The role of a Positive Mental Health Champion in the workplace is to be a go-to support person for anyone struggling with mental health difficulties. This training day is designed to educate participants on mental health and well-being and to build skills necessary for champions to support colleagues in their wellbeing at work.The greater aim within the workplace is to reduce stigma and increase awareness of Mental Health and Wellbeing. This is a minimum of one full day workshop, ideally 2 days would be given to fully integrate and practice.
This workshop is run in 3 sections. The aim of Section 1 is to build participants’ understanding of wellbeing versus ill health and to provide them with tips to mind their own mental health. In Section 2 the Champion or manager’s role with mental health in the workplace is explored; and in Section 3 the aim is to equip participants with the necessary practical skills to support colleagues struggling with mental health issues.
1. Introduction to Health & Wellbeing
- Mental Health vs Mental Illness
- Recognising symptoms of Depression and Panic
- Stress, mental health issues
- Workplace issues affecting wellbeing – bullying, harassment, conflict etc.
- Tips on How you can Stay Well, incl. Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Connection
2. Understanding the Champion role in the workplace
- Walking the Walk
- Positive role models
- Duty of care
- Employee expectations
- Boundaries
- Referring on – Resources
3. Effective Skills for Champions
- Active Listening Skills & practice
- Growing Awareness (exercise)
- Tips for Dealing Effectively with a Stressed/Distressed Colleague
- Pressing the PAUSE button (Respond, not React)
- Taking time
- Explore in more detail with colleague
- Being aware of your own state & your impact on other person
- Tone
- Responding with empathy
- Self-protection visualisation
- Deep Breathing exercise to help anyone to calm
- Role-plays