Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health at Work

As a College we aim to support staff and approach the issues of mental health with sensitivity, but appreciate that for many people, talking about ‘mental health’ can make them feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. Everyone feels pressure or stress from time to time, so we thought it might be helpful to share some of the wide range of resources available to help restore individual emotional wellbeing. Some may appeal to you more than others, but it is worth spending some time to see what’s available and to try some, as they might just work for you. Of course you are welcome to talk to HR in confidence for advice as we may have other ideas that could help.

• Audio Guides to boost your Mood (free – some just 5 minutes)

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/moodzone-mental-wellbeing-audio-guides/#low-mood-and-depression-audio-guide.
Guides on: Low Mood and Depression, Anxiety, Overcoming Sleep Problems,
Low confidence and assertiveness, Unhelpful thinking

• Care First – Employee Support Service (free)

The Care First Lifestyle website offers extensive resources including articles on health, issues at home, issues at work, management support tools, stress questionnaires and online counselling in real-time.
To find out more information on the services provided by Care first, please visit
www.carefirst-lifestyle.co.uk (please contact HR for login details) or contact 0800 174319 to speak to a professional counsellor or information specialist in confidence free of charge. 

• Headspace App (free- Guided Meditation and Mindfulness)- [highly recommended- can be just 5 minutes a day]

Meditation has been shown to help people reduce stress, focus more and sleep better. Headspace is meditation made simple.  Download the app and sign up for 10 free basic sessions.
https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

• Relaxation Techniques

An audio podcast recorded by ‘in equilibrium ‘training consultant Dr David Mason Brown which takes you through a relaxation session.  This includes a brief introduction, progressive relaxation, breathing and visualisation.

• TalkingSpace Plus ( NHS )

Free NHS service to support people with depression and anxiety, using psychological therapies that (seem to) work.
Phone 01865 901222 or email talkingspaceplus@nhs.net