Mental health training aids Napthens’ client support

Regional law firm Napthens has reaffirmed its commitment to good mental health not just in the workplace but across the community, ahead of a major awareness day.

Seven members of the firm are now certified Mental Health First Aiders, after developing the skills and knowledge to support clients to ensure that not only are they providing technical legal advice, but also supporting their mental health.

These certifications coincide with World Mental Health Day, which takes place on Thursday October 10 and encourages individuals and businesses around the world to do more to understand, protect and sustain good mental health.

The two-day course, delivered by Napthens’ client, Advocacy Focus, teaches attendees the techniques needed to identify and intervene when others are showing signs of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts.

Those certified include solicitors specialising in Wills and estate planning and Probate matters, as well as members of the firm’s HR3 service – a fixed cost employment law and HR solution for employers.

Nicola Mason, director of HR at Napthens, said: “The mental wellbeing of our clients is just as important as their technical legal needs, and we are proud that we are now actively qualified to ensure they have good practices and support at the centre of their Napthens experience.

“Naturally for many clients we will be supporting them at a difficult and sometimes stressful time. It is therefore vitally important that we can recognise clients who may need a little extra support and signposting to the right level of intervention if and when required. We are passionately and actively part of our local communities and want to ensure that we support them in the best way possible.”

Head of Private Client at Napthens, Simon Ainsworth added: “Often our clients are dealing with particularly stressful situations including bereavement and family breakdowns as well as mental capacity assessments and they are relying on our lawyers to help them get things in order.

“This training allows our lawyers to be able to spot the signs that clients may be struggling and offer them practical support and signposting which helps us provide a more rounded service.”

With World Mental Health Day on October 10, Napthens is also hosting its second Annual Wellbeing Conference at Stanley House Hotel and Spa on the same day, with specialists from ATG Health & Safety, part of the Napthens Group, joined by a variety of local wellbeing experts for a series of talks and seminars on the subject.