recognising achievements and offering ongoing support.

Our holistic approach to wellbeing helps cultivate a more productive, positive and resilient workplace. Here are some key initiatives we have in place for supporting colleagues with mental health.

Support provisions

Active Listeners

Our Active Listeners are a dedicated group of colleagues from across SHG who trained in mental health first aid (MHFA) and suicide first aid. They provide a safe space and listening ear and have the knowledge to signpost to the right occupational or external support.

Employee Assistance Programme

When colleagues don’t feel they can talk to friends, family or people at work, our EAP offers an independent and confidential counselling, help and support service available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Trauma counselling

Trauma therapy is designed to manage the impact of traumatic events on people’s lives, helping people process abusive, dangerous, frightening or life-threatening experiences. For colleagues whose cases are deemed too complex for EAP, we offer up to six sessions with our independent trauma counsellor.

Access to resources and training

Ensuring that employees have access to mental health resources and training can make a significant difference.

• Be Well Half-day: colleagues can take time off specifically for wellbeing and self-care
• Learning and development: regular face-to-face and virtual workshops and training sessions on mental health and suicide awareness and resilience, as well as bespoke e-learning pathways
• Mental Health Awareness Month: a month focussing on what our colleagues have said would most help support their mental health. This year the program was focused on how to support your own mental health, how to support others (including specific people manager training) and financial wellbeing.

Maximising our potential

A healthy work-life balance is critical for good mental health. Our flexible hours and remote work options help colleagues to manage their personal and professional lives more effectively.

Supportive physical environment

The physical workplace can have a significant impact on mental health. In recognition of this, we provide:

• Comfortable workspaces: provide ergonomic furniture and ensure workspaces are comfortable and conducive to productivity
• Quiet areas: designate quiet areas where employees can take a break or work without distractions
• Healthy amenities: discounted fitness facilities, monthly fresh fruit, hydration stations and in-house reflexology and workplace massages.