Mental Health Awareness Day – 10th October

The 10th October every year marks World Mental Health Awareness Day. This is designated by the World Health Organisation and the theme this year is Mental Health at Work.
At Tilhill we began investing in Mental Health at work in 2019 when we recruited volunteers and organised Mental Health First Aider training. We have trained many colleagues since then. However, I’m sure you wouldn’t expect us to not worry about safety controls just because we have first aiders, even with +F.
In the past couple of years we have been focussing on the potential causes of poor mental health, specifically work related causes. We are complex beings and it isn’t possible to totally separate our work and home selves. We would all recognise how events at work can affect mood when home, and vice-versa. Whilst we can’t always influence home stresses, we can those at work.

In 2022 we did our first Wellbeing Survey, with actions appearing in early 2023. We have been working through these and plan a repeat survey in 2025. Externally we have supported Mental Health Awareness days and weeks, raising awareness with our contractors. We have had contractors talk to us about their issues, and we support where possible.
Mental Health doesn’t just happen, positive or negative, on 10th October. It is lifelong, just like our physical health. And just like physical health there are things we can all do to promote good health, often the same things promote good physical and mental health.
So as winter approaches, a time some can find difficult, take a look at the tips provided here:

samh.org.uk/about- mental-health/self-help-and-wellbeing/ protecting-your-wellbeing-during-the- winter-months