World Mental Health Day

Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of staff and volunteers is a key priority at CHAS. Committed to creating a strong wellbeing culture, a Wellbeing Group was set up to promote positive wellbeing. One of the first tasks was to develop a wellbeing strategy and charter, created with staff and volunteers that outlines our vision and approach to wellbeing at work.

Everybody has a role to play in ensuring there is a strong wellbeing culture in CHAS. Our aim is for everyone to be resilient, and feel supported in a fast-paced and ever changing environment.

When we are well at work, we deliver better care for children and families.

Wellbeing is particularly challenging for healthcare professionals especially for those delivering care or based in our hospices. Our care staff work hard to deliver the most exceptional balance of compassionate, family centred care against a background of serious illness and the likelihood of early death. This is what makes CHAS unique and our work so challenging at times.

Supporting the team to be resilient while working alongside dying children and their families is a priority for CHAS.

Some of the wellbeing training offered to staff include Applied Suicide Intervention Skills (ASIST), Mental Health First Aid and Managing Mental Health at Work. Staff are also supported through an Employee Assistance Programme. Staff delivering care can access support from our Employee Assistance Programme, clinical supervision and specialist psychological support.

The journey to creating a strong wellbeing culture is a continuous process with other initiatives being rolled out.

"As a manager, I feel confident that I am supported by fellow Managers and trained to discuss mental health and wellbeing with members of my team. I can provide supervision at the times when needed and I have places that I know will be of help I can signpost them to."

Grace Deighton, Administration Manager, who attended Managing Mental Health at Work training.

"Completing my Mental Health First Aid training before the pandemic, has given me a better understanding of how to support my team mates."

Nicola Porciani, Volunteering Development Manager.

When we have an awareness of our own mental health we can understand what impacts us positively and negatively. Taking small steps can make a big difference to our thoughts and feelings. We can all make a difference by effective listening, being present for colleagues and signposting to useful resources.

Looking after our own mental health is vital before we can help others.

What actions will you take today to prioritise your mental health and wellbeing?