Suffolk Mind, a leading mental health charity, has introduced a new series of workplace mental health training packages to support businesses across the UK. The initiative, rolled out under the charity’s training arm, The Mental Health Toolkit (TMHTK), aims to improve mental health awareness in workplaces and provide employers with the tools needed to foster a mentally healthy environment for their employees.
The launch of these training packages took place at a breakfast networking event held at Venue 16 in Ipswich. Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, highlighted the significant impact of investing in workplace mental health. He shared insights from a Deloitte study showing that businesses can earn a return of at least £4.70 for every £1 invested in mental health training. This investment results in reduced staff absences and improved productivity, while also contributing to the overall well-being of employees.
Despite these clear benefits, Neal pointed out that mental ill health still costs UK employers a staggering £51 billion annually. He emphasized that these costs could be dramatically reduced if more businesses engage in mental health training. “It really is such a rewarding investment for any business to make,” he said, urging companies to take proactive steps in supporting mental health at work.
The four new training packages—Base Camp, Explorer, Pioneer, and Summit—are tailored to meet the varied needs of organizations, including management and human resources teams. Some packages offer ongoing support through regular reviews with a TMHTK account manager, ensuring businesses receive continuous guidance as they implement mental health initiatives.
All of the training programs are based on the Emotional Needs and Resources approach endorsed by Suffolk Mind, and each package includes practical tools such as posters and graphic resources to support staff engagement.
Lynn Rozier, director of Blue Star Human Resources, who sponsored the event, expressed her strong support for the initiative. She praised the training for being straightforward and valuable, particularly in helping managers gain a better understanding of mental health challenges. “We are fully behind their message of making mental health education more accessible,” Rozier said.
Through these new packages, Suffolk Mind aims to equip businesses with the knowledge and resources needed to promote mental health in the workplace, ultimately fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
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