It’s time to prioritise your mental health
World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October
October Blog from our partners PayPlan
Each year, the World Federation of Mental Health chooses a different theme to raise awareness on important topics. This year’s theme is “It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”
This theme focuses on the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace to benefit people, organisations and communities.
World Mental Health Day provides a great opportunity for peers to come together to talk about mental health and highlight why prioritising mental health matters. Talking about mental health and the challenges that our friends, family and colleagues face helps us to cope better with the ups and downs of day-to-day life.
How does mental health affect the workplace?
Many of us spend a huge proportion of our lives at work. Work can have both positive and negative effects on our mental health. On the positive side, work can provide a sense of purpose, opportunities to connect with others, and a boost to our morale. On the other hand, it can also bring stress, especially when faces withe the modern challenges of every day policing.
For those already dealing with mental health challenges, work may add to these struggles.
This is why it’s so important for workplaces to prioritise mental health support. By doing so, they can help their team enjoy the positive aspects of work while reducing its potential downsides.
How can you support mental health at work?
Supporting mental health at work is essential for creating a positive and productive environment. Whether you’re an employer or a colleague, small steps can make a big difference.
Encouraging open communication is key. You can start conversations about mental health and ensure employees feel safe sharing their concerns without fear of judgment. This helps build a supportive culture where employees feel comfortable reaching out for help.
Workload management is another important aspect. Make sure tasks are reasonable and deadlines aren’t overwhelming. To help prevent burnout, we recommend encouraging breaks and promoting a work-life balance. Simple things like offering flexible hours or remote working options can greatly reduce stress, especially for employees who have to work around childcare challenges.
Lastly, showing appreciation by recognising employees’ efforts, even with small gestures, boosts morale and creates a positive atmosphere. When people feel valued, they’re more likely to thrive.
What the Benevolent Fund can offer
Don’t forget as a member of the Benevolent Fund you have access to a range of benefits that may support you. If you are currently off work sick you can claim sickness vouchers – £30 for any period of sickness over 21 consecutive days and a further £30 for any absence over four months.
We also offer online counselling sessions through our partners St Michael’s Lodge.
Members can receive up to eight online counselling sessions from a professional team of psychotherapists who are
trained in many areas of counselling, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Person Centred Therapy
- Bereavement Counselling
We use a self-referral system, which means there is no need to go through your line-manager at work. Your application will be made directly through us, ensuring your self-referral remains totally anonymous.
The dedicated counsellors at St Michael’s Lodge will be in touch to discuss the best course of treatment or therapy. Once you are assessed, you will receive the psychotherapist most appropriate.
PLEASE NOTE: You MUST be a member for at least 6 months in order to apply.
If you are struggling with debt
Payplan are on hand to speak to on 0800 072 1206. They’re open from 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 3pm on Saturdays.
Alternatively, you can visit our www.payplan.com/westmidlandspbfc to speak to them via live chat or for more information.
We may also be able to help with a charitable grant or interest free loan if your application meets our criteria for support.
