Prioritising Wellbeing: Mental Health Awareness Week

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we sat down with the internal Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) at Summit to discuss why it is crucial for businesses to provide mental health support for their employees.

Summit’s Internal Mental Health First Aiders

In 2023, six members of the Summit Systems team from various departments qualified as Mental Health First Aiders, following a course provided by Mental Health First Aid England. By investing in MHFA training, we are not only promoting good mental health among our employees but also fostering a more supportive and productive workplace culture. We are committed to maintaining this focus and hope other employers will join us in creating a more supportive environment for all.

The Role of Mental Health First Aiders

Gareth Callow highlights the importance of MHFA’s in the workplace:

“It is essential that all employees have access to someone they feel they can trust to talk to about any issues affecting their mental health. Just having someone to talk to can help them realise that there are people who can support them.”

When volunteers were sought to take the course, Daniel Alders stepped forward without hesitation:

“Throughout my career, people have been able to open up to me. Becoming an MHFA simply gave me the tools to point people in the right direction for help.”

Prioritising Employee Well-being

The health and safety of our employees is paramount across all areas of our business, including mental health.

“We provide very good initial mental health support, referring individuals to qualified professionals outside the business when needed. Our six trained Mental Health First Aiders are available as points of contact if a member of staff or someone they know is experiencing a mental health issue. While we are not therapists or psychiatrists, we provide initial support and direct staff to appropriate help,” explained the Summit MHFA team.

Maintaining Personal Well-being

When asked about their personal approaches to maintaining mental wellbeing, our First Aiders shared a variety of methods:

• Rebecca: Prioritises self-care with monthly massages, gym sessions, and breathwork.

• Gareth: Finds comfort in walks and listening to music.

• Julie: Stresses the importance of exercise and quality time with loved ones.

• Daniel: Encourages open communication and enjoys regular sports and family time.

Encouraging Others to Become Mental Health First Aiders

When asked whether they would recommend becoming an MHFA, the Summit team unanimously encourages others to embrace the opportunity:

“Go for it! If you want to make a difference and have the right skill set, then do it. You genuinely will be able to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Continuing to Champion Mental Health Awareness

As champions of mental health awareness, Summit Systems remains committed to fostering a workplace culture where everyone’s well-being is valued and supported.

If you are concerned that you may be developing a mental health problem, seek the advice and support of your GP as a priority. If your workplace has trained Mental Health First Aiders, speak to someone as soon as possible—they can point you in the right direction. Talking is vital when it comes to mental health, and it is important to remember that you are not alone.

For more information on Prioritising Wellbeing: Mental Health Awareness Week talk to Summit Process Cooling