Making a ‘positive statement’ about mental health – Brightstar

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, we sat down with Clare Jupp (pictured), Brightstar’s group director of people development, to talk about mental health first aiders at the company.

She said that that the nine-strong team was introduced as part of its Mental Health Action plan, and they underwent a two-day course through Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England to qualify.

“We felt it was all well and good raising awareness about mental health and talking about the importance of having an open and transparent culture where people could talk about any difficulties they were experiencing, but we also felt that we needed a fully trained and dedicated team in place so that colleagues from across the group would have somebody to reach out to if they were in need.

“We already had a team of first-aiders in situ, and it made complete sense to make available help and support for those experiencing mental health difficulties as well as those who might need some immediate physical first aid,” she explained.

Jupp continued that the course was “intensive and extremely interesting” and gave the opportunity to learn about different mental health issues, how to spot them and what to do to offer support.

She added that the mental health first aiders play an “active role” during events like Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day. They also send out information and share experiences through workshop activities and talking groups.

They are also on-hand if team members want to approach them, they can be emailed “I want to talk”, and they can provide access to information, professionals and organisations.

Taking mental health seriously

Jupp said that the impact on the business had been “hugely positive”, and the team knows it “can access support and knows that we have a non-judgmental, open culture when it comes to mental health”.

“To appoint a team of nine individuals for a business of 80 people is quite a statement which we are confident sends a message that we take mental health seriously and we genuinely want to build awareness and offer support wherever needed.

“We highly recommend this course of action, and we know that others have replicated what we have done,” she said.

Support must come from the top

Jupp noted that before introducing mental health first aiders the business culture was “pivotal for the usefulness of having such a team”.

“Support for mental health and the open, non-judgmental culture has to come from the top and if people are going to confide, the business has to be prepared to be supportive.

“It shouldn’t just be a ‘token’ or a ‘visual’ to have a mental health first aid team; it has to be meaningful, proactive and empowered to support people and provide direction,” she said.

Jupp said that companies could also offer workshops, talking groups, a wellbeing room, wellbeing days or activities, educational resources and regular mental health surveys to offer mental health support to employees.