Walk. Talk. Support.

I have long been an advocate of getting out during the week to clear my head and have some time to reflect. I try to build an hour in to my diary every day to go for a run, or get out on my bike and I am very protective of that time no matter how busy I am. I don't always succeed as urgent thinks can take over - but when I do I really benefit. This routine became even more important to me during the last year – it gave me the opportunity to maintain a sense of normality during a very unusual period. And it would seem I was not alone. The Mental Health Foundation conducted some research which revealed that 45% of respondents reported being in green spaces had been vital for our mental health.

It is very apt, therefore, that the theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘Connect with Nature.’ Mental Health and Wellbeing is not a new focus for us at Capita – far from it - but we have recognised that the pandemic has certainly thrown the spotlight on the need to take care of ourselves, support each other and perhaps ask more than we normally would, ‘Are you OK?’

After Christmas, with the long winter months ahead of us, we launched our first division-wide "move-it" challenge. The aim was to ensure that our people continued to push themselves to get outside, regardless of the weather. Ideally this was a proper break away from work, but we realised "walking meetings" were also really worthwhile for our mental wellbeing. It was an inclusive challenge and colleagues could choose a distance or steps target that could be achieved in whatever way worked for them.

The challenge created a buzz, with colleagues who didn’t know each other engaging with and supporting people they had never worked with or met. And importantly, 76% of the people who fed back on the challenge said they had permanently changed the way they work to incorporate movement into their day. I actively support and empower colleagues to make this change. During Mental Health Awareness Week there has been plenty of activity, from videos and guest speakers to shared resources, across Capita and within our division to maintain the momentum.

Looking ahead, we know that the effects of the pandemic on our mental health and wellbeing may long continue. That is why I am proud to share that Capita Government Services has launched its Mental Health Ally programme.

The programme aims to remove the stigma associated with mental health and create a positive culture throughout the division where colleagues feel they can reach out if they are struggling and access the right support for them. We aim to train around 360 Mental Health Allies spread throughout the division. We piloted the programme in two of our businesses and the results speak for themselves. Of the colleagues who signed up to be a Mental Health Ally, around two thirds had limited confidence or were somewhat confident about talking to someone experiencing mental health concerns. After their training, that result had flipped with the vast majority feeling confident or very confident. I can see the programme is going to make a big difference in our division and will ensure colleagues who need support are signposted to the right tools and resources available to them.

Today is the last day of Mental Health Awareness Week and if you take away one thing from it, remember Walk, Talk, Support. Get out at least once a day, connect with a colleague or a friend and talk about something other than work, build in some time for you for some ‘self-support’ and reach out and ask someone if they are ok. You never know, that question could make the world of difference to someone who has been hiding their struggles.

#ProudToBeCapita #CreatingBetterOutcomes #MHAW

Capita’s Responsible Business report includes a section on wellbeing of colleagues - Capita Responsible Business Report 2020