Siren Training recently delivered some training for new members of our Mental Health First Aider team. This 1-day programme saw [3] new MHFAs join our MHFA team, boosting the total number of MHFAs within the Group to a huge 41 – twice as many as this time last year! Our vision is to have MHFAs present in every office and on every site. These new recruits have all come from [site], vitally expanding our presence in an area that was previously under-represented.
After the session, we received some glowing feedback from the trainer, Dave Price, which we are delighted to share with you:
“I was extremely impressed with the mental health and wellbeing initiative that Gratte Brothers has implemented. I’ve been delivering mental health and wellbeing initiatives for over 7 years, working across multiple industry sectors, and have never seen such a well thought out and encompassing programme. I was impressed by not only the support Gratte Brothers provides to employees but also the provision of care given to the MHFAiders® who may face personal difficulties while supporting others. Not only is it the best initiative I’ve seen in the construction sector, but also the best I’ve seen across all the organisations I’ve worked with – a rare 5-star initiative.”
Mental Health at Gratte Brothers
Gratte Brothers recognises the mental health crisis facing the construction industry; the statistics don’t make for pleasant reading. So, we devote a large amount of resource to our internal mental health initiative: Reach Out.
The Reach Out programme represents a multi-touchpoint support system that includes a team of Mental Health First Aiders, a bespoke helpline, social events, regular coverage in our newsletter and much more. The aim is to bring the topic of mental health into the mainstream, to reinforce the message that no one is alone, and raise awareness of the challenges that will likely affect most of us throughout our lives (either directly or indirectly).
Collaboration with Siren Training
We work with Siren Training to train individuals who have volunteered to join our Mental Health First Aid team. We would like to thank Dave Price, Holly Jackson and the wider Siren Training team for their collaboration. As a result of the training, our latest recruits feel confident in providing supportive conversations around mental health, with the ability to signpost people to relevant professional support and have the skills to help us nurture our positive approach to mental health as a company.
Our thanks go to everyone who has shown support for our mental health initiative, our team of MHFAs, to Siren Training and to Dave Hall for spearheading the programme.
