Blackburn-based safeguarding organisation and DBS Registered Body, Personnel Checks hosted a ‘Mental Health Matters’ event on the 19th June 2018.
Personnel Checks, who provide DBS Checks and safeguarding services to organisations across the UK, welcomed 50 attendees to their Blackburn offices at One Cathedral Square to take part in the free event.
The workshop, delivered by Dr Gary Sidley PhD, local psychologist, freelance writer and trainer, explored the causes of mental health challenges, offered a better understanding on how to promote and maintain mental wellbeing in the workplace and gave guidance on raising awareness amongst peers, colleagues and family members.
Director Jack Mellor kicked off the event by welcoming all attendees and discussing the reasons why Personnel Checks decided to organise such an event for the public.
Last year’s report, Thriving at work, which is the result of an independent review commissioned by the Prime Minister revealed poor mental health is the main cause of absenteeism and lost productivity in the workplace, costing more than £30 billion per year. Jack Mellor, commented: “Despite the evidence and statistics, many businesses are still in the dark about the impact of mental health and the effects it can have on both employees and those coming into contact with a business.”
Managing Director of the family business, Michelle Mellor, said: “Safeguarding society is at the heart of everything we do here at Personnel Checks and we are fully committed to our workforce who are pivotal to our success. We want to support them by ensuring we have the very best awareness of workplace wellbeing and can spot the signs to be able to support our colleagues, family members, friends and vulnerable people within our society.
“We have a duty of care to look after the health and wellbeing of all our employees both physically and psychologically and as a business, we think it is key to become even more resilient with happy and engaged staff.”
Guests attended from a range of industries including local schools and national communication businesses, all wanting to improve their knowledge and awareness of mental wellbeing in the workplace.
Lee Beveridge, from North Lancashire Training Group commented on the event: “The little things we do have the biggest impact. We have a responsibility to listen, be real/human and essentially care! As a tutor, it was good to be told we don’t always have the answers but have a responsibility to be aware of mental wellbeing. Dr Sidley provided really useful tips in ensuring we’re mindful of others and their individual circumstances.”
Jack Mellor, concluded: “We all have times when life gets on top of us – sometimes that’s work related matters such as deadlines or travel and sometimes it’s something else like our health or our circumstances.
“We believe in a workplace where everyone can thrive. We also believe in the role of employers, employees and businesses in creating these workplaces. Good mental health at work and good management go hand in hand.
“We will not hide from or brush aside mental health issues.”
