Garden centre retailer Dobbies has increased the number of mental health first aiders among its workforce to continue enhance support for the wellbeing of its 4,000 members of staff.
The organisation increased the number of trained mental health first aiders from two to 16, and announced the upcoming addition of several store-level mental health champions. This was part of Dobbies' commitment to the wellbeing of its team and to provide enhanced localised resources.
According to Dobbies, the aim was to better equip staff to effectively support those in need through challenging times or personal change, while also encouraging techniques to look after their own wellbeing and work-life balance.
Paul Green, head of people experience at Dobbies, said: “The wellbeing of our team members is of the utmost importance to us and it’s vital that we can support their mental health with support where possible. Often conversations with mental health first aiders will be the first time that people have opened up to anyone about their mental health and it is important that we have compassionate conversations about this sometimes sensitive subject, as well as offering support.”
Iain McDonald, learning and development specialist at Dobbies, added: “I’m a people person and I wanted to expand my knowledge so that I can offer worthwhile support to team members in moments of need. That was my motivation to join the MHFA course. I’ve enjoyed learning about what being a mental health first aider involves and approaching things from a different perspective. I’m proud to have the opportunity to do this at Dobbies.”
The employer offers wellbeing training through its internal e-learning platform, which includes practicing mindfulness, mental health, stress, and suicide prevention, and menopause awareness.
As part of its wider benefits package, Dobbies staff are also eligible for a staff discount in stores, restaurants and food halls, a free and confidential employee assistance programme, and have access to the Wagestream app, where they can track earnings in real time and access a portion of their wages before payday to cover unexpected costs.
