“Mental health in the workplace is a sensitive issue and a challenging subject, but one which needs to be addressed”, Says Dawn Whittle, MD of Labone Castleside Ltd. The plastics moulding and Assembly company based in Castleside, Co.Durham.

Statistically, one in four people in the UK will have mental health issues at some point during their lives. Whereas workplace surveys carried out, reports that on Average, only 3 out of 5 workers feel their line manager has a genuine concern about their mental wellbeing.

As the business grows naturally, so do the number of employees, and with that an increased recognition of mental health awareness. As a responsible employer and one of the largest in the area, the management team at Labone Castleside felt it was important to develop and implement mental health awareness in the workplace.

Members of the management team, Yvette Naylor, HR Manager and Keith Salkeld, Head of Quality and Health and Safety, recently attended a mental health first aid (MHFA) training course. In addition, to support the team, Dawn Whittle, Managing Director has also completed a CBT Diploma (cognitive behavioural therapy).

The business wants to promote and implement the “how are you, can we help?” approach, which encourages anyone who wishes to talk confidentially about their own mental health or that of someone close to them, to come and have a chat and, if necessary, point them in the direction of the appropriate professional help.