Mental wellbeing Time To Talk Day on Thursday 4 February 2021: ‘Choose talk, change lives' Time to Talk Day is when we help get the nation talking about mental health. During these unprecedented times, conversations about mental health are more important than ever. This year’s focus is on the power of small, because whether it’s a quick text to a friend or a virtual coffee morning with colleagues, any form of conversation about mental health can make a big difference. Being listened to can help you feel supported and less alone, and opening up may encourage others to do the same. We know that the more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down.
Colleagues who are open about mental wellbeing are more likely to get the support they need. We know it can be daunting, but talking about your feelings isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s part of taking charge of your wellbeing and doing what you can to stay healthy. 1 in 4 people experience poor mental health, that’s why we’re committed to an open workplace where everyone can get the support they need. Click here to watch our short animation about the importance of talking and the 'Power of small'. If you’re concerned about your own mental health, or someone else’s, encourage them to take the first step and talk to someone. This could be their manager, a friend, family member or make contact with a support helpline. There is also a wealth of expert advice, support and practical tips on websites such as NHS Every Mind Matters and MIND. Click here for the Samaritans tips for helping someone open up, and click here for tips and personal stories from Time to Talk. So this February, why not: Arrange a virtual coffee break with a friends, family or colleagues Pick up the phone rather than emailing Check in with someone you have not seen for a while Mental wellbeing Everyone has different experiences and different struggles. Click here to visit the ‘Every Mind Matters’ COVID hub to find a wide range of useful tips on helping manage other aspects of life that may be affected by COVID-19. From money worries to working from home and coping with loneliness. Click here to create your very own ‘Mind Plan’. Answer 5 questions in the interactive quiz to get top tips and advice for you. Health & Wellbeing Learning & Development
NEW Weekly lunchtime pause: Guided meditation session: Every Tuesday until the end of February Our training partner Joanna will run a 15 minute guided meditation session between 1:15pm - 1:30pm. NEW Posture principles: Wednesday 10 February – 10:00am Learn how to reduce aches and pains using a holistic approach to your health, practical stretches you can do during the work day, and the importance of regular movement for your overall health.
Together we stay stronger
Managing your own stress and mental health: Wednesday 24 February at 10:30am and Wednesday 3 March at 2:30pm Understanding and managing our own stress and mental health in light of some of the challenges inflicted by COVID-19. NEW The power of thinking: Thursday 4 March 10:30am Mental health is how we think, feel and behave. This webinar focuses on thinking, including how it can influence stress positively and negatively, identifying some common thinking errors we might make, and learning some tips on how to cope better with the challenges we face. NEW Food for the mind webinar: Tuesday 9 March - 10:30am You’ve probably heard the saying ‘brain food’, but have you considered how your diet affects your mind? In this high energy, engaging and eye opening workshop, we’ll provide a refreshing new angle for those looking for practical solutions to boost their mood through food, and increase their productivity at work and at home.
NEW What the body needs webinar: Thursday 11 March - 10:30am This workshop is designed to demonstrate the role nutrition can play in our health and performance in a working day and help you gain control and structure over food choices and what they mean to us. NEW Introduction to meditation workshop: Wednesday 24 March - 10:00am Understand how stress impacts the body and our everyday lives including productivity, the immune system and our ability to adapt to challenging situations. The session includes a guided meditation experience and an opportunity for a Q&A at the end. Don’t forget our Talent Team also run Mindfulness practice sessions every week. Visit MyLearning to register. Support resources
We understand that employees have a variety of worries, and are experiencing many different challenges. Our health and wellbeing partner, Willis Towers Watson has provided some helpful resources below: Employee guides with ideas on how to look after children’s mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic, from toddlers to teenagers. Central guidance from charities for those in high risk groups: Diabetes, asthma, lung condition, older people, cancer, pregnancy. Numerous wellbeing tips on working from home: Preventing stress and burnout while working from home Maximising your quality of sleep Nutrients that boost the immune system Managing your financial health The benefits of a 30 minute workout How to be physically, emotionally, socially and financially well during uncertain times Financial wellbeing
The Construction Industry Helpline (CIH) & App is managed and funded by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. You can call the helpline 24/7 in confidence on 0345 605 1956. It is a charitable service funded by the industry, for the industry, and provides: Emergency financial aid to construction families in crisis Advice on occupational health and mental wellbeing Support on legal, tax and debt management matters For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website
Require emergency financial aid? You can apply for emergency financial assistance if you have worked in the construction industry for more than 5 years, and one of the following applies to you: a. You have been injured at work or outside work, and are expected to be unable to work for more than 6 months b. You are suffering an illness that prevents you from working for a period longer than 6 months c. You are now the full time primary carer for a spouse or child d. You are suffering a long term, life changing or terminal illness
If you meet the above criteria, call their helpline on 0345 605 1956. Lifestyle
Many employees are telling us that in addition to stress, isolation and dealing with another lockdown, one of the biggest challenges they are facing at the moment is around home schooling. Click here for information, ideas and support. Did you know the Starline Parent Helpline is a national home learning expert offering information and advice to parents and carers. Be listened to by qualified teachers and national education experts. You can call 0330 313 9162 Monday, Wednesday: 8am – 4pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10am – 4pm. We also hold a virtual drop-in call ‘Connect Parents’, which is for parents with children of any age. We recognise that home working with children out of school, or without normal childcare arrangements for a prolonged period, is challenging. The calls are an opportunity to share experiences and ideas, offer words of encouragement or simply gain some support by reassuring you that you are not alone. If you would like more information or to get an invite to the session, please email Jo Clay and Becky Nicholls. Physical wellbeing Keeping active is so important in maintaining positive mental health. It can help with improving sleep, your mood, managing stress and increased self-esteem. Click here for information and support on many aspects of physical wellbeing, and click here for helpful information from the Mental Health Foundation. Support available
We know that sometimes it can be difficult to manage the pressures of life or you may just want to speak to someone to get advice or support on an everyday issue. Whatever the need there is professional, confidential support and help available to you, and just some are detailed below:
For information, tools and links on many areas of health and wellbeing please click here to visit our My Barratt Benefits website