Nottingham Venues Creates Mental Health First Aid Team

This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are pleased to announce that we have created a new mental health first aid team within the business

A sign of our commitment to the wellbeing of our employees, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health and provide support to colleagues who may be experiencing mental health problems.

A team of 12 people from a range of roles within Nottingham Venues have undergone mental health first aid training designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to assist colleagues, and potentially guests. The training was conducted and accredited by MHFA England and covered a range of topics, including how to identify the signs of someone struggling with their mental health, how to provide initial help and support, and how to guide people towards professional support if needed.

Following on from the MHFA England training, we have also run a series of workshops for employees including ‘Dealing with Change and Stress Management Techniques’ and ‘Mental Health Awareness for Managers’ training, signalling the importance we place on good mental health throughout the business.

In addition, we have also launched a series of employee wellbeing events to promote overall health and wellness within the business. The first event took place in April and featured massages and beauty treatments for all employees, free day passes to the gym at the David Ross Sports Village, and an introduction to the new Employee Assistance Programme, TalkLife.

All 270 of our employees have been provided with access to the TalkLife app, a platform that provides peer support communities that offer safe and engaging places for people to get mental health support. It connects people with professionals, and also connects people dealing with the same issues, providing a support network and reducing loneliness.

Suzie Adams, Nottingham Venues’ HR Director comments: “According to research from the University of Cambridge, approximately one in four people working within the hospitality industry have mental health problems. It is an issue in our sector and something we are aware of as a business. We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our team and creating a positive working environment where people feel empowered to help one another or seek help if needed.

“By providing our employees with the tools and support they need to manage their mental and physical health, we hope to create a happier, healthier workplace for everyone.”