Meet Martyn: Tata Steel's Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisor

We caught up with recently appointed Mental Health and Wellbeing Advisor Martyn Wagstaff to find out about this new role.??

Firstly, tell us a bit about yourself..?

My passion outside work is spending time with my family, including my fiancée, children and grandson. Most of my other spare time involves watching sport, mainly football. For the past three years, I have delivered mental health awareness talks in sports clubs and community settings, and was a Mental Health and Wellbeing Officer with Marauders Men’s Health. I also became the first dedicated Mental Health Officer at a sports club in Wales, at Trefelin Boys and Girls Club, which I’m very proud of.??

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Like many of us, you’ve had your own experience of mental health issues. What impact did that have on you??

Divorce, family battles, redundancy, money worries and alcohol all took their toll over time until I eventually hit rock bottom. Like many people, I buried my head in the sand, which pushed the stress, depression and anxiety deeper and deeper.??

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How did those experiences shape you on your journey to becoming a mental health and wellbeing advisor??

During my lowest ebb, I attended some mental health sessions but felt they were missing something. Then, after the tragic death of a close friend, I became inspired to do something about it and I soon discovered a new strength – the strength to open up and share, to know it’s OK not to be OK, and to help others who may be bottling up their feelings, like I did, before they reach breaking point.??

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What can people do if they notice a colleague struggling??

It’s important not to force it, but if you recognise someone is struggling, let them know you’re there for them when they’re ready. Knowing they are not alone is a hugely important first step.??

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Despite massive strides, stigma remains a challenge. How important is it that mental health is spoken about in the same breath as physical health? ?

There is still a fear around mental health. Given the industry we work in, much of this is cultural, where men, in particular, feel they need to assume the role of provider and protector, in the same way their fathers and grandfathers did. We have to keep striving to change this and flip it on its head – by demonstrating every day that it’s OK not to be OK, by inspiring people to open up on their issues, and by normalising mental health conversations. Only then will we see real progress.???

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What are you priorities and what is the scope of your new role??

Although based in Port Talbot, my role covers the whole of the UK. We have more than 300 trained mental health first aiders across Tata Steel UK, which is a major achievement and huge credit to our Trade Union colleagues who play an integral role both in their training and in providing ongoing support. Moving forward, we would like to build on this and further utilise their passion and knowledge. Together, we can create a culture in the business that promotes open and honest conversation, removes stigma, and breaks down barriers that hold people back from talking about, and seeking help for, their mental health.??

If you are a Tata Steel employee wishing to seek help or guidance surrouding the topic of mental health, please contact your local?Mental Health First Aider?or talk to a qualified counsellor via our?Employee Assistance Helpline?on 0800 015 5630.

Support is also available via the Mind and Samaritans website. Support and advice can be accessed via the Samaritans helpline, for free on 116 123.