This World Mental Health Day, we are talking about mental health at work and the support available to our team at KnitMesh Technologies.
Last year, we introduced the role of Mental Health First Aider at our Greenfield site. Josh Reid, our Manufacturing Projects Manager, was the first member of the team to take on the role.
We sat down with Josh to talk about why he became a Mental Health First Aider, what the role involves and why it is important to have someone to talk to at work.
Q&A With Josh Reid
Q: Tell us a little about yourself and your role at KnitMesh Technologies.
I am the Manufacturing Projects Manager and can often be found either in the office or out and about on the shop floor.
I implemented our MRP system for all things materials, as well as our shop floor data capture system using barcodes, so there is usually an excuse to start a conversation with me if you need a quiet word.
Q: What inspired you to become a Mental Health First Aider, and what does the role involve?
The role is relatively new to KnitMesh Technologies. I was keen to undertake the training after seeing friends and family experience mental health issues. I wanted to gain a better understanding of the support and treatment available and how I could help someone who might be struggling.
A Mental Health First Aider is there to be a trusted first point of contact. We can listen, offer reassurance and help someone find the right professional support if they need it.
Q: Why do you think it is important to talk openly about mental health in the workplace?
I think it is important that we recognise mental health and continue to remove the stigma around talking about it.
Everybody has mental health, good or bad, and people should feel able to talk openly about how they are feeling without worrying about being judged.
Q: What mental health and wellbeing support is available to employees at KnitMesh Technologies?
We have access to an Employee Assistance Programme. It gives employees and their families free and confidential access to professional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This includes emotional support and practical advice, qualified counsellors and wellbeing specialists, and help with work, family or personal issues.
We also have plans to appoint more Mental Health First Aiders and raise awareness of the support available.
Q: How can a Mental Health First Aider support employees, and when might someone come to you for a chat?
Mental Health First Aiders are not therapists, counsellors or diagnosticians. We are there to listen, provide initial reassurance and, where appropriate, help someone find professional support.
We are also trained to recognise some of the early warning signs and changes in behaviour that can be associated with stress, anxiety, depression or distress.
There does not have to be a particular reason to come and talk to me. Sometimes someone might be going through a difficult time and simply need someone to listen.
Q: What would you say to someone who might feel nervous about reaching out for support?
It is confidential and non-judgemental. One of the most important things I can do is listen.
There does not always have to be an outcome from a conversation. Sometimes just talking about something can make it feel a little easier to deal with.
It does not always have to be with a Mental Health First Aider either. Talking things through with friends or colleagues can help when you are struggling. There is a supportive culture here at KnitMesh Technologies, and we are committed to doing more.
Q: Finally, what is something that never fails to make you smile?
Like most people, I can spend hours scrolling through memes online, but animals and pets are my Kryptonite!
Looking Beyond World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is a reminder of the importance of talking openly about mental health, but creating a supportive workplace takes more than one day.
Nicola Ashcroft, HR Manager at KnitMesh Technologies, said:
“At KnitMesh Technologies, we recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health. We are committed to creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued and able to have open conversations about wellbeing.
“For us, the next step is to keep those conversations going, continue improving the support available and make sure people know that asking for help is something they can feel comfortable doing.”
Thank you to Josh for sharing his thoughts and for taking on the role of Mental Health First Aider.