Most of us, at some stage in our lives, will be touched by mental illness, either personally or through a friend, relative or work colleague. Mental ill health is now one of the leading causes of absence across industry in the UK. As a business we want to be at the forefront of the drive to raise awareness, knowledge and understanding of mental health issues. We want to create a supportive environment for all our people, customers and the wider business.
After receiving positive feedback from sites supported with mental health resources and advice, we are increasing our efforts to raise awareness further. Here are some of the things we are doing within our depots as a group:

1)   Mental Health Awareness training
 
We can look after ourselves by managing our emotional well being and physical health, both at work and at home.
 
If we are experiencing an episode of mental health issues, the support we receive is the key in determining how well and how quickly we can recover, so it is vital we understand our people’s needs and how we can best support them.
 
Mental health awareness training is being offered to all employees who manage people, to provide the following understanding:
 
-what is mental health and how to challenge stigma
-how to look after your own mental health
-confidence to interact with someone in distress or who may be experiencing a mental health issue
 
The first phase of training, including a session for the Board of Directors has been completed across the Group, further dates are being made available to the depots, in addition to Mental Health First Aider training for nominated personel.
 
In the same way as learning physical first aid, Mental health first aider training enables nominated individuals to be a point of contact for any individual who is experiencing a mental health issue or emotional distress. We are looking for employees with a keen interest in mental health and well being with the ability to hold sensitive and fully confidential conversations.
 
We have asked our employees to nominate themselves or a member of their team for this training.
 
 
2) Time for Change 
The Time to Change Employer Pledge signals our commitment to changing how we think and act about mental health in the workplace.
 
By signing the Pledge on the 23rd April 2019, we will join a growing movement of more than 450 employers in England across all sectors who have pledged to end mental health discrimination in the workplace. 
 
3) Mind charity partnership 
You will have heard that we are working in partnership with Mind this year, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. Whether somebody is stressed, depressed or in crisis, Mind are there to listen, offer support and advice and fight their corner.
 
Our target this year is to raise over £18,000 for Mind Uk. News of fundraising events will follow in the coming months.
 
4)  Employee Assistance Program
The Barrett Steel Group's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to our employees 24/7 365 days a year and its completely free for them to access.
In addition to offering support from trained counsellors, it can also offer advice on a huge range of topics including finance, health, family and work life.
We will be sending out posters and materials to sites to place in rest rooms, ensuring that everyone knows how to access the EAP should they need it.

5)  Mental health resources  
We provide lots of great resources to help our teams stay well at work. Support materials will be maintained in an upcoming people resources area on the intranet easily accessible to all users.