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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDeciding on your motivation can help identify the areas that you will be focussing on. Whether it\u2019s because people are struggling with their workload. Or if management isn\u2019t trained well enough to understand the importance of good mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps it\u2019s because there\u2019s nothing in place for those who need it. Or if there is, they aren\u2019t aware of what it is that\u2019s available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It might not be something specific either. You might just feel like your organisation hasn\u2019t opened the floor to this sort of conversation before and you want to start a movement to draw attention to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is your desired Outcome?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important to know what your aims are. This allows you to let your employers know what you\u2019re hoping to change about your workplace to benefit the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pitching your idea without a clear vision won\u2019t play in your favour. Employers need to understand the value of the program, who it\u2019s for and how they can make those changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is especially important if you need a budget from your employer to execute your program. Without being able to back up the program with valid reasons they\u2019ll be less likely to fund it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A good way to improve the culture around mental health is to suggest people enrol on a course. This helps to develop the knowledge and understanding of mental health and how it can affect the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is a range of courses designed specifically for mental health in the workplace such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Emergency Response for Mental Health in the Workplace Level 2 Award (RQF)<\/a><\/li>
- Mental Health in the Workplace: For Managers level 3 Certificate (RQF)<\/a><\/li>
- NCFE CACHE Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace Level 2 Certificate (RQF)<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
These courses are specific to mental health in the workplace. Allowing anyone within the company who enrols to gain skills to promote a positive work culture. As well as learning about how to effectively spot the signs of mental health issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another great option is to request changes be made to the company policy. This ensures that people who are having a challenging time feel supported and secure within their role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You could implement this by suggesting mental health become a dedicated part of 1-2-1 meetings with management. So that should any issues arise, management can be their to support their team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Creating the Program<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
After you\u2019ve worked out what it is you\u2019re trying to achieve you can start implementing the changes. Focussing on how you\u2019ll present your program and who can support the work you\u2019re doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the size of your company this may be straight forward. For example, allocating a time when everyone is free within the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you work for a larger corporation it\u2019s more challenging to find time where everyone in your company is available. It\u2019s not impossible and there\u2019s more chance that people will support your efforts and take on some responsibility. But you just need to keep that in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Small Organisations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"SAC](\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/SAC-How-to-start-a-mental-health-awareness-program-2-1024x413.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWithin a smaller organisation there is less to consider when planning your mental health awareness program. Most likely you\u2019ll be able to arrange with colleagues directly and decide on a date pretty quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After you\u2019ve decided when your presentation will be then you can plan what it is you\u2019re going to say. This could be done easily in an all-hands lunch. Giving people the opportunity to ask questions and understand what it is you\u2019re trying to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Alternatively, you can contact an organisation and bring in a guest speaker who can share their knowledge and experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A quick search will show various non-profit organisations focusing on mental health in your area. For example, Mind<\/strong><\/a> is an organisation with many bases up and down the country. They have ambassadors that can come into a workplace and discuss their experience with mental health. Which could potentially inspire someone to seek help for their own issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Big Organisations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A larger organisation may not have the means to bring everyone together in one place. They may not have meeting room big enough. Or everyone may not be available for a meeting at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a good idea instead to work with departments individually and scheduling a timeslot. This is a more flexible approach than trying to organise one big event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, if you were considering a guest speaker then you\u2019ll need to keep them in the loop. As they will have their own schedule that you\u2019ll need to take into account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It could also be worth speaking to the HR team to collaborate on the project. They might already know of resources you can use. As well as their own ideas on what it is the company needs from speaking to others within the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By creating a mental health awareness program you\u2019re helping kickstart the discussion around mental health. This can make a huge difference to the views on mental health within your company. The work you\u2019ll do will hopefully inspire positive change and making your company a better place to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019d like to introduce a mental health awareness program in your workplace then we can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stonebridge Associated Colleges is one of the UK\u2019s leading online learning providers. We offer a range of mental health related courses that could be beneficial to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019re enrolled onto the course the information is readily available to you. Plus, there are dedicated tutors who are experts in their field that will support your learning. Allowing your workplace to develop the skills needed to support people\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To learn how to prepare for online learning visit our blog here.<\/strong><\/a> Or get in touch<\/strong><\/a> with one of our advisors to learn more on the courses available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Mental Health in the Workplace: For Managers level 3 Certificate (RQF)<\/a><\/li>