BLOG: Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace with NSEA
It’s really crucial that managers can recognise the early signs of poor mental health in the workplace and the same is true for those of us who are working with small business owners. Early intervention is key in supporting staff, reducing anxiety and helping to support good mental health. And this now more than ever has become a key focus for many organisations, as the true impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic are just coming to light.
North Somerset Enterprise Agency has engaged with Weston College (the Centre for Excellence in SEND - People) over the past year, supporting webinars, events and specific stands of work such as mental health, as well as helping to promote key messages about the work of the Education Training Foundation, CfE and ‘people’ focused programme.
As the CEO of NSEA, I felt it was important to develop my own understanding of mental health and so completed the MHFA course at Weston College. This was invaluable in being able to understand that mental health issues are likely to be noticed by a colleague, friend or family member well before a professional becomes involved and how best to provide that initial support.
Mental health issues are very common and can be heightened by the stresses and strains of running a business. However, many organisations are not well informed in recognising mental health crises and in knowing what support is available. This course therefore really helped to develop my own understanding and also equipped me in how best to signpost others.’
NSEA will be working with the CfE and its emerging ‘Employability Hub’ over the coming months. We have pledged our support in helping to promote the work of the CfE, what support is available to help upskill staff, practitioners and managers in recognising the signs of poor mental health and by sharing toolkits, resources and details of training available to help them to support their teams, colleagues and service users.
Angela Hicks CEO, North Somerset Enterprise Agency