Leading awareness
Benjamin Heywood Hughes.
He would have been 26 years old yesterday.
Born still on his due date on 9 October 1998.
But still born and, in that emphasis, reasons for pride and joy not just sadness. And, without him, and what we learned from his passing, I wouldn't have his brother, Artie.
Enough said.
Baby Loss Awareness Week is now in its 22nd year. Its timing adds a certain poignancy but also provides the comfort that we all experience when we realise we're not alone.
And then you layer on World Mental Health Day, celebrated every year on 10 October.
When I reflect on my own mental health over the years, I'm reminded of Harold Macmillan's response when asked by a journalist what was most likely to blow governments off course:
Events, my dear boy, events.
Substitute "governments" with "mental health" and there's my story. I know I'm not alone in feeling "different", more or less positive, in response to the calendar: anniversaries, payment schedules, birthdays, Christmas, milestones, parties, Monday mornings...
The theme of this year's WMHD is "it's time to prioritise mental health in the workplace
?? 15% of UK workers are estimated to have an existing mental health condition
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?? mental health was the fifth most common reason for sickness absence in 2022/23.
Work can be good for our mental health, giving us a sense of purpose, boosting our self-worth, and providing a social framework.
But it can also be a source of stress and anxiety and contribute to developing or worsening mental ill health.
So, what can you do as a leader to support a mentally healthy workplace ?
??Be curious about your staff. Do you know what's going on in their lives? Is there an "event" that may be impacting their work?
??Encourage open conversations about mental health
??Tackle poor dynamics
??Ask how you can help
??Know where to signpost
Remember, kindness is doing what you can, where you are, with what you have.
#BabyLossAwarenessWeek #BLAW24 #WorldMentalHealthDay #WMHD24 #BeKind
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Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research Skills and Education Director of Health & Community Wellbeing Research, Coventry University
4 个月Hi Andrew, I share a similar experience, Emily (19.11.00) - stillborn full-term, still held, still loved and her life still celebrated! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emily-Child-Heaven-Hope-Hurting/dp/1860244432
National Librarian and Chief Executive, National Library of Scotland
4 个月This is powerful and beautifully written, Andrew. Sorry to hear about your heartbreaking loss.
Chief Commercial and Operations Officer (North) at Alliance Medical Limited
5 个月Sending love Andrew
Ah Andrew I never knew this. It's beautifully written and I love (wrong phrase?) the emphasis on still born.
Owner at Jayne Phillips HR Advice and Support
5 个月What a wonderful thought provoking insight Andrew , thank you for sharing