Construction, refurbishment and maintenance services partner, J Tomlinson, has introduced a team of Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) to help support mental wellbeing across the company and beyond.
The Nottingham-based company has teamed up with Mental Health First Aid England to provide training to 30 employees across all levels of the business, empowering them with the knowledge and skills to provide initial support to those who may be experiencing emotional issues such as depression, anxiety and/or psychosis.
It is hoped by the company that by providing an additional level of support, more people struggling with mental health issues will be able to successfully seek the help they need as a result of being signposted to key resources by MHFAs.
Subcontractors working on J Tomlinson-managed sites are also able to access and take advantage of this service.
The scheme follows the launch of the company’s 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), an employer-funded benefit that provides unlimited support to staff and their families via confidential face-to-face, telephone or online counselling with qualified professionals.
The EAP, which was rolled out in February, also provides users with access to a wide range of peer-reviewed tools and resources designed to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing, and support with a wide range of professional and personal issues including bereavement, health, finance, childcare, legal matters, as well as drug and alcohol problems. Since J Tomlinson introduced the service to the business, there have been over 40 counselling and advice calls, many of which have led to face-to-face sessions.
Diane Jones, head of people at J Tomlinson, commented: “With statistics showing that suicide kills more people working in the construction industry than falls, it is clear that awareness around mental health and wellbeing is more critical than ever. We are pleased to introduce our team of Mental Health First Aiders, which we hope will encourage more people to speak up about any issues they are facing.
“J Tomlinson-branded posters supporting the scheme are displayed at each office and work site, as well as being located on the company Intranet, meaning that anyone in need of support will be able to immediately tell who their nearest Mental Health First Aider is and how to reach them.”