VG has created a dedicated Mental Health First Aid team as part of its investment into employee wellbeing. On Wednesday 10 October the team of four: Ian Murphy, Glenn Kelly, Nicola Canavan and Louise Nicolson organised a chocolate sale in the VG offices to raise awareness of their role in the organisation as well as valuable donations for Mind Jersey, one of the firm’s chosen charity partners for 2018.
Emma Stewart, VG Head of Human Resources, said “For a long time we have had gym membership as an offered benefit to help our staff look after their bodies, but we realised that it is equally important that we place as much emphasis on mental health as we do on physical. With this in mind, we worked with Mind Jersey to create a team that was friendly, approachable, mature and diverse which any employee can approach for confidential advice and an informal chat if they want to discuss anything that was troubling them – either in their professional or private life. People spend a lot of time at work and it is vitally important that employers look after all aspects of their staff’s wellbeing but we also recognise that not everyone wants to talk to HR about things that are personal to them. When we asked for volunteers for the team we were inundated with the response and are thrilled with the impact the group is having on the company already.”
James Le Feuvre, from Mind Jersey, said “We are delighted to have developed a strong relationship with the team at VG. This relationship is very much two way. We have delivered Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training within the company to help promote a healthy workplace and help staff maintain good mental health and wellbeing. The team of first aiders continue to be very active within the workplace and have helped raise funds for us too which is very much appreciated”.
About Mind Jersey
Mind Jersey is a small and independent local Mental Health charity. Its vision is of a society that promotes and protects good mental health for all and treats people with experience of mental distress, fairly, positively and with respect. We provide support and help so that people can take control of their mental health and live full lives. All funds raised In Jersey remain in Jersey.
For more information about Mind Jersey please contact James Le Feuvre j.lefeuvre@mindjersey.org telephone 880317 or visit the website www.mindjersey.org.