Care home provider Colten Care has trained 32 members of staff as mental health first aiders (MHFA) as part of its strategy to support employees’ wellbeing and work-life balance.
Colten Care, which has around 2,000 employees and operates 21 care homes in Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and Wiltshire, implemented the MHFA training as part of its wider focus on staff wellbeing.
The wellbeing strategy has included dedicated wellbeing weeks, sound bath sessions, a salt-water sauna trip, fun-at-work days, and participation in February’s Time to Talk day, the national mental health awareness campaign.
Employees were also given wellbeing packs which contained a guide on dealing with stress at work and a bag of treats.
The MHFA training, which took place over two days in two of Colten Care’s dedicated dementia care homes, has lead to a shift in how mental health is talked about and supported in the workplace.
Volunteers include home managers, clinical leads, care trainers, healthcare assistants, HR managers and maintenance and gardening team members.
Barney Baxendale, wellbeing strategy lead and MHFA, said: “Staff were asked if they would volunteer for the role of MHFA, and the response was great. These dedicated individuals received personal certificates for their time in training and are now equipped to offer a listening ear, guidance and signposting to colleagues who may be struggling.
“The service is offered to all 2,000 of our staff completely free of charge. Now, no matter where they are located across our 21 homes or our head office, they have someone they can see in person if they need to. Phone and video calls are also an option if they prefer.
“Training session content included the many influences on mental health, what first aid means in this context, how best to approach someone who may be struggling, the importance of listening and reassurance, and how to identify a support network.”
