Our Approach
Within the Mates in Mind framework there are four key elements of our Supporter Programme which together, create our unique joined up approach:
- To educate and inform the workforce – with messages tailored to the specific levels within the organisation, from the general staff, to managers and leaders – helping everyone understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to mental wellbeing.
- To support an organisation in creating the right programme for them - offering guidance on specific worker issues, from creating a stress management policy – right through to connecting the workforce to appropriate support at the right time.
- To visibly support the framework throughout the organisation with relevant and accessible communication materials – with informative posters and infographics, hard hat stickers and van stickers, to flyers and wallet cards etc.
- To help build an evidence base – Mates in Mind continue to develop a research programme which will help the industry understand the nature and impact of mental health, and ensure development of effective and robust solutions.
Awareness & Education
A key part of our approach is to educate and inform the workforce with tailored training for employees, managers and mental health ‘champions’. This tailored approach to training ensures that all employees understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to mental wellbeing at work. The awareness and education part of our programme is made up of three core courses;
- Start the Conversation
- Manage the Conversation
- Mental Health First Aid
Research and Development
We believe that the development of a strong evidence base, used to share good practice, is essential to supporting organisations through our joined-up approach to mental ill-health.
Since Mates in Mind was established, we have produced our own research, as well as supporting other organisations across the UK to help build an evidence base around how we can address mental ill-health in the workplace.
Research and Development
Communication and Advocacy
To support both internal and external advocacy of mental health awareness, we have created a suite of resources to enable organisations to visibly support the framework throughout an organisation with relevant and accessible communication materials – from posters, infographics, hard hat stickers to flyers, wallet cards and much more.
Explore our range of Informational Resources
Guidance and Support
What makes our programme truly unique, is that it is not a one size fits all approach, which then leaves the organisation to roll out a company wide change on its own.
We work together with workplaces to help them identify the areas for improvement and growth, assess their requirements and work in partnership to roll out our programme and continue to support and provide guidance as an organisation grows and develops.
Get in touch with our team to find out moreOur campaigns - Chris's Story
TRIGGER WARNING: Please note, the following video includes mention of suicide and may be upsetting to some viewers.
As part of our commitment to breaking the silence surrounding mental ill-health and suicide within the construction industry, we launched a campaign throughout Stress Awareness Month in 2021, called 'Chris's Story'.
Through Chris's story, we called on organisations within the construction and related sectors, to commit to installing long term change within their businesses to not only ensure a healthier and safer workplace environment for their employees, but also to help change the wider industry culture around workplace stress.
To support the launch of the campaign, we released a short video, created in partnership with the family of Chris, a 30-year veteran of the construction industry and a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. In 2019, Chris suffered a mental health crisis brought on by severe stress, which developed at rapid speed and had catastrophic consequences.
By sharing Chris’s story, we raised vital awareness of the very real impact that workplace stress can have on our lives and the importance of recognising the signs that someone might be struggling.
You can read more about Chris and his story through his wife Michelle’s article detailing her story.
Remember, if you are struggling, you are not alone. There is always someone available to help you. If you or someone you know needs support, our friends at Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123, or you can speak to one of the many free, confidential support services.
Continue reading - Partnerships
Our partners are a crucial part of our charity model, supporting our mission to deliver effective change across UK workplaces. Find out more about how our partnership model works and how your organisation can get involved.
Learn more about our Partnerships