We shouldn’t need a reason to check on one another’s wellbeing, but Time to Talk Day is a great reminder of how important it is. Mental health problems affect one in four of us in any given year, yet there are still so many that are made to feel that it’s a sign of weakness and ashamed to seek help. Small conversations about mental health have the power to make a big difference. Let’s be more open about mental health, to talk, to listen, and to change lives…
We would like to share a lovely message that we received yesterday from Susan, our colleague who works in customer services.
In response to a recent internal email about Time to Talk Day, Susan highlighted the importance of checking in on one another and shared the positive impact the support from her colleagues has had on her mental health.
“How lovely… encouragement to chat and check in over coffee with colleagues. My little team at Brentwood have been doing that regularly and I’ve really appreciated what a lifesaver it is.”
“After 20 years of working alone as a self-employed gardener I took on this job last February to enable me to have more human interaction … seven weeks later we went into lockdown so I’ve been intermittently in and out of the Centre since. Despite all this I have managed to achieve that shift upwards in personal interconnection and have felt very nurtured in each step of learning my new job.”
“I have felt hugely supported, mostly from my Line Manager and Team but also from ACL and ECC. I have never before had a job where I have felt so ‘looked after’ and it’s little things like this that make a huge difference.”
Virtual Afternoon Tea
Every fortnight we run a virtual Afternoon Tea session for all our learners to socialise, meet other learners, ask some questions, and find some information about wellbeing and our provision. We encourage everyone to join us with a cup of tea and tell us how they feel, what their plans are or just to have a chat with us. These small conversations make a big difference! See more information and how to join.
Learn Through Lockdown courses
We have a huge range of courses that can have a positive impact on your life. Even during lockdown, we offer so many ways for you to meet new people and socialise in our virtual classrooms, focus your mind on an activity or craft, and to gain qualifications and improve your chances of employment. Learn Through Lockdown courses
Mental Health & Wellbeing courses
Our Mental Health Recovery and Personal Development courses offer you the space to explore new ways to improve your wellbeing and gain valuable tools to help you navigate your daily life. Our courses help you to understand the effects of nutrition on your wellbeing, manage anxiety, learn techniques on mindful thinking, and will guide you on your journey of personal development. Our experienced tutors will be there with you every step of the way for guidance and support. Mental Health & Wellbeing courses
We are always looking for ways to further support our learner wellbeing. If you would like to make a suggestion or have any questions for our teams, please contact us.