Here at Automata, we want to make sure that we provide the absolute best support for both your physical and mental health in the workplace.
This page will continue to grow and develop as we introduce new initiatives and services.
We all have mental health, just as we all have physical health and one is no more important than the other. Mental ill health can strike at any time and can affect people from all walks of life.
Although things are improving, stigma still exists around mental ill health and Automata want to break through that, so all of our team feel comfortable to speak about it freely. As a society, we don't tend to know how to take care of our mental health like we do our physical health. This means that people may not know how to support a friend, family member or colleague experiencing a mental health issue, or where to go for support with their own mental health. This is where we come in, making sure that everyone has access to the support and resources they need.
A Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) is a person who has been trained in how to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue.
They’re not therapists, but they can listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis – and potentially stop a crisis from happening.
They should be able to recognise warning signs of mental ill health, and have the skills and confidence to approach and support someone while keeping themselves and others safe.
They’ll also aim to empower someone to access the support they might need for recovery or successful management of symptoms. This could include self-help books or websites, accessing therapy services through their GP or place of work, online self-referral, support groups, and more.
Essentially your MHFA’s should be your first point of contact if someone is experiencing mental ill health and needs support - whether that be for you or if you are worried about anyone else in the team.
Unless there is significant risk of harm to yourself or others, any conversations with a MHFA are completely confidential so you can speak openly.
We currently have three qualified MHFA’s - Pen Blake, Jess Tannahill and Tom Godkin, please do reach out to any of them here if you have anything you want to chat about.
There is a huge amount of support out there for almost anything you can think of. This is just a selection of some of the agencies and charities who you can reach out to.