Prioritising Mental Health

On this Mental Health Day, we’re reminded of the vital role mental well-being plays in our daily lives. The theme for 2023, ‘Mental health is a universal human right,’ highlights the importance of giving mental health the same care and attention as physical health. To truly embrace, value, and nurture our mental well-being, we must incorporate wellness practices into our daily routines.

Here are a few examples of how Bedford Consulting strives to incorporate practical methods for prioritising mental health within the company:

GuineaPig: Our Wellness Companion

GuineaPig is our go-to app, seamlessly integrated into our Slack workspace, designed to simplify the path to better mental and physical well-being. It equips our team with a diverse array of wellness activities, ranging from soothing mindfulness to invigorating workouts. With customisable daily reminders, it empowers employees to carve out essential self-care time amidst their busy schedules, effectively reducing stress and promoting overall mental well-being.

Even on the most hectic of days, GuineaPig offers quick desk-friendly wellness recommendations, enhancing mental resilience. The app caters to each employee’s unique mental health needs, effortlessly finding the right solution for concerns such as stress or focus. Additionally, it fosters a supportive workplace community, allowing people to champion wellness, share routines, and support teammates on their mental health journeys. For instance, we organised a team activity within the app with a group meditation and a 5-minute stretch session, creating a sense of togetherness.

EAP: Our Dedicated Support System

In addition to GuineaPig, our commitment to mental health extends to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing specialised support for individuals facing personal challenges. Here’s a snapshot of what our EAP program offers:

• Counselling Support: Access a diverse team of counsellors adhering to BACP’s ethical framework, with up to six structured counselling sessions per issue, per year, in various formats.
• Telephone Support: Receive 24/7, year-round confidential helpline assistance for stress, bereavement, and relationship issues.
• Financial Guidance: Resolve financial stress with expert advice.
• Bereavement Support: Find compassionate help during times of grief.
• Legal Assistance: Access immediate and confidential legal advice.
• Medical Advice: Qualified nurses offer practical guidance on health-related concerns.
• Online Resources: Explore self-help tools, webinars, factsheets, and newsletters addressing both mental and physical health.
• My Healthy Advantage App: Enjoy personalised well-being features on iOS and Android devices, including articles, mood trackers, health plans, mini-checks, and Bright TV content.

By incorporating these comprehensive support services into our workplace, we not only reinforce our commitment to mental health but also ensure our employees have the resources needed for personal and professional thriving.

Mental Health First Aiders: Fostering a Culture of Mental Health Support

Finally, in our commitment to fostering a workplace that prioritises mental health, we have trained mental health first aiders within our company who are readily available to lend a helping hand when needed. This allows us to:

• Recognise early signs of workplace mental health issues.
• Conduct non-judgmental, supportive conversations.
• Guide colleagues to professional help, reducing stigma.

We empower our line managers with the tools and resources to assist their team members in navigating mental health challenges. Our goal is to ensure that every member of our organisation feels safe and encouraged to be open and transparent about their mental well-being. By doing so, we can provide the best possible support and promote a culture of understanding and empathy.

Conclusion: Every day Mental Health Matters

On this Mental Health Day, it’s important to acknowledge that mental health is a fundamental human right that deserves our attention and care. Our personal well-being is important, and solutions like GuineaPig empower us to effortlessly incorporate self-care into our daily routines. Additionally, by ensuring we have an accessible EAP and mental health first aiders, we are actively working to ensure that this fundamental right becomes a reality for all our team members.

Let’s prioritise self-care, kindness, and open conversations about mental health, not just today, but every day. Together, we can create a lasting impact on our own well-being and the well-being of those around us.