INDEPENDENT multiple operator, Buzzworks Holdings, is prioritising the mental health of its employees with the appointment of a number of ‘mental health first aiders’ across its estate.
The 11 staff members all took a certified course at Ayrshire College, which covered a range of mental health issues and how these can affect people, as well as providing advice on how to recognise if a colleague is having a problem and how they can provide help.
Topics included attitudes to mental health, recovery, listening skills, depression, suicide, anxiety and how and where to get help.
Carole Lamond, people director at Buzzworks Holdings, said: “Encouraging a positive attitude towards mental health in the workplace and at home is really important to us. It’s fantastic to now have a group trained as mental health first aiders across the business and we know this will enhance our already strong commitment to supporting our people regarding all mental health issues.”
Andressa Garcia, assistant manager at the group’s Scotts venue at Port Edgar, South Queensferry, was one of the 11 staff members who took the course.
She said it had “certainly opened my eyes to mental health and how to deal with those who are struggling from negative issues”.
“Across the two days I’ve learnt a great deal on how to effectively act as a mental health first aider and, for me, the number one thing I took away from the course is how to listen and communicate in a non-judgemental way,” said Garcia.
“It’s great to have gained the confidence to be able to step up and have the knowledge to support a person in distress, especially at work. I’ve been using the techniques I learned from the course daily within my workplace and I’m very grateful to have gained such a positive new skill set.”
