My role as a Mental Health Ally at GCI Health and the things I have learned

Being at GCI Health has allowed me to pursue something that I really care about and I am really privileged to have become a Mental Health Ally here. While I am still no expert, I do have experience of mental health issues, both personally and looking after close ones who are in need. It is estimated that 1 in 6 adults have experienced a ‘common mental disorder’ like depression or anxiety in the past week.[i] With so many people experiencing this, it’s important that we begin to notice and pay attention to this more in the workplace.

As a Mental Health Ally my role involves:

• Being someone to talk to
• Listening and hearing about what colleagues may be going through
• Educating and raising awareness of mental health within the workplace
• Sign-posting to the appropriate support system if needed

So, what is my advice for you this Mental Health Awareness Week?

• Look out for those around you - noticing if they’re acting a bit differently
• Always ask not once but TWICE if they are okay: ?“Hey, how are you?” is a common opening phrase which we respond to automatically, it is when people are pushed they will answer truthfully
• Offer to be that support to someone who is struggling
• Last but not least, sit back and think about how you are really feeling…

Mental health is something close to my heart – something I know is vitally important to all of us and can have an enormous impact on our lives, and I’m really happy this passion has been recognised at work. Being at GCI Health has allowed me to pursue something that I really care about and our Inspired by People motto means checking in, noticing and caring about the people we work with.

If you like the sound of working in a place that genuinely cares for you and your mental well-being, get in touch!

[i] House of Commons Library. Mental Health Statistics. Available at: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06988/SN06988.pdf Accessed May 2022.??