Article 17 May 2023

Mental Health Awareness Week: How our mental health first aiders can help

We have over 350 trained Mental Health First Aiders across the business at Mitie, who are there to support anyone struggling with their mental health. They will listen, provide you with confidential support and signpost to additional support.   

To find out who is a mental health first aider local to your site, you can access the directory, or ask your line manager for details.  

Hollie White, Business Manager, is one of our Mental Health First Aiders, and when asked about her motivation behind becoming one, she said: 

“So why did I take the plunge into becoming a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA)? Well, firstly to help myself I suppose. Learning about mental health and training to be an MHFA has taught me a lot personally and has made me aware of individual behaviours or small changes I could make to help others.  

“During my time in Mitie I have been fortunate enough to work with many colleagues across the business and people often seem to naturally gravitate towards me as someone who they can speak to openly, either about work or home life – simply as someone who will listen regardless of the topic. Having my MHFA training means I feel comfortable lending an ear and listening, offering initial guidance or pointing them in the direction of professional support and networks.  

“Becoming an MHFA during lockdown was a great opportunity to help Mitie’s campaign to widen the support within the business and also very poignant given the concerns from people who were really struggling with daily life then. It has paved the way to meeting some amazing colleagues who are also MFHAs – there are 200+ working on the frontline, within contracts or in our main office hubs.  

“I’m proud to be a MHFA and by wearing my lanyard, it helps people to identify someone they might wish to speak to then that can only be a good thing. Having a conversation with a cup of tea might only seem a simple act but listening or being able to potentially help someone when they need it most is a powerful and rewarding feeling.” 

During MyWellbeing Week, we released a podcast: A focus on your Mental Health, with Brian Talbot, Managing Director, Central Government and Defence, and Jagdeep Kaur, Business Support Administrator.  

The podcast delves into Jagdeep’s experience as a Mental Health First Aider, the practical steps we can take to support our own wellbeing, as well as supporting those around us. This includes the signs to look out for which may indicate that someone is struggling with their mental wellbeing.   

MyWellbeing is where we care for each other – looking after our wellbeing is vital, because together we’re stronger. Visit the Wellbeing Hub to learn more about the support in place for your mental health.