Napthens appoints mental health champions

Regional law firm Napthens helped two employees gain an important qualification in mental health awareness.

Two members of the team took part in a mental health awareness training programme led by St John Ambulance, to help them spot the early warning signs of workplace mental health in others.

Laura Holland, HR executive, and Sarah Barnes, head of residential property, qualified as Mental Health First Aiders as part of the law firm’s drive to ensure the business has a positive, healthy working environment for their people.

The course is specifically tailored to help attendees gain a greater awareness of workplace mental health, to help them to detect early symptoms of common mental health illnesses and give them the skills to support their own and others’ positive wellbeing.

According to a study by the Mental Health Foundation this year, within the last 12 months, 74 per cent of the nation have felt so stressed that they have been overwhelmed or unable to cope. In the report 37 per cent of adults who reported feeling stressed, reported feeling lonely as a result.

Nicola Mason, director of HR at Napthens said: “This is an important initiative for Napthens as we continue to focus on ensuring our people feel supported.

“Mental health is such an important aspect of the modern workplace and supporting each other in achieving and promoting good mental health is vital, not just for the workplace, but for all round wellbeing also.” Laura and Sarah’s Mental Health First Aiders training covered topics such as stigma and depression, early warning signs of mental ill health, alcohol, drugs and mental health, and applying the mental health first aid action plan.