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On World Mental Health Day (10th October) we are sharing our new Mental Health & Wellbeing Policy. This policy formalises things we’re already doing, and introduces new processes to help support the mental health of our employees.

We’ve also signed up to the ‘Where’s Your Heat At?’ workplace manifesto which means we recognise that:

1. Everyone has mental health. Mental ill health doesn’t discriminate, so every organisation needs to stand up, tackle the stigma, and prioritise mental health in the workplace.
2. We need to build a diverse and inclusive workplace to lead to a happier and healthier working environment where people feel free to bring their whole selves to work.
3. We need to treat mental and physical health equally in the workplace. Strengthening how mental health is protected under health and safety legislation is a key part of this – every employee has a right to mental health first aid just as they do physical first aid.

In addition to the key principles outlined in our policy we will be:

• Encouraging all employees to complete a Wellbeing Action Plan.
• Compiling and regularly updating a Mental Health Toolkit containing resources and signposting to help everyone look after their own metal health and support others.
• Encouraging all employees to complete the short course made available by Mind on Mental Health for Small Workplaces.
• Training two members of staff to be certified Mental Health First Aiders.

We adapted the Co-op's Mental Health Policy when developing ours as we really liked the tone and content. If you're interested in developing or refreshing your own policies, you might also find the following resources useful:

• Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) England (especially the Line Managers’ Resource)
• Mind’s resources for workplaces
• Mental Health at Work