Supporting Mental Health Awareness Week 2020

#KindnessMatters

The MCG Group core values are the fundamental base of our company and the principles in which our culture has been built. We believe in being Genuine, Respectful, Ethical, Attentive and Tenacious (GREAT) leading to an ethos that promotes kindness both within and outside of our business.

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week (18 – 22 May) with a particular focus on kindness. Mark Rowland, Mental Health Foundation CEO, said: “We’re focusing on the power and potential of kindness. We think it could be the most important week we’ve hosted, not least because our own research shows that protecting our mental health is going to be central to us coping with and recovering from the coronavirus pandemic - with the psychological and social impacts likely to outlast the physical symptoms of the virus.”

Approximately one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem each year. Mental Health Awareness Week aims to get people talking about their mental health and reduce the stigma that can stop people from asking for help.

The interests and wellbeing of our team members are our number one priority and we have a number of measures and support systems in place to ensure and monitor workplace wellbeing. This was acknowledged during our recent Best Companies 3* Accreditation award from Best Companies, acknowledging our ‘extraordinary’ levels of employee engagement.

As a business operating in multiple sectors we’re keen to share the amazing dedicated support available to each of those areas offered by mental health professionals:

 

Our workers in construction:

The industry is overwhelmingly (more than 80%) male, and the statistics show men are far more likely to take their lives than women. According to The Lighthouse Club, last year we lost more than one construction worker a day to suicide so it's important to know that you are not alone if you are struggling with your mental health and there is lots of support available such as:

https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/building-mental-health-in-construction/

 

Our teachers and teaching support workers:

With schools still largely closed and anxieties rising for parents, children and teachers, make sure that you are all aware that there is help available if you are struggling. Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or you can contact the mental health charity Mind by calling 0300 123 3393 or visiting mind.org.uk

https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/toolkit/supporting-staff-wellbeing-in-primary-schools/

 

Our pilots and aviation workers:

It has been an extremely hard time for our aviation workers with thousands grounded due to COVID-19. This may have caused feelings of uncertainty and distress. It's well documented that acknowledging mental health in aviation is lagging behind other industries but please, if you are struggling, contact one of the many charities set up to support you:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/mental-health-helplines/  

 

Our creative and technology candidates:

The creative industry can be linked to long hours and stressful deadlines, it is important to prioritise your health and wellbeing when you feel under pressure. Mental health has been the focus of the technology sector with many online support services now having an app, such as:

SAM: Self-help for Anxiety Management - An app designed to help you understand and manage anxiety - https://sam-app.org.uk/

 

Our healthcare workers:

When your work is focused on caring for others, it’s perhaps all the more important that you feel able to speak openly about your own mental health, and seek support when you need it.

Our Frontline offers round-the-clock one-to-one support, by call or text, from trained volunteers, plus resources, tips and ideas to look after your mental health, learn more here: https://www.mentalhealthatwork.org.uk/ourfrontline/

Join us and be part of something great